Key Scripture: Eph. 4:1-16. “...He appointed some apostles, others prophets, some evangelists, others shepherds and teachers, ... for the edification of the body of Christ, ... so that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro, and carried away with every wind of doctrine, according to the wickedness of men, .... but by true love all grew into Him who is Christ, from whom the whole body, composed and joined together through all kinds of mutually fastening ties, through the action of each member to its own measure, receives an increase for the creation of itself in love.”
Here we are talking about creation, i.e. about construction. Thanks to mutually strengthening ties, we, the church, receive growth to build ourselves into the fullness of Christ's love. But this happens if we develop these relationships in every possible way. The Bible in other places gives us guidelines on how to develop such connections and such communication.
In Col. 3:8-16 says, “Now put aside everything: anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthiness of your lips; do not tell lies to each other, having put off the old man with his deeds... . Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, bearing with one another and forgiving each other if anyone has a complaint against anyone: just as Christ has forgiven you, so have you. Above all, [put on] love, which is the sum of perfection... Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom; teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs...” ( Editor's note: The last verse 16 sounds strange in the Synodal version, as, indeed, in many other translations. Thank God, there are very authoritative modern translations. For example, NIV (in English) and translation by V.N. Kuznetsova. Let's use the latter, especially since it coincides in meaning with the NIV. “Let the word of Christ live in you in all its richness. Then you will be able to teach and admonish one another with perfect wisdom and sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” So it is not with hymns that we are called to exhort one another, but with the word of Christ, when it dwells in us in all its richness).
If we are Christ’s, then we are called to love each other, which means we should not tell lies to each other, we should not be hypocrites, and wear masks. Our old nature changes when we begin to feel the responsibility of mutually binding bonds. The function of edification and instruction does not belong only to shepherds. The church pastor is not the only doctor Aibolit to whom everyone comes for treatment. We all need to mentor each other. That's what the Scripture says. Serve each other with the gift you have received. God has not given the full variety of gifts to anyone in the church, but different people different. Therefore, we complement each other. Therefore Eph. 5:21 requires us to submit to one another in the fear of God. Always seek goodness for each other, pray for each other. According to Gal. 6:2 we are called to bear one another's burdens. This is also our contribution to the development of mutually strengthening ties. And a little earlier (Gal. 3:26) ap. Paul encourages us not to be conceited, not to provoke one another, and not to be jealous.
The strength of the church is, first of all, not in theology, not in finances, not in structure, but in the internal mutually binding ties of love. This is where our most powerful gospel preaching lies. A wounded man came to church, suffering from this world, but here everyone is happy to see him, everyone serves him with unfeigned love. And the person is healed and turns to God. And we fulfill our Great Commission before the Lord.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His soul as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)
Jesus gave us a pattern. He is our way, truth and life. We also know that Jesus is the head, His Church is the Body, and we are all members of the Body. And since Jesus came to serve, we are also called to serve.
Who or what should we serve? The same thing that Jesus served. He served God the Father, those who believed in Him and the sinful world.
Thus, the Church is called to:
1. Serving God;
2. Serving one another;
3. Serving the world.
What does this mean for us as a Church?
1. Serving God
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special people, to proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Let's look at the priests of the time when the letter was written. Before the priest could come to God in the tabernacle in the Holy of Holies, he had to:
A. To be cleansed from sin by the blood of the sacrifice;
B. Wash with water;
B. To be anointed for worship;
D. Dress in clean priestly clothes. (Leviticus 4:3, Exodus 30:17-33)
If the priest had anything and this list was not right, then he died.
What does this mean for us? How should we prepare to meet God?
A. Receive the blood of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:5)
B. Be washed through water baptism (Acts 22:16)
C. Be anointed for ministry through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18)
Strength is righteousness. Our strength is Righteousness from God.
2. Serving one another
If we do not want to serve one another, then Paul characterizes us as children.
Ephesians 4:14-16
13 Until we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the full stature of Christ; (Ephesians 4:13)
14 So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried away by every wind of doctrine, through the craftiness of men, through the cunning art of deception, 15 but through true love we may return all things to him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom is the whole body, joined together and held together by every means. binding ties, when each member acts to its own extent, it receives an increase for the creation of itself in love.
God wants everyone to grow because there is a relationship between the members of the body.
What are mutually reinforcing bonds?
Example 2-3 without love in your problems. “...Where there are two or three egoists...” No! for where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)
An example with a tourniquet about connections in the Body.
