We cannot go it alone (Ephesians 4:11-16)

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

Everyone in the Body of Christ is to have a role according the gifts and grace God has given to us. Paul clearly spells out that we are to learn and grow within the roles and according to the skills God has granted to our members. This order is provided to “perfect us” in order that the work of the ministry is performed properly and effectively ( giving due glory to God) and in such a manner as to benefit the entire Church along the way.
‘Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

We are to continue Paul writes, until all of us are unified in our faith and in our understanding of who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for us and in us. Continuing in our apprenticeship according to this learning structure until such time as we emulate Christ in all our ways! (In other words until we see Him face to face).

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Once the Holy Spirit convicts us to make a statement of faith and declare Christ the victor over sin and death and receive his free gift of salvation because we know that we are sinful and on a path to eternal separation in hell without His death and resurrection; once we have this understanding and accept our need for it, our journey of growing from childhood to maturity begins. Our faith demands that we grow. If we do not Paul writes we are subject to “the sleight of men,” (deception and trickery – “think magician”), false doctrine (so many to count) and those who “lie in wait to deceive.” How many have been deceived by false doctrine, accepting a twisting of scripture as the truth because it came from a favorite preacher without discernment and self-study (consider Act 17 and the Bereans who were diligent in their study so as not to be deceived). Believers must learn to learn using their own intellect, prayer, wise counsel and the Word of God to guide them from infancy to adulthood in the faith or face eternal separation from God because they were deceived by one they trusted but did not take the time to verify what he/she said. Our walk with Christ is personal and our responsibility. Remember, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME…” (Matthew 7: 21-23)

“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

The Church will grow and sustain itself as each member begins to pray for wisdom and understanding and diligently pursues a relationship with Jesus Christ using the members of the body so gifted and matured in their faith as support. Together we will grow in Christ and as we do our Body will flourish and attract others to Christ as they see our example.

Father, we have gone it alone for so long and we have not matured as imitators of Christ as you have provided for us to do. We are truly sorry for our sin and desire to change. Lead us in your ways Lord and help us to develop the discipline to pick up our crosses and follow you using the resources you have given us. In Jesus name I pray.