To See Christ and To Show Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16) September 28, 2025

4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he [God] gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Introduction

One way Christians grow in their faith is through the recognition that Jesus Christ carries out His redeeming work through three offices: Prophet, King, and Priest. Jesus Christ, as Prophet, proclaims God’s truth. As King, He rules us with justice and love. As Priest, He intercedes for us with mercy and sacrifice.

But here is the wonder: Christ has not left His church without a witness to these offices. In His wisdom, He has given the church ordained servant-leaders—teaching elders, ruling elders, and deacons—who each reflect, in part, the fullness of Christ’s ministry. And more than that, the whole body of Christ, every believer, is invited to share in this work so that together we may see Christ more clearly and show Christ more faithfully.

Paul says in Ephesians 4 that Christ “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” (vv. 11–13). This is the heart of today’s message: the church exists to see Christ and to show Christ, through the fullness of His threefold office.

I. Christ the Prophet — We See Christ in His Word

Look at verse 11 again:

“Christ gave pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service.”

Christ, the true Prophet, continues to speak through His Word. The church listens to Christ’s voice when the Scriptures are opened, preached, and taught.

That’s why Paul emphasizes in verse 15 that we must “speak the truth in love.” Not just pastors, but the whole church must grow in knowing and declaring Christ’s truth.

Will you open your Bible daily, not just for knowledge, but to hear Christ’s voice? A church that treasures Christ as Prophet becomes a church that speaks truth in love to a world drowning in lies.

II. Christ the King — We Show Christ in Our Life Together

In verses 12–13, Paul says the goal is:

12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

This is not simply about avoiding division. It is about joyfully living under Christ’s reign.

Ruling elders in the church ought to reflect this kingship by shepherding, guiding, and protecting the flock. However, the call is not just for elders. The whole congregation is summoned to submit to Christ’s authority and to build one another up in unity and maturity.

Tim Keller once observed that as churches grow, they are tempted to drift into being organizations first and families second. But Christ the King calls His church to live as His family ("unity")—marked not by power plays, but by love, tears, and integrity.

Will you commit to unity, not merely by staying out of conflict, but by actively serving others, forgiving offenses, and joyfully submitting to Christ’s headship? When the world sees a church living in unity under Christ the King, they see the beauty of His kingdom.

III. Christ the Priest — We Share Christ’s Compassion in Service

Finally, verse 16 says:

16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

This is the priestly ministry of Christ. He offered Himself once for all, and He continues to care for us as our great High Priest. In the church, deacons reflect this priestly compassion through acts of mercy. Yet Paul reminds us: every member has a part to play. “Each part does its work.”

A church is like a choir. One voice singing is beautiful, but when every part joins in harmony, the song is richer and fuller. Likewise, when each member serves with priestly compassion, the body grows in love.

Will you offer your gifts—not just talents, but your time, your compassion, your listening ear, your open home—for the sake of others? When Christ’s people serve in His priestly spirit, the world sees the mercy of Jesus.

Conclusion

Here is the vision: when Christ’s church embraces His threefold office, we see Christ more clearly. As we live out the life of a disciple of Christ, we show Christ to the world more beautifully.

• Let us see and show Christ as Prophet by treasuring His Word.

• Let us see and show Him as King by striving to live together in unity.

• Let us see and show Him as Priest by serving with compassion.

If we do, the church, which is the body of Christ, will grow--“joined and held together by every supporting ligament,” until, as Paul says, “we all attain to the fullness of Christ.”