There are many passages in the Bible about serving one another, but they all fall into three categories:
1. Emotional support(love one another John 13:34, be compassionate to one another Eph. 4:32, comfort one another 1 Thess. 4:18, etc.),
2. Financial support(be hospitable to one another 1 Peter 4:9, seek one another's good 1 Thess. 5:15, take care of one another 1 Cor. 12:25, etc.)
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, Until we all come into the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, into a perfect man, to the measure of the full stature of Christ; So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried away by every wind of doctrine, by the craftiness of men, by the cunning art of deception. But with true love they returned everything to Him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, composed and joined together through all kinds of mutually fastening bonds, through the action of each member to its own measure, receives growth for the creation of itself in love (4:12-16)
Over the past decade or more, we have witnessed the development of the so-called church growth movement. Many seminars, conferences, printed publications, programs are devoted to the teaching and discussion of its principles and methods, and, finally, entire organizations are engaged in it. Many of these efforts are successful, but only if they are in full accordance with the principles laid out by Paul in Ephesians 4:12-16. Here is a summary of God's plan for church growth. The Lord said: “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Therefore, it is absolutely clear that its construction must be carried out according to His plan. All efforts to create a church human methods only go against the work of Christ.
As already discussed in the previous chapter, God endows the church with spiritual gifts, distributing them both individually to each believer, and by placing in it gifted men, the apostles, who were subsequently replaced by gifted ministers: evangelists-evangelists and pastors-teachers (Eph. 4). :eleven). According to God's plan, it is the latter two groups of ministers who are designed to strengthen, build up, and multiply His church according to the course of action outlined in verses 12-16. This passage shows the development, purpose, and power of God's plan in the building and functioning of His church.
Advancing God's Plan
For the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (4:12)
In the simplest terms, Paul presents here God's progressive plan for His church: perfection to service and further to edification.
Commitment
God's first purpose was for evangelists and pastor-teachers to perfect the saints (a term for all those whom God has set apart for salvation; cf. 1 Cor. 1:2). The work of an evangelist is to lead people to understand the good news of salvation so that they will accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and thereby join His spiritual family, becoming His citizens. Kingdom of Heaven. At the beginning of Christianity, the main task was to establish a local church. This is the initiative to commit. The subsequent work of the pastor-teacher is to provide guidance and spiritual resources for believers to become like their Lord and Savior through continued obedience to His Word, being an example or model of godliness (1 Thess. 1:2-7; 1 Pet. 5:3) .
Katartismos performance basically has to do with improvement, or restoration to the original state. This term was often used in medical practice when setting bones. Paul uses it in verbal form in his final exhortation to the believers in Corinth: “Nevertheless, brethren, rejoice, be made perfect” (2 Cor. 13:11, emphasis added). The compiler of Hebrews uses this term in his closing prayer: “Now the God of peace, who raised up from the dead that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant, even our Lord Jesus (Christ), perfect you in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ” (Heb. 13:20-21).
These texts imply not only individual but also general improvement, which is expressed in 1 Corinthians 1:10 with the words: “I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but you were united (perfected by Katartizo) in the same spirit and in the same thoughts.” The improvement of each believer ultimately leads to the unity of the church as a whole.
God has provided four basic means for the perfection of the saints. These means are spiritual in nature because the flesh is unable to produce perfect results (Gal. 3:3). First and most important means serves God's Word - the Bible. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Jesus said, “You have already been cleansed through the word that I preached to you” (John 15:3). Therefore, the first goal of a pastor-teacher is to nourish himself and teach the people to feed on the truths God's Word.
The example of the apostles constantly in prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4) indicates that the second means of accomplishment is prayer, and the pastor-teacher is responsible for his preparation for the ministry of prayer and teaching God's people to pray. Epaphras was distinguished by his commitment to this spiritual means for strengthening and confirming believers in the truth.
Paul, describing the ministry of Epaphras, said that he was “always striving for you in prayer, that you might remain perfect and complete in all that pleases God. I testify of him that he has great zeal (and concern) for you” (Col. 4:12-13, emphasis added).
It is quite important to note that this accomplishment, or perfection of the saints, is achieved here on earth. This is why Paul uses katartizo (the verb form of perfection) to talk about what spiritually strong believers should do in relation to their brothers who have fallen into sin. The text teaches with conviction and power that the ministry of completion is concerned with bringing Christians from a state of sin to obedience.
