24-0407a - Equipping the Saints, Scott Reynolds
Bible Readers: Mike Mathis and Roger Raines

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(Sermon Notes by Scott Reynolds)

Equipping the Saints

Summary of Transcript (0:03 - 26:30)

Scripture Readings: (0:03 - 2:13)

1st Scripture Reading, Mike Mathis

  • Reading from Ephesians 4:11-14 about the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for equipping the saints.

  • The focus is on the need for unity, knowledge of the Son of God, and maturity in Christ to avoid being swayed by false doctrines.

2nd Scripture Reading, Roger Raines

  • Another reading of Ephesians 4:15-16 emphasizes speaking the truth in love, and the unity and growth of the body of Christ.

Sermon

Preacher: Scott Reynolds

  1. (2:18 - 6:12) Reflection on Past Teachings at Westside

    • Speaker reflects on the church’s experience since COVID, noting a decrease in attendance but an increase in teaching and learning from scriptures.

    • Lists numerous topics and studies from sermons and classes at the church, including Romans, Hebrews, Christian apologetics, and various biblical figures and themes.

    • Highlights that these teachings have equipped the church with a lot of knowledge to share with others.

  2. (6:12 - 6:18) Knowledge and Offering

    • Speaker asserts that the congregation has a wealth of knowledge to offer the lost, based on their extensive biblical teachings.

  3. (6:19 - 7:57) The Amalgamation of Ephesians 4:11-16

    • Speaker prepares to read Ephesians 4:11-16 from a mix of translations (NKJV, ESV, NASB, and NIV), calling it an "amalgamation."

    • Brief anecdote about the term "amalgamation" and its use in dentistry.

  4. (7:58 - 9:59) Equipping of the Saints

    • Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that leaders in the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers) are given to equip the saints for service and ministry.

    • Emphasizes the importance of preparing the saints to fulfill their roles within the body of Christ.

    • Saints are responsible for building up the body of Christ with the guidance of church leaders.

  5. (9:59 - 13:47) Service and Ministry

    • Discusses the role of preaching in ministry, citing David Lipscomb and J.W. Shepherd, who distinguish between serving and preaching in the Greek language.

    • Examines the idea that leadership equips the saints for ministry, but not everyone is expected to become an evangelist.

    • Quotes 1 Corinthians 3:9-13, explaining that the foundation of the church is laid by apostles and prophets, and believers build on it.

  6. (13:48 - 14:11) Foundation of the Church

    • Saints are not to build a new foundation but continue building on the one established by Jesus and the apostles.

    • Everything built will be tested by fire to reveal its true nature.

  7. (14:13 - 23:36) Christ as the Cornerstone

    • Ephesians 2:17-22 is discussed, highlighting that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church’s foundation, with the apostles and prophets laying the groundwork.

    • Emphasizes that saints must align themselves with Jesus to avoid being misaligned.

    • Suggests that many current studies focus on foundational teachings, but upcoming studies like "The Truth Project" and "The Engagement Project" aim to build upon this foundation.

  8. (23:37 - 26:30) Spiritual Maturity and Growth

    • Ephesians 4:14-16 emphasizes the need for Christians to grow in maturity, avoiding being easily swayed by false doctrines.

    • Speaker explains that maturing in faith requires effort, and Christians should aim to look like Jesus by conforming to His image.

    • Mature Christians are less likely to be influenced by cultural and societal trends.

    • Leadership equips the saints to grow the church, and when each part works together, the body grows in love.

    • The invitation to follow Jesus is extended to the congregation.