Ephesians 4:12 "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, ..."

The main function of the fivefold gift ministry is to train God's people to do the work of the ministry. There can be no greater sense of fulfilment than to develop the ministry of others and in part reproduce one's own ministry. The Lord intends us to understand that the equipping of others for works of service is a matter of priority with Him, and should become so with all fivefold gifting.

Ephesians 4:12 "... for the edifying of the body of Christ,"

For the body of Christ to grow, each member needs to be helped to maturity. Each has to be fed with the pure milk of the Word so that they grow (1 Peter 2:2 ). It is a cause of great concern when there is no advancement to solid food (1 Corinthians 3:1-3 ). It is through increased knowledge of Christ Jesus that real growth comes (2 Peter 1:2-3; 3:18 ). Growing in the grace and knowledge of Him protects from false teaching that stunts development. The people of God will not be built up with fanciful or way out interpretations of Scripture. The means for development is to major on the Person and work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The ascended Lord has bestowed gifts upon the Church in order that the members grow

Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, ..."

Here is assurance that ascension gifts will not cease to be, while there is the work of growth and maturing going on, that is, till the Lord comes for His Church. Meanwhile there is the ongoing work of bringing each member to complete trust that comes from experiencing the "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5 ). A trust and confidence that is based on knowledge of His Person, His work, and on relationship with Him.

Ephesians 4:13 "... unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

The bestowment of gifts is given to bring every individual to the maturity of Christ's measure and stature, to the fullness of Christ. It should be the aim of every local expression of His body to be seen in their community in the full measure and stature of the fullness of Christ. The Church will know consummation in His likeness and completeness as His body. The business of fivefold gifting is to produce manifestation in the now, before the world.

Ephesians 4:14 "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, ..."

We are taken back in thought to show that the ascension gifts are designed to bring stability of faith so that believers are not at the mercy of deceivers (Mark 13:22 ), and destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1 ), nor tricked by crafty snares set to trap and devour (Acts 20:29-30 ). Christ has placed His gifts among us for our protection, and to make us strong.

Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

The NIV Study Bible, concerning "speaking the truth in love" says, "A truthful and loving manner of life is implied".

Christ's gift ministries are to be true as well as speak truth. Fidelity to truth is what has been called "the backbone of christian ministry" but what makes truth effective in growing people up is truth made acceptable by being ministered in love. Ministering truth in love can only be through closer union with Jesus. Ministry in the spirit of Jesus produces growth "in all things." Egocentric ministries breed self-centredness and division. Christ-centred ministry in His love brings union of all with Him the living Head.

Ephesians 4:16 "from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, ..."

Growing up into Him, each one takes their vital substance from Him (Ephesians 4:15 ). Then as a living organism each becomes the supplier and helper of the other. Each part does its share and the growth and building up of the body goes on in love. The purpose of gift ministry to the Church is to bring each person in it to the place where they are doing their part, exercising their gift within the body, so effectively working spiritual growth.

The ascension gifts of Ephesians 4:11, are responsible to equip believers so that they develop and employ their own spiritual giftedness (Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-27 ), and fulfil this loving purpose of the Lord the giver.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

What are the aims of Christ in giving these gift ministries to the church? (Ephesians 4:12-16 ).