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.

Carried About by Every Wind

Articles
Like a Tree
Perfection...Piece by Piece
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

Booklets
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part Two)

Essays
Anarchy in God's Church? (Part Three)
Like a Growing Seed (Part Two)
Making the Cut (Part One)
Making the Right Choice
The Shepherd's Guidance (Part Three)
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Two)

Sermons
The Mystery of the Church
Strengthening the Family
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part 3)
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Prayer Does Make a Difference
Teaching Children
Teaching Children
Be Perfect
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 1)
The Love of Christ
Completing Sanctification
Tests of True Knowledge
The Problem Of Leadership
Matthew (Part Thirty)
Remaining Unleavened
To Be, or Not To Be, Like Everyone Else?
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
Unity and Godly Diversity in One Body
Faithful Minister in Perilous Times
The Purpose of the Church
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Character and Leadership
Pioneers: Our Job Is the Journey
Essential Characteristics of Our Calling
Why Are We Here and What Is Our Focus?
It IS All About Government
The Mystery of the Church
Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church
Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church
WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?
The Measure of a Man in the Completed Canvas
Principled Living (Part 3): Growing in Righteousness
Elements of Motivation (Part 6)
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part 1)
Real Conversion
Liberty vs. Independence
It Takes a Church
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Christ Our Standard
How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity
Childrearing (Part Six)
Growing Up
The Paradox of Terror and Rejoicing

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