DAY 11 Walk Together, Grow Together - Ephesians 4:7–16

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:7–16
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 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.  
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
-  What did this passage mean to its original audience?

• Paul’s words in vs 8 allude to Psalm 68:18 which refers to God’s triumphant victory over his enemies. Paul was depicting Jesus as fulfilling the imagery of Yahweh ascending in victory over his enemies when he, after descending from heaven to earth, rose again in victory over sin and death, and has now ascended to his throne in heaven. Psalm 68 concludes with Yahweh giving the gifts of power and strength to his people from His sanctuary. Paul reveals that Jesus, from his heavenly sanctuary, has also given gifts to his people. The gifts Jesus has given to the church are leaders who will equip them to serve God in power. When each member of the church works according to how he/she is equipped, the church will be unified in their knowledge of God. They will become spiritually mature and Christ-like. This will enable them to avoid deception and remain steadfast in their faith. The whole church will grow to reflect the love of Christ. 

-  What does this passage reveal about God?

• Jesus is fulfilling his promise to “build His church”.  He has raised up individuals and gifted them to be able to lead his church to function like the body of Christ, representing Christ to the world as doing the will of God.  God’s plan for his body is for it to grow! This growth includes adding new members to it and developing each member to become mature in the faith.

-  What does this passage reveal about people?

• Although Jesus is causing his church to grow, each one of us has a responsibility to contribute to the growth of Jesus’ church by working “properly”. This means each of us must do the specific work God has called us to according to the gifts He has given us.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — I must see myself as an individual member who belongs to Jesus’ body, His church. I must reject the radical individualism that is often promoted by our culture. I don’t belong to myself. I belong to the other members of the body of Christ. I must not view myself as the head of the church even though I have a leadership role. Jesus is the head of the church. My job is to equip others, not do everything myself.

2. Affections — I love the church. After 40 years of ministry I thank Jesus that he did not only save me from my sin and grant me eternal life when my life on this earth is over. I love being a part of His body. I love getting to see other people experience God’s grace, love and life-transforming power.  

3. Actions — As a Pastor I must fulfill my calling to equip others to do ministry rather than try and do everything myself. I must speak the truth in love. I must humbly put my personal interests aside and submit to Jesus as the head of the church.

4. PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, help me live like you are the head of the church. Help me serve you by equipping others to minister according to their gifts. Help me to recognize that I need to serve others and receive ministry from others.