The third means of accomplishment is testing, and the fourth is suffering. Thanks to these basic means of a purifying nature, believers are enriched, as it were, coming to a state of greater holiness. James tells us: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance; Patience must have its full effect.” He goes on to say, “That you may be complete and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). When we, trusting in Christ, accept trials from God and continue to show obedience, the result is a strengthening of our spiritual muscles and an expansion of the sphere of effective service to Him.
Suffering is also a means of spiritual fulfillment. Peter uses this word to end his first letter: “Now the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself, after you have suffered a little while, perfect you, establish you, strengthen you, and make you steadfast” (1 Pet. 5:10, emphasis added). Knowing Christ and following Him, in the full sense of the word, not only entails resurrection with Him, but also “sharing in His sufferings” (Phil. 3:10), Paul rejoices in his sufferings, enduring them in the Name of Christ . He says that God comforts “us in all our affliction, so that we too can comfort those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which God comforts us. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, our consolation also abounds through Christ” (2 Cor. 1:4-5).
God sends trials and sufferings to His saints with love, in accordance with His highest will. But the other two factors of spiritual progress—prayer and knowledge of the Scriptures—are the province of gifted men of God.
Like the apostles in Jerusalem, the pastor-teacher is primarily devoted to “prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Like Paul, he must say that all his efforts are devoted to teaching, “that he might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28). Just as Paul spoke of Epaphras, every pastor-teacher should be said to strive unceasingly in prayer for those placed in his care, that they “may remain perfect and complete in all that pleases God” (Col. 4). :12). A joyful pastor-teacher is “a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and good teaching”; and further he commands to study the word, read before everyone and engage in instruction (1 Tim. 4: 6, 11, 13). He is called to preach the word, to teach in season and out of season, to exhort with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Tim. 4:2).
Even the most active biblical and church organizations cannot produce spiritual maturity in believers without the leadership and guidance of God's gifted servants, constantly abiding in prayer and His Word. The administrative and structural structure of the church plays its role, but it has nothing to do with its spiritual growth . The church has always had a great need for spiritual maturity rather than organizational building. All printed works on issues of leadership, organization and management of the church do not provide great help to develop the driving forces of the church of Jesus Christ.
The church has even less need for means of entertainment. God's people can use their talents to glorify the Lord and testify to His grace; but when testimony turns into vaudeville, as it often does, the purpose of glorifying God and edifying His people is not achieved. A religious spectacle does not at all indicate the spiritual maturity of its organizers and does not contribute to the development of this maturity. It is a manifestation of one’s “I” and only causes its elevation.
Parsing and teaching God's Word requires a significant investment of time. Therefore, if an evangelist or pastor-teacher is busy planning and arranging many programs, regardless of their importance and usefulness, then they cannot bear the responsibility given to them by God. Such a pastor-teacher, like the apostles in Jerusalem, cannot “take care of tables” and at the same time be “in prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2, 4).
Most Right way to the spiritual stagnation of the church and the weakening of the pastor lies in the pastor’s excessive worries about different programs and church events when he does not have time for prayer and reading the Word. “Successful” events can be “even more destructive than those that are not crowned with success, if they are carried out according to the flesh and pursue not God’s, but human glory. What destroys God's people is a lack of knowledge of God's Word and obedience to Him (Hos. 4:6), not any errors in programs and methods. When a decline occurs among a people, it is not due to weak programs, but to weak teaching and guidance.
The primary concern of church leadership should be to establish those who attend the church, not to fill empty seats in the church. When one young preacher complained to Charles Spurgeon about the small size of his congregation, he replied: “It may be large enough for you, if you are willing to give an account for it on the day of judgment before God.”
Spiritual growth does not always involve acquiring new knowledge. Our most important growth often refers to a truth that we have already heard but not fully applied. Peter wrote: “For this reason I will never cease to remind you of this, although you know it and are established in the present truth. I consider it right, while I am in this bodily temple, to excite you with reminders, Knowing that I must soon leave my temple... so that even after my departure you will always bring this to mind” (2 Pet. 1:12-13, 15). It is always good to review and learn from the truths of God's Word. The constant struggle with our sinful flesh requires constant reminders. And the pastor must preach these truths until the end of his life, as long as the spirit of life reigns in the community to heed them.
