Ephesians 4:11-16
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Philippians 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Establish – Foundation Building in Believers
- Assurance of God’s saving work – foundational understanding of Jesus’ saving work
- Participation & fellowship in the Body – the importance of gathering regularly for worship, study, and sharing
- Centrality of the sacraments (Baptism & Holy Communion)
- Daily prayer
Disciple –
It is a follower or a learner. It refers to someone who takes up the ways of their teacher.
Establish – Framing Out Faith & Commitment in Disciples
- Taking foundational truths and habits and build a life upon them
- Having others around us who can teach and model the Lordship of Christ in all areas of life.
Equipping – Interior Finishing Work (developing conviction and skill in ministry)
- Where we get “wired” or “plumbed” to function in LIFE and MINISTRY
Equipping – Exterior Finishing Work (further develop in character, and ability to disciple others)
- Built for a purpose – MULTIPLICATION
- Fine-tuning the skills & gifts God has equipped us with to Engage, Establish, and Equip others