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. Eph 4:7-16 (ESV)
To whom was grace given? How did we receive grace?
God has given special gifts to some men – the apostles,
prophets, shepherds, teachers. These men are to equip the rest of us. What
specific task did God give to these men? The emphasis is on what the gifts of
the men will do to equip us.
“Saints” means holy ones – those of us who are set apart
through salvation.
“Equipping” is the translation of the Greek word used in the
New Testament for mending nets, setting a bone, realizing a purpose. It means
to put right.
On Monday, we read:
… eager to
maintain the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace. Eph 4:3 (ESV)
Today, we read:
… 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… Eph
4:13 (ESV)
What is the difference between the two? How are they
similar? Do we have the same responsibility toward each? What is our responsibility?
Do we need anything else to mature? What measure do we have
for our level of maturity?
How do you measure up? Which areas need more maturity? Which
areas are strongest? How can you help others gain maturity?
On Friday, I will discuss ways to attain maturity. I pray
that you will take some time for God-inspired evaluation of your life to
determine where your walk is most Christlike, where your walk is least
Christlike, and what steps you need to take to better walk the talk. Remember to ask Christ – don’t just navel gaze. Only
God can give you the answers you need!
See you Friday.
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