[Together as a She Reads Truth community, we are reading through Ephesians. Sign up for the reading plan here!]
It is easy for us to become silos: focusing on our own gifts and not the unity of the body of believers. It is easy to become isolated, because community means being vulnerable and potential for hurt. It is easy to assign these jobs to paid positions or volunteer roles or jobs. I love verses 12 and 13:
…to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. (NLT, emphasis added)
We must be moving forward, maturing in our faith daily, so that we can be discerning and not easily swayed or knocked down. As we mature, our heart becomes more like His, and we come unified as one. And that unity is only possible when we are focused on the one who brings us together. It is He who blessed us with these gifts, and it is for Him that we need to use them.
- Ask God to reveal the gifts given to you: not for show or gain, but for His glory and ministry.
- Verse 11 lists the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Jesus is the perfect example of each of these gifts, as he spent time as man here on earth with us. What passages of scripture tell us more about Jesus as prophet. Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus as evangelist. Make a list of how he displays these gifts.
- Maturity is difficult: it requires a daily discipline of vulnerability and humility and consistency. Think of all the things that are good for us, but difficult to maintain: eating well, exercising, spending time daily with God. Write out some goals for yourself, tangible goals, to help mature you in your faith. That your heart may become like His.
- We are a community, made up of incredible, gifted women. Find someone-a friend, pastor, mentor, community member-to help you evaluate your gifts and how they can be used in the body of Christ.
This part of the bible study really spoke to my heart because I am a loner by choice. I have been hurt so many times that I feel it's easier to be by myself. But this message really spoke to my heart. Now I guess it will be a slow process of getting out of the house and to start going to church to fellowship with others. If anyone know any bible based churches in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, I would like to hear from you. Thank you!
Amen! There is one God! There is one Baptisim! There is one Church and it’s not the 4 walls we worship in. The body of Christ that exist in it all of Gods people. All things work for the glory of God. All things have been made by him. All of us are His people and ALL of us bare gifts. It’s a beautiful thing to be in the presence of God. To become one with God. To make Christ the cornerstone of our church, our lives; and to build on that daily… To glorify God! Yes Lord! I will trust you and believe that all things work for your glory. Thank you Lord for saving my soul. #Amen
I am amazed. I am always in awe of how God knows just at the right moment, at just the right time exactly what I need to know, what I need to hear and what I need to see. Today I needed this. Spiritual maturity, discipline and speaking the truth in love I struggle with constantly. Sometimes I feel like I take one step forward and two steps back. I admit that I need help in these areas. I am so greatful every minute for the words (but God). Even when I fall short of my goal of discipline and maturity on this journey I take comfort in the fact that but for God's grace I would not be in the race to the finish line at all. But God in his great love has given me victory thru Jesus Christ. Since I already have victory , all I need to do is keep pressing toward the mark daily. God knows what we struggle with and yet he loves us….AWESOME.
Today’s passage really challenges me today. First verse 15 – “speaking the truth in love.” If we do not share the truth with unbelievers how can we serving Jesus and building the body of Christ? I pray that I have strength and wisdom to reach out (even though i am scared).
Also, the sharing truth with other believers – and keeping each other accountable in our walk is imperative. With love, the truth will help us grow and bring us closer to unity.
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting
things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
I wish to read even more things about it!
God is talking to me hardcore right now y'all! (Not in a burning bush sort of way.) That makes me happy beyond words. I'm struggling right now with doubts that creep in, and I know why they are creeping in. I'm not in Gods word regularly. I get my thimble full of truth on Sunday then go about my week as usual. Then I have these doubts about my salvation or my current standing with God and I eventually come out on the other side knowing that I'm saved, but I'm not growing. That lack of growth leaves me as a very immature Christian, seeking answers to questions that I wouldn't have if I were studying to show myself approved. And I know I shouldn't just be reading scripture just for my personal gain, so I can rest easy at night bc I have my answers. I should do it bc I'm supposed to do it. It is required of me! How can I expect to have a relationship with me lord and savior if I don't read the only thing that tells me who he is? I would like to ask a favor of one of you. I need an accountability partner. Someone who would be willing to call me everyday without fail (extenuating circumstances are understandable of course.) and study Gods word with me. Someone who would like to take part in my discipleship and in the process, grow themselves. I need accountability. I need a sister in Christ who will hold me accountable and in return, I will strive to do the same. Email me only if you are seriously willing to take me on. [email protected] I look forward to your response, whoever you are. Thank you so very much. Love in Christ. Shawna.
What the Holy Spirit showed me in this passage is that we are all to be united in ONE Faith. Faith in Christ alone. Not the individual , separating, unbiblical faith of different doctrines. CHRIST ALONE,!! It made me think of the passage where Paul says (paraphrased), "I'm glad I didn't baptise any of you. Because now you say, I follow Peter or John. ( individual doctrine). But I preach Christ crucified and only that uniting doctrine.". As Christians, there should be no separation of beliefs in the basic facts. God is God alone, Christ is the physical manifestation of God who lived, died on the cross ( as the lasting sacra ice for our sins) , rose from death , and lives still in physical form for eternity. All the other stuff ( music in church, what is the "proper" sabbath day, how to dress, what to eat etc…) is irrelevant. "Do everything as unto the Lord" united in a single faith.
Ephesians 4:12-16 NET
Growing up isn't easy! Especially, spiritually. But for the individual Christian and for the Body of Christ, maturation, resistive as I might be to it is necessary. To promote that process, the Holy Spirit gifts individual Christians expecting the use of those gifts to accomplish a wholeness, a unity that magnifies God's Love. As saints age, die and move on to be with Christ, new believers are born into the body and begin to mature. If I elect to remain childish in faith, how can I possibly do my part to help newbies recognize their gifts and use them. How sad if I miss that opportunity, because I refuse to share my gifts and refuse to grow up.