During the 1967 Arab-Israeli military conflict, an American reporter and an Israeli officer flew over the Sinai Desert. At this time they noticed about fifty thousand Egyptian troops who were in extremely difficult circumstances, dying of thirst. After this situation was published in the press, many world figures and organizations made efforts to provide assistance in this situation. But as soon as any plan was proposed, military, diplomatic or bureaucratic obstacles arose that prevented its implementation. And when help was finally provided, thousands of soldiers died of thirst.
The same one appeared before our eyes tragic picture, when thousands of people are dying all around, thirsting and needing the spiritual water of God's Word, and the churches are turning the wheel of programs and committees.
Service
The second aspect of God's plan for the church concerns ministry. The language used by Paul indicates that work, or the work of service, is not only the direct responsibility of gifted men. No pastor, or even a large group of pastors, can do all the work that the church must do. Regardless of a pastor's ability, giftedness, and zeal, he will not be able to physically accomplish all necessary labor. It will be too much for him. God intended in His plan that the pastor would not place the entire burden of responsibilities on his own shoulders, but would distribute it to the people, so that each individual would share in the needs of others (cf. v. 16, which emphasizes this idea). There is no doubt that church leaders contribute to the work of ministry, and many in the community participate in the work of improvement, but God's basic plan for the church is to equip the saints to serve one another. The entire church must be actively involved in the work of the Lord (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9; 4:10-11; and Rev. 2 Thess. 3:11).
When gifted men persevere in prayer and in the instruction of the Word, the people will be properly prepared for the work of service, having the desire and motivation to do so: From the saints who have received this perfecting and preparation, God raises up elders, deacons, teachers and other workers necessary for the church so that they perform faithful and active service to Him. Spiritual service is the work of everyone, every Christian, every saint of God. It is not enough to distinguish yourself by conscientiously attending a meeting. This is not compensation for service.
Creation
The third element and immediate purpose of God's plan for His church is building. Proper completion or preparation by evangelists and pastor-teachers leading to proper ministry by the entire congregation inevitably results in the building up of the body of Christ. Oikodome creation literally has to do with building a house. It was used figuratively in relation to any type of structure. IN in this case, Paul talks about spiritual instruction, building and developing the church. The body is built up in a visible, outward way, through the work of the gospel, as new converts join the church, but here we are mainly talking about internal spiritual building, when all believers through the Word receive instruction “for fruitful service.” Paul, in his instruction to the elders in Ephesus, emphasizes this process: “And now I commend you, brethren, to God and to the word... which is able to edify you” (Acts 20:32). The maturation of the church is inextricably linked with the knowledge of the holy revelation of Scripture and with obedience to it. Just as newborn babies crave milk, so believers should crave spiritual nourishment from the Word (1 Pet. 2:2).
The Purpose of God's Plan
Until we all come into the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, into a perfect man, to the measure of the full stature of Christ; that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro, and carried away by every wind of doctrine, by the craftiness of men, by the cunning craft of deceit, but by true love (14:13-15a).
The establishment and edification of the redeemed has a twofold end. Paul defines it as the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, from which comes spiritual maturity, sound doctrine, and witness through love.
Some commentators have advanced and supported the view that such an ultimate goal can only be achieved through glorification, believing that Paul means our final heavenly unity and knowledge. But such a thought is completely out of context, because the apostle is not describing the final work of Christ for the church in heaven, but the work of gifted men in the church itself on earth. These final results can only apply to the church in its earthly dimension.
Unity of Faith
The ultimate spiritual goal for the church begins with unity of faith (cf. v. 3). As in verse 5, the concept of faith here does not refer to an act of faith or to obedience, but to the body of Christian doctrine, to the truth of Christian doctrine. Faith is the content of the Gospel in its most complete form. The Church and Corinth is a clear picture of how disunity and division in the church is due to ignorance of the fundamentals of doctrine and due to the spiritual immaturity of its members. Unity of faith inevitably comes only when believers are properly instructed in the truth, are zealous in the work of service, and the whole body or church is established in mature, perfect spiritual stature. Unity in communication is impossible if it is not built on the basis of a common conviction and faith. The division in Corinth could only be eliminated when everyone spoke the same language, had the same spirit, and had the same thoughts (1 Cor. 1:10).
God's truth is not fragmented or divided within itself, and when God's people are disunited and split into groups, it means that believers are moving away from His Word, from the faith of true knowledge and understanding. Only the church that is perfected by the truths of God's Word, that carries out zealous service, and follows the path of spiritual maturity, can come into unity of faith. Any other unity will be nothing more than a purely human union, which will not only represent a phenomenon that has nothing to do with the unity of faith, but will also be in a state of constant conflict with it. Without the integrity of the doctrine there can never be any talk of the unity of the church.
