Ephesians 4:11 - Forerunner Commentary

Ephesians 4:11

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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians 4:11:

Ephesians 4:11-13
Excerpted from: Government (Part Seven)

There is authority in the ministry, but it is narrow and specific. It is seen as, what I would call, "a staff position"—given by God, as a gift to the church, for equipping the saints for service and for edifying the Body of Christ (so that we can all grow up into Christ).

A key word here, in regard to the ministry, is "equipping." This word is used in regards to medicine for the setting of a bone. In politics, it is used in bringing opposing parties together. In Mark 1, it is used for the mending of fishing nets. In Galatians 6, it is used of instructing a church member so that he is fit to take his place in fellowship again. The basic idea of this word is putting something in the condition it ought to be in.

It is the ministry's responsibility to God, in behalf of the church, to put the church member into the condition that they ought to be in. The function, then, of the ministry is to see that the church members are so educated, so guided, so cared for, and so sought for (when they go astray) that they become what they ought to be. Their aim is to see that this work of service (ministry) goes on—beyond themselves. "Ministry" means "practical service."

The concept here is always one of construction. It is positive, showing up in the word "edifying." It means, "building up." (We are talking about the work of the ministry here.) It is always one of construction towards unity. "Till we all come to. . . the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Carried About by Every Wind

Articles
'As a Thief in the Night'
Like a Tree
Perfection...Piece by Piece
Pillars Stand for Something!
Religious Confusion and You
The Elements of Motivation (Part Seven): Fear of Judgment
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge
Who Is Doing the Work of God?

Bible Studies
Parable of the Minas
Parable of the Talents (Part Two)
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Nine): The Parable of the Householder

Booklets
For the Perfecting of the Saints

Essays
Anarchy in God's Church? (Part Three)
Autoimmunity in the Body of Christ
Christian Obedience
Like a Growing Seed (Part Two)
Making the Cut (Part One)
Making the Right Choice
The Seventh Thunder
The Shepherd's Guidance (Part Three)
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Two)
Will the Church of God Be Thrown Down? (Part Two)

Sermons
Eating Out on the Sabbath
The Love of Christ
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 1)
Be Perfect
Teaching Children
Obeying From the Heart
Prayer Does Make a Difference
Redeeming the Time for Unity
A Son Is Given
Completing Sanctification
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
Our Core Business
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part 3)
The Mystery of the Church
Principled Living (Part 3): Growing in Righteousness
God's Special Presence and Direct Intervention
Endeavoring to Keep the Unity
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Three)
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)
Tests of True Knowledge
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part One)
Numbers (Part Three): Poised at the Jordan
Offerings (Part One)
The Book of Joel (Part Two)
Remaining Unleavened
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
Unity and Godly Diversity in One Body
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eleven)
God and Government
Faithful Minister in Perilous Times
Essential Characteristics of Our Calling
The Purpose of the Church
Our Awesome Destiny (1993)
The Measure of a Man in the Completed Canvas
WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?
Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church
Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church
The Mystery of the Church
Why Are We Here and What Is Our Focus?
Four Views of Christ (Part 1)
'But I Say to You' (Part Five): Oaths
Pioneers: Our Job Is the Journey
Character and Leadership
Unity
God is the Strength of My Heart
'I Will Pour Out My Spirit!'
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Acts (Part Four)
Tithing
Learn to Fear God
Elements of Motivation (Part 6)
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part 1)
Real Conversion
Glorifying God
Liberty vs. Independence
It Takes a Church
Two Contrary Visions
Christ Our Standard
How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part 7)
Childrearing (Part Six)
Growing Up
The Paradox of Terror and Rejoicing

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