The Perfect Church: A Picture from Ephesians 4

Canaan Fellowship

The Perfect Church: A Picture from Ephesians 4

00:00 / 00:13:29

Bruce Hempel gives a short talk following Bill Teubl’s sermon, focusing on Ephesians 4:1-16. He presents this passage as a perfect picture of the church and contrasts it with the pride and brokenness of the world. The central theme is that humility is the essential key for the church to function properly and grow into the fullness of Christ.

[00:00:00] Bruce introduces his talk, stating he will stay in Ephesians 4 and read from verse 1 to 16, following Bill Teubl’s earlier reading.
[00:00:29] He asks listeners to view the passage as a picture of the perfect church and to contrast it with the marred and troubled state of the world in areas like politics, education, and family.
[00:01:07] Bruce shares an analogy from his college swimming coach, who showed videos of perfect form so students could emulate it, similarly, we should keep the perfect biblical picture in mind.
[00:02:17] He begins reading Ephesians 4:1-16, highlighting the call to live a life worthy of our calling.
[00:02:42] Bruce pauses at verse 2 to emphasize that the essential quality for perfection is humility, defined as “all lowliness and meekness.”
[00:03:23] He contrasts this humility with the prideful statement “I am the greatest,” which is characteristic of spiritual children, and points to Christ as the model of servant leadership.
[00:04:04] Bruce notes that patience must be learned and that pride is the root of all conflict and war in the world, according to Proverbs.
[00:05:52] He highlights the phrase “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” connecting it to being filled with God’s fullness, which is beyond human comprehension.
[00:06:45] Bruce concludes the reading at verse 16 and states that the key for this perfect picture to be fulfilled is humility—coming to the Lord in need.
[00:07:03] He provides biblical examples of humility, starting with the archangel Michael from Jude, who did not rebuke Satan in his own authority but served God humbly.
[00:07:56] Bruce references Proverbs 3:34 (“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”) and its quotation in 1 Peter 5:5.
[00:09:05] He shares a practical picture of humility from prison ministry: individuals humbly seeking God’s help to avoid falling back into sin upon release.
[00:09:51] Bruce contrasts this humility with King David’s pride in numbering Israel, which led to a costly humbling.
[00:10:13] He reiterates that the perfect church picture in Ephesians 4 has no pride, and points to Christ’s warning against using titles like “teacher” or “master.”
[00:10:43] Bruce observes that the New Testament fastidiously avoids honorific titles, using only descriptors of service (e.g., “Paul an apostle”).
[00:11:11] He notes that angels are ministering servants, acting without ego on God’s mission, and we are called to live the same way.
[00:11:43] Bruce encourages everyone to see their role—whether parent, evangelist, or other—as serving the Lord out of love, not ego, just as Mary called herself the Lord’s servant.
[00:12:24] He closes in prayer, asking God to teach the church humility and maturity, to free us from selfish motives, and to serve Him alone in a pride-filled world.

Scripture References

Ephesians 4:1-16
Jude
Proverbs 3:34
1 Peter 5:5
Hebrews 1

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