Isaiah - Verse By Verse | Walking through Ephesians

Walking through Ephesians - Day 78

versebyverse | January 28, 2008 22:29

Thought: To me, Christ's provisions for the needs of the church are perfect and beautifully well-organized.

Question: Do I allow myself to be "built up" by gifted men?

Scripture: Ephesians 4:12 (NIV): "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up"

There is much purpose in God's empowering Christ to give gifts to men. The church is Christ's body; it is part of Him. He became flesh so that we could become spiritual. He is Our Head and we are joined forever to Him. Thus we must continue in spiritual learning and growth while He has been taken away from us, back up into Heaven. The gifts given "prepare" us to carry on without Jesus Christ present in bodily form. We are at "work" in our faith, serving one another, especially to promote the gospel abroad in the earth. The church body will be built stronger and larger because of these good gifts given to us by Christ. They will enable us to go forward in faith and to do properly for one another, acts of true spiritual service. Without gifts from Christ we merely aid people in our own strength--nothing spiritual is passed on. The life of Christ is in the spirit, thus He gives spiritual gifts to people: the Holy Spirit is present with each gifting.

To me, "built up" means both in quality and guantity. The church must enlarge in number as well as be purified in character and power, the individuals drawing closer to the image of Christ that God intended. Similarly I believe that scriptural fruitfulness is both seen in souls added by one's witness, and in evidence of the fruits of the Spirit being added to one's character.

Prayer: We have an awesomely compassionate Savior, Father: Your Son, Jesus Christ, has thought of every single need we have. Thank You! Amen.