October 4, 2026

Every Part Matters

Message Notes

This message comes from Ephesians 4:7-16.

The Pause Questions

Question #1: What has Christ given you that He wants to use for the good of His church? 

Read Ephesians 4:7. Paul says, “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

Take some time to think beyond your natural abilities, personality, education, or experience. What gifts, opportunities, influence, or experiences has Christ entrusted to you?  

Right now, just choose one of those categories and ask yourself…How might God want you to steward those things for the benefit of others rather than simply for yourself?

Question #2. Am I more of a participant or a spectator in the body of Christ? 

Read Ephesians 4:11–12. Christ gives leaders to equip His people “for works of service.”

The goal isn't for a few gifted people to do ministry while everyone else watches. Where are you currently participating in the life and mission of the church? If you have been sitting on the sidelines, what is one simple place where you could begin serving, encouraging, praying, or helping someone else grow?

Question #3: In what ways am I becoming more like Jesus—not simply becoming more knowledgeable about Jesus? 

Read Ephesians 4:13. Paul describes maturity as attaining “the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Spiritual maturity isn't measured merely by how long you've been a Christian, how much Bible you know, or how often you attend church. What evidence do you see that Jesus is actually changing your character, attitudes, words, relationships, and priorities? Where do you most need to grow?

Question #4: Where am I most vulnerable to being “tossed back and forth” by the waves of our culture or by teaching that isn't true? 

Read Ephesians 4:14. Paul connects spiritual maturity with stability and discernment.  

What voices, ideas, cultural pressures, or teachings have the potential to pull you away from biblical truth? What are you currently doing to deepen your knowledge of God's Word so that you can recognize what is true and what is not? 

Question #5: Who is growing because you are faithfully doing your part? 

Read Ephesians 4:15–16. Paul says the body “grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”  

God doesn't grow us merely for our own benefit—He grows us so that our lives can help others grow. Who has God placed around you that may need your encouragement, truth, service, wisdom, or spiritual investment? What is one intentional step you can take this week to help that person move closer to Jesus?

I hope you can see the intentional progression of the passage:  

• What has God given me?   

• Am I participating?   

• Am I growing?   

• Am I discerning?   

• Who am I helping grow?  

We have a powerful theme for this year—GET BETTER. All of us who are followers of Jesus have room to get better. Just remind yourself, Christ gives us grace, equips us, grows us, and calls us to participate. There are to be no spectators in the Body of Christ.   

Message Recording