Knowing Christ
The second result of following God's plan for building His church is knowing the Son of God. Paul is not talking about the knowledge of salvation, but about the deep, complete knowledge of epignosis, distinguished by correctness and accuracy through a relationship with Christ, which is achieved only through prayer and earnest examination of God's Word and obedience to it. After many years of faithful and consistent ministry, the Apostle Paul could still say: “Yea, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish, that I may win Christ, and be found in him... To know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and participation in His sufferings... I say this not because I have already achieved or perfected; but I strive, lest I also attain, as Christ Jesus attained to me (Phil. 3:8-10, 12). Paul appeals to God in prayer that the Ephesians might have “the knowledge of Him” (1:17; cf. Phil. 1:4; Col. 1:9-10; 2:2). Growing in a deeper knowledge of the Son of God is a process throughout man's earthly existence, which will end when we see the Lord face to face as He is. It is this knowledge that Jesus referred to when He said, “My sheep obey My voice, and I know them” (John 10:27). He is not talking about external knowledge of them as individuals, but about internal, secret knowledge of them. This is how Christ wants His people to know Him.
Spiritual maturity
The third result of following God's plan for His church is spiritual maturity into a mature man, the measure of the full stature of Christ. It is God's great desire that every believer in His Church, without exception, should attain to the likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:29), displaying the character traits of Him who is the only measure of a mature, perfect man, full of stature. The Church in this world is the same as Jesus Christ in the world because it currently represents the fullness of His incarnate Body (cf. 1:23). We are to radiate and reflect the perfect qualities of Christ. To this end, Christians are called to “walk as He walks” (1 John 2:6; cf. Col. 4:12), and He maintained close, constant communication with the Father in His earthly walk, demonstrating complete obedience to Him. To do as the Lord did means to live a prayer life in obedience to God's Word. "We are all open face As in a mirror, beholding the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18). As we grow into a deeper relationship with Christ, the process of divine sanctification through His Holy Spirit transforms us more and more into His image from glory to glory. God's Spirit, and only He, produces spiritual maturity in us, working in other aspects of the godly walk. Without Him, even the most sincere prayer is ineffective (Rom. 8:26), and God's Word, as such, has no power (John 14:2; 16:13-14; 1 John 2:20).
Without a doubt, that's all. believers, due to the sinfulness of the flesh (Rom. 7:14; 8:23), are not able in this life to achieve the state of a perfect man, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. But they can reach a degree of maturity that is pleasing to the Lord and glorifies Him, and they should strive to do so. The purpose of Paul's ministry to believers was for them to have this spiritual maturity, for which he worked to “present every man perfect (teleios - mature) in Christ Jesus (Col. 1:28-29; cf. Phil. 3:14 -15).
Sound Doctrine
Sound doctrine is the fourth result of following God's plan for His church. Those Christians who are properly prepared and have reached maturity are no longer children, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, by the craftiness of men, by the cunning art of deception.
Kubia (cunning) is the term from which our word cube comes. When playing dice, where a die was used, “cheating” was observed on the part of professional players. Therefore, this term denotes deceit of any kind. Another word panourgia (see Luke 20:23; 1 Cor. 3:19; 2 Cor. 12:16) conveys exactly the same meaning of cunning manipulation under the guise of truth. Methodia (wiles) is used in the next chapter of this epistle when referring to “the wiles of the devil” (6:11). Without a doubt, this implies a planned, cunning, systematic deception of others. Paul here develops the idea that neither the wickedness of men nor the wiles of the devil will deceive a spiritually equipped and mature Christian.
Only soulish nepios (literally, one who does not speak), like many of the believers at Corinth (1 Cor. 3:1; 14:20), are in constant danger of being caught up in every new religious fad or unknown interpretation of Scripture that comes their way. . Lacking a thorough knowledge of the truths of God's Word, they are wavering people under the influence general feeling and being carried away by every wind of doctrine, which seems very attractive to them. Not being rooted in God's truth, these people are very susceptible to various counterfeit truths, such as: humanism, cult, paganism, demonism, etc. New Testament contains numerous warnings against such danger (see Acts 20:30-31; Col. 2:4-8; Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Cor. 11:3-4; Gal. 1:6-7; 3:1; Col. 2:4-8; 1 Tim. 4:1, 6-7; 2 Tim. 2:15-18; 3:6-9; 4:3; Hebrews 13:9; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John 2:19, 26).
