Ephesians 4:13 - Forerunner Commentary

Ephesians 4:13

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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians 4:13:

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
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Two): The Burnt Offering
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)
Knowing God
Like a Growing Seed (Part Two)
Making the Cut (Part One)
Making the Right Choice
The Absence of Love
The Shepherd's Guidance (Part Three)
Turning the Fathers' Hearts to the Children (Part One)
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Two)

Sermons
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
Teaching Children
Teaching Children
Prayer Does Make a Difference
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
The Love of Christ
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part 3)
The Mystery of the Church
Principled Living (Part 3): Growing in Righteousness
Strengthening the Family
Growing Up
Be Perfect
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 1)
Childrearing (Part One)
Completing Sanctification
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Three)
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
Differences of Opinion
Faithful Minister in Perilous Times
Four Views of Christ (Part 1)
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?
Are You Living An Illusion?
The Measure of a Man in the Completed Canvas
The Purpose of the Church
Childrearing (Part Six)
Four Views of Christ (Part 2)
Titus 2:11-14
Elements of Motivation (Part 6)
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part 1)
Persecution
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 2)
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
The Paradox of Terror and Rejoicing

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