Fine Tuning the Saints

In one paragraph

This message was the second look at Ephesians 4:12, a verse Pastor Mark had moved through quickly the week before. He slowed down to examine its three clauses, giving particular weight to the middle one about the work of ministry. The aim was to help the congregation see that every person in the room has a part to play. Pastor Mark began by briefly revisiting the four gifts listed in the verses...

Read together

1. Ephesians 4:11-12 the four giftings given to the church and the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry
2. 2 Corinthians 13:9 Paul rejoicing in weakness so that believers may be made strong, using the same Greek word for equipping
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 the body is one with many parts, suffering and rejoicing together
4. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 varieties of gifts given by the same spirit to each one for the common good
5. Romans 12:3-8 not thinking too highly of oneself, and using differing gifts according to grace
6. Ephesians 2:8-10 saved by grace through faith, his workmanship created to do good works prepared in advance
7. Revelation 14:13 blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, their deeds will follow them
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourage one another and build each other up

Talk about it

1. Pastor Nathan described equipping as 'fine tuning' rather than making everyone do the same things the same way. Where have you seen that kind of individual fine tuning at work in someone's life, including your own?
2. Pastor Nathan said that calling yourself 'just a sinner saved by grace' and calling yourself a saint are not opposites, because a sinner saved by grace is a saint. How does thinking of yourself as a saint, rather than just a sinner, change how you approach what you do for God and for others?
3. The sermon described ministry using a word that literally means kicking up dust and getting things done. Who is someone you have watched do that kind of quiet, active service, and what did it mean to the people around them?
4. Pastor Nathan pointed out that people get hurt in community and also get healed in community. Has that been true in your experience, and what made the difference between a community that wounds and one that heals?
5. The sermon ended with the idea that work was given before the fall and that our deeds follow us into eternity. How does it change the way you think about your job or daily responsibilities to see them as something God prepared for you in advance rather than just a means to an end?