Ephesians 4:15 - Forerunner Commentary

Ephesians 4:15

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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians 4:15:

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
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Six)
Like a Tree
Little Things Count!
Perfection...Piece by Piece
Pillars Stand for Something!
Religious Confusion and You
The Mixed Multitude
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge
Who Is Doing the Work of God?

Bible Studies
Basic Doctrines: Doctrine
Parable of the Minas

Booklets
For the Perfecting of the Saints  (2)

Essays
'Before the Foundation of the World' (Part Two)
Deep Thinkers
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)
The Importance of Doctrine
Endeavoring to Keep the Unity
Strengthening the Family
Principled Living (Part 3): Growing in Righteousness
The Mystery of the Church
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part 3)
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part 3)
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Do You See God in Deuteronomy?
Be Perfect
Remember the Christians
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 4)
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 9)
The Love of Christ
A Seed of Highest Quality
Tests of True Knowledge
The Problem Of Leadership
Remaining Unleavened
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
Unity and Godly Diversity in One Body
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)
Faithful Minister in Perilous Times
Using Righteous Judgment
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Speaking the Truth in Love
Character and Leadership
Pioneers: Our Job Is the Journey
'But I Say to You' (Part Five): Oaths
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 Household of God and Truth
The Measure of a Man in the Completed Canvas
Four Views of Christ (Part 1)
Titus 2:11-14
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Four)
A Search for Identity
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part 1)
Liberty vs. Independence
It Takes a Church
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Christ Our Standard
The Paradox of Terror and Rejoicing

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