April 21 I Saturday

2 Samuel 12-13

Luke 16

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.    —Ephesians 4:15

Christ has gifted His church with evangelists, pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service. The New Testament model of the church is not like a pyramid with the minister or pastor positioned on top, but rather, he is positioned like a coach, training, equipping and motivating his team. When it comes to the game, he sits on the sidelines while the players do their work.

We cannot separate the individual from the corporate, because both are weakened without the other. It is together we reach unity in the faith, not just academically, but as well-instructed people, knowing what we believe and why. It is when we engage in works of service we become built up, and with other believers reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of Christ. If we are not involved in works of service, we are missing a fundamental aspect of Christian living in that the outflow of our love for Christ is expressed in benefit to others. There are many ways to serve God, but if we deliberately lack an outlet in which to do so, our Christian lives will stagnate.

Paul says, “From him [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16). This is every member of the church of Jesus Christ, working together under the authority and direction of Jesus. Paul speaks more about this in
1 Corinthians 12:21 where he says the eye cannot say to the ear, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the foot, “I don’t need you!” Every part is essential, regardless of how insignificant we think it to be. In fact, Paul makes a point of saying that the parts that seem to be weaker are indispensable and should be treated with special honour. Those on the open platforms of Christianity are dependent on many behind-the-scenes people, and God gives greater honour to the less recognized.

As Christians, we all have a role to play in the body of Christ and no one stands alone.
1 Timothy 3:15 speaks of the church as “God’s household”. It says “...the church of the Living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Coming together as believers, we come together united in the Spirit of the Living God, and “we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ”. This is where we mature and attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. We are His agents, and it is working together, speaking the truth in love that will make for a fruitful church.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for the incredible gift of Your church. I pray for everyone to become a part of it, and for continued blessings on the work of Your people.