The immature and inexperienced Christian is gullible, and in the history of the church no group of believers has fallen into greater foolishness in the name of Christianity than many churches today. Despite our level of education, experience, freedom, the presence of God's Word and sound Christian teaching, there are many among God's people who are ready to listen and financially support those who try to profiteer in religion (cf. 2 Cor. 2:17; 4: 2; 11:13-15). The number of foolish, misguided, corrupt, and even heretical leaders to whom many church members willingly give their money and to whom their hearts are attached is cause for surprise and heartache.
It is not so difficult to find the cause of this disastrous condition. A huge number of evangelists, when presenting the Gospel, simplified it, therefore, pastors taught a simplified Gospel. In many places the Body of Christ - the Church - has not been established on a foundation of sound doctrine, or faithful obedience to the word of God's truth. Consequently, for this reason, there is no doctrinal solidarity between the “unity of faith” and the spiritual maturity of the knowledge of God’s Son, a perfect man, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”
Just as in many families children set the tone, and in many churches infants are spiritually immature believers (cf. 1 John 2:13-14), who change their minds under the influence of doctrine and constantly fall under the deceit of men and Satan, becoming victims of the art of seduction, constitute the most influential core of church teachers and leaders.
Evidence of true love
The fifth requirement, and at the same time the result of following God's plan for His church, is a principle that applies to every aspect of Christian life and ministry. It represents the direct opposite of Satan's infatuation, deception, and therefore deception. This is the return of true love. The verb aletheno means to speak, to act in truth. Some translate it as “speaking the truth,” while others say it conveys the meaning of “walking in truth.” This verb denotes the state of truth in the broadest sense of the word, and is difficult to translate into another language. However, in Galatians 4:16 he especially emphasizes the message of preaching the gospel of truth. Since this term is the only one mentioned in Galatians in the New Testament other than Ephesians, it should be said that in Ephesians 4 it also addresses the issue of preaching the truth (in the context of a true and authentic Christian life). Real, mature Christians whose lives are marked by love will not fall prey to false teaching (v. 14), but will go about their walk of life proclaiming the true gospel to a deceived and misleading world. The work of the church extends to successive spheres of activity: evangelism - instruction - and again evangelism, like the pendulum of a clock; and until the coming of the Lord comes. Those who, under the influence of evangelism, come to the Lord and are discipled, in turn evangelize and disciple others.
A spiritually established church whose members exhibit soundness in doctrine and maturity in their daily walk is a body of believers who reach out in love to the world around them, preaching the gospel of salvation. God did not give us knowledge, understanding, gifts and spiritual maturity to lie unused, dead weight, but in order to witness to other people. They are meant to serve. We have received from Him gifts and instruction in the truth, not for self-satisfaction, but to accomplish God's work of service in establishing the Church and expanding its ranks. We preach the gospel in a spirit of love (cf. 3:17-19; 4:2; 5:1-2). Paul exemplified this kind of love as seen in the following testimony:
We...were quiet among you, just as a nurse treats her children tenderly. So, out of zeal for you, we wanted to convey to you not only the gospel of God. but also our souls, because you have become kind to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and exhaustion: working night and day, so as not to burden any of you, we preached the gospel of God to you. You and God are witnesses of how holy and righteous and impeccable we acted before you believers; Because you know how each of you, as the father of his children, We have asked and urged and entreated each of you to act worthy of God, who has called you into His kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:7-12; cf. 2 Cor. 12:15 ; Phil. 2:17; Col. 1:24-29).
John Bunyan said of Christians, “When their robes are white, the world will think they are His,” and the skeptical German poet Heinrich Heine told Christians, “Show me your redeemed life in practice, and perhaps I will believe in your Redeemer.” . The authentic life of a Christian, radiating the truth of the gospel, in the spirit of sacrificial service of love, will be the most convincing proof of the truth of Christianity.
Returning with true love seems very an easy task, but this is a misleading impression. It's actually quite difficult. This task can only be accomplished by a believer grounded in sound doctrine and characterized by spiritual maturity. To the immature believer, true doctrine can be nothing more than cold orthodoxy, and love sentimental. Only a perfect man, growing to the full stature of Christ, demonstrates consistency in understanding God's truth and effectively communicating it to others. Only he has the humility and grace to present it to those around him with love in strength. The harmonious combination of truth and love counters the two great threats to effective ministry, which are the lack of true knowledge and compassion.
