Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Use The Gift Given to You - Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Ephesians Series)

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Scripture References

Ephesians 4:7-16Ephesians 3:81 Samuel 22:22 Samuel 23:8Romans 6:211 Corinthians 12:7Psalms 68:18Colossians 2:15Ephesians 2:20Acts 14:14Philippians 2:25Acts 13:1Acts 15:32Acts 21:10Acts 20:281 Timothy 4:161 Peter 5:3Proverbs 27:23Acts 20:26-27Acts 6:1-7

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores Ephesians 4, explaining that every Christian receives a specific grace for service. He defines the roles of church leadership as equippers who empower the congregation to fulfill their diverse ministry assignments.

Key Takeaways

1Every believer has received a specific 'grace' or spiritual gift intended for ministry and service within the church.
2Church leadership exists primarily to equip, train, and supply the congregation so that every member can perform the work of ministry.
3True spiritual maturity is marked by doctrinal stability and an active commitment to building up the local body of Christ.
4The church is most healthy and grows most effectively when every individual part is working properly and fulfilling its unique assignment.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Pastor Daniel spoke about the 'therefore' decision. Have you made a definitive choice to submit to the lordship of Christ, or are you still living for yourself?
2How does the idea that leaders are 'equippers' rather than 'performers' change your expectations of your pastors?
3Which of the five leadership gifts (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher) do you find most confusing or most necessary in the modern church?
4What prevents 'sideline Christians' from getting involved in ministry, and how can the church better 'supply' what they need to start serving?
5In what ways have you seen 'human cunning' or 'winds of doctrine' affect believers who are not grounded in the local church?
6If someone asked you, 'What is the part you play in your church?', how would you answer? If you don't have an answer, what is one small step you can take this week to find it?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Identify your 'assignment' by looking for needs in your local church and consulting with leadership to help unwrap your gifts.
Commit to one specific area of service rather than spreading yourself too thin, ensuring you can serve effectively and sustainably.
Move from being a 'consumer' of sermons to a 'contributor' to the body, recognizing that your gift was purchased by the blood of Christ for a purpose.
Evaluate your doctrinal stability by comparing what you hear in the world against the 'whole counsel of God' taught in the scriptures.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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