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
Religious Confusion and You
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge
Who Is Doing the Work of God?

Bible Studies
Parable of the Minas

Essays
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)

Sermons
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 1)
Principled Living (Part 3): Growing in Righteousness
The Mystery of the Church
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part 3)
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Be Perfect
Christ Our Standard
The Love of Christ
Tests of True Knowledge
The Problem Of Leadership
Remaining Unleavened
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
Unity and Godly Diversity in One Body
Faithful Minister in Perilous Times
Strengthening the Family
The Paradox of Terror and Rejoicing
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
It Takes a Church
Liberty vs. Independence
Titus 2:11-14
Four Views of Christ (Part 1)
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
Why Are We Here and What Is Our Focus?
Essential Characteristics of Our Calling
Pioneers: Our Job Is the Journey
Character and Leadership
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits

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