Faithful on Fridays Blog

A healthy body grows; we know that. As representatives of Christ on earth (Christians or ‘little christ’s’) the church should be growing, not always in numbers but always in spiritual development and love.

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 

How does an individual church stay healthy and grow in love? Paul used two crucial words: equip and build. 

Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12

The Greek word for equip means to prepare, train, and enable parts to work together and stay healthy. Equipping the church is helping the body adjust to one another, strengthening and encouraging us to be what God has created us to be: His image-bearers.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40

… may He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. Hebrews 13:21a

When we read about Jesus building the church it points us to His instruction, desire for spiritual growth, and His encouragement in the process. He didn’t leave us to carry on that assignment alone:

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12

Notice that Jesus gave the church these ministry positions with purpose: to equip and  build. If we leave out one of Christ’s gifts to the church then we handicap ourselves, consequently, we are weakened. All five positions are listed by Paul to help us grow and stay healthy; Paul knew by the Spirit that each gifted responsibility would empower the body. 

• The apostle (not the Twelve) was to direct our attention to God’s representatives sent with His authority. They are special messengers, like ambassadors, fully accredited and sent by Him for His purposes (Acts 14:4; Gal. 1:19).
• The prophet (not Old Testament) still speaks for God with His words of   encouragement, consolation, and building us up (Acts 13:1; 1 Cor. 14:1-3).
• The evangelist has a calling to share the good news of Christ’s salvation as a vocation (2 Tim. 4:5).
• The shepherd (pastor) cares for the flock as Jesus’ representative by leading them to spiritual nourishment and protection (John 10:2-16; 1 Peter 2:25). 
• The teacher is called to instruct and impart knowledge of the Scriptures (Acts 4:2; Col. 3:16).

As we strive to maintain a spiritually healthy body let’s recognize every gift Jesus has given us.