Ephesians 4:11-16 - ”For the Work of Ministry”

Todaywe continue our study of Ephesians 4:11–16. We have spent a significant amountof time on these verses because they are vitally important for every member ofthe body of Christ—every believer, every follower of Jesus Christ—to understandexactly what their purpose and role is within the body. Up to this point, thisentire chapter has focused on that very theme: the unity of the Spirit and theunity of the body—one body working together for one purpose.

We’vediscussed that when the work of the ministry is being carried out,Christlikeness will be evident in the lives of believers. Each believer will begrowing into the likeness of Christ. Along with that growth comesstability. We will “no longer be like children”—arguing, actingselfishly, seeking positions of prominence, competing with one another, orpromoting ourselves. That kind of behavior is childish. We are no longerchildren. Additionally, we will not be easily swayed by false doctrine ordeceptive teaching, whether it comes from within the church, the surroundingculture, or the internet.

 

Anothervital outcome of this passage is what we might call cooperation—workingtogether as one body. This is emphasized in verse 16: “From whom the wholebody, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to theeffective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the bodyfor the edifying of itself in love.”

 

Whenevery member is functioning according to the spiritual gifts they have beengiven, actively exercising those gifts within the local church, the body isknit together in love. It builds itself up. It is strengthened and edified.What a beautiful picture that is. And once again, we see the purpose beingfulfilled.

 

Whatis that purpose? The saints are being equipped “for the work of theministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ”. We have beengiven spiritual gifts not for self-importance, not for personal praise orrecognition, but so that the entire body—every joint, every member—can becomeall that God intends it to be. Every part matters. Every member is important.In God’s sight, every believer who faithfully serves is a hero, fulfilling thework of the ministry.

 

Nowremember what the work of the ministry is. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:6,that “God has made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant—not of theletter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul continues by saying that because we have received thisministry, we do not lose heart. We do not quit. Even though Satan has blindedthe minds of unbelievers, even though we may be knocked down, afflicted, orpersecuted, we get back up. Why? So that the message of Jesus Christ and theglorious gospel might be made known—even through our physical bodies—as welabor together. This does not mean everything will be easy or perfect, but itdoes mean the work is worth it.

 

ThenPaul clearly defines this ministry in 2 Corinthians 5:18: “Now all thingsare of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and hasgiven us the ministry of reconciliation.” There it is. As the body ofChrist, we work together to tell the world who Jesus Christ truly is.

 

Throughour Lord Jesus Christ, we have peace with God. And as believers workingtogether within the body of Christ—the church—we fulfill the work of theministry by proclaiming reconciliation. We tell the world that they can comeback to God. They can have a personal, real relationship with Him. Their sinscan be forgiven. They can experience wholeness, peace, joy, and the life Godcreated them to live. That is reconciliation—restored fellowship with God.

 

Areyou exercising your spiritual gift in the work of ministry, theministry of reconciliation, and the building up of the body of JesusChrist for the glory of God?