Ephesians 4:12 - Forerunner Commentary

Ephesians 4:12

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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians 4:12:

Ephesians 4:12-16
Excerpted from: Government (Part Six)

Even as Jesus Christ was the Father's gift to the church, Christ's gift to the church is the ministry. Now, for what reason? Notice how specific this is.

We'll confine ourselves here to general statements regarding the ministry's area of authority. It is in the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry (or, serving) and for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Equipping is interesting in what the word means. It means, to set in order. In other words, it is saying that something is not aligned properly, and it needs to be realigned, and put into the proper alignment.

What is out of line is our knowledge of God, our knowledge of truth, our knowledge of His way of life. Our character is out of line. And so, God has given a gift to the church in the form of the ministry, to help put people in right alignment with God.

They will therefore be equipped for the work of the ministry—which is a work of service. Serving God. Glorifying God in one's witness. That might include everything from preaching the gospel in evangelistic settings, or administering to local congregations.

Now, edifying means "to promote the spiritual growth of." It becomes very clear that the ministry's area of authority has to do with teaching. There is administrative responsibility as well, but the administrative responsibility has to do with the work of the church. It does not have to do with having magisterial authority in people's lives—dictating to them about what they can do, and what they cannot do. The minister is a teaching machine. That's where his authority lies.

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!
Prepare to Meet Your God (Part Five): Religion and Holiness
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
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Nine): The Parable of the Householder

Booklets
For the Perfecting of the Saints
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part Two)

Essays
Anarchy in God's Church? (Part Three)
Autoimmunity in the Body of Christ
Building on a Perfect Foundation
Christian Obedience
Like a Growing Seed (Part Two)
Making the Cut (Part One)
Making the Right Choice
Sheep Rustling
The Problem with 'Leader Security'
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
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 1)
Be Perfect
Teaching Children
Teaching Children
Obeying From the Heart
Prayer Does Make a Difference
Redeeming the Time for Unity
A Son Is Given
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
Our Core Business
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Matthew (Part Twenty-One)
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part 3)
The Mystery of the Church
Principles of Church Leadership
Faithful Minister in Perilous Times
God and Government
Unity and Godly Diversity in One Body
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
To Be, or Not To Be, Like Everyone Else?
Remaining Unleavened
The Book of Joel (Part Two)
Matthew (Part Thirty)
The Love of Christ
Offerings (Part One)
Numbers (Part Three): Poised at the Jordan
The Problem Of Leadership
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part One)
Tests of True Knowledge
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)
Endeavoring to Keep the Unity
Completing Sanctification
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
It IS All About Government
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
Gifted With Power From on High!
Character and Leadership
Unity
God is the Strength of My Heart
'I Will Pour Out My Spirit!'
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Two Contrary Visions
Strengthening the Family
The Paradox of Terror and Rejoicing
Growing Up
Childrearing (Part Six)
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part 7)
How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity
Christ Our Standard
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Principled Living (Part 3): Growing in Righteousness
It Takes a Church
Liberty vs. Independence
Glorifying God
Real Conversion
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part 1)
Elements of Motivation (Part 6)
Elements of Motivation (Part 5)
Titus 2:11-14

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