All grew into Him who is the head, Christ. This genuine testimony of love helps believers grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ. The Word calls all to conscious conformity to Him, which is described in verse 13 (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1; 2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 4:19; Eph. 5:2; 1 Pet. 2:21; 1 John 2:6).
The expression head of Christ is Paul's famous analogy for the authority of Christ (Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18), His guidance and guidance (Eph. 5:23) both here and in Colossians 2:19, His sovereignty , containing under control all things. He is the Head in a sovereign sense, like a Ruler, but also in an organic sense. He is the source of strength in all functions. A person is considered dead when the electrocardiograph draws a straight line, indicating brain death. The brain exercises control, as a center, over everything physical life person. In exactly the same way, the Lord Jesus Christ is the organic source of life and power for His Body, the Church.
To grow into His likeness means to submit completely to His controlling power, to be obedient to His every thought and expression of will. This represents, as it were, the embodiment in one’s life of Paul’s prayers: “For for me to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21) and “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
Power to Execute God's Plan
From whom the whole body, which is composed and held together through all kinds of mutually fastening bonds, by the action of each member in its own measure, receives increase for the building up of itself in love (4:16)
The power to spiritually equip and mature heralds of the truth to proclaim it in love does not lie in the believers themselves, their leadership, or the church structure. The whole Body, the Church, receives authority, direction and power as it grows in the whole Body, Who is the head, Christ,” from whom the whole body is composed and joined together. The two passive participles translated in this phrase as "composed and copulated" are synonymous and intended to express that close, close and compact relationship of functions in the whole Body which results from the strength and might of Christ. This does not at all eliminate the efforts of believers, which is proven by words when each member acts to its own extent. Each of these phrases is of extreme importance in communicating the truth about the functioning of the entire Body. Christ holds the Body together and makes it function through mutually binding bonds. That is, what happens is that the members united together receive spiritual nourishment from one another, using the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as a result of which a ministry is spread that produces spiritual growth.
The words of each member remind us of the importance of each believer's gift (v. 7; cf. 1 Cor. 12:12-27). Church growth does not come about through some skillful means, or through each believer's full use of his spiritual gift in close contact with other believers. Christ is the source of life and strength and growth of the church, which He accomplishes through the gifts of each believer and mutual service in relationships involving other believers. The power contained in the church has its source in the Lord and flows through individual believers and through the relationships between them, reaching each of them.
God's power is manifested where His people are in close relationship with each other, doing true service. Where there is no closeness between believers, where there is negligence in the use of their spiritual gifts, God cannot act. It does not require us to show any creativity, originality or ingenuity. He needs to see in us a willingness to obey Him in love. Physical body functions correctly only when each member is in close connection with other members of the body, it reacts to the directing impulses of the head, carrying out all its orders.
In Colossians 2:19, Paul makes a valuable point when he warns against becoming puffed up in your own mind, “not holding fast to the head, from which the whole body, being joined and held together by joints and ligaments, grows with the growth of God.” The main idea in this verse is that every member of the Body should be in close and intimate fellowship, being in single union with Christ, the Head, and did not wander into false and destructive teachings.
All of these truths ultimately affirm that each individual believer is to be intimately united to Jesus Christ, faithfully exercising his spiritual gift in close association with the believer with whom he comes in contact, and through such commitment and service will pour out God's power for the creation of the whole Body in love.
The noun growth or increment (auxesis), used only here and in Col. 2:19 is a true mean in form, indicating that the body itself produces its growth through the dynamic forces contained within it. Just as it happens with all living organisms, spiritual growth in the church is not caused by forces from without, but is brought about by the life force contained within, which promotes the accretion (growth) of the whole body to build itself up. And all this happens in the spirit of love, which should always characterize the communication of believers. Most of all, the Body, the Church, must proclaim love and when it is built up according to God's plan, the world will know that it is truly Christ's Church, His Body (John 3:34-35).
13 So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried away by every wind of doctrine, through the wickedness of men, through the cunning art of deception, but through true love we may grow all things into him, who is the head, Christ, from whom is the whole body, joined and held together by every joint holding together. , when each member acts to its own extent, it receives an increase for the creation of itself in love.
(Eph.4:14-16)
On this moment Over time, Christians have forgotten how to build relationships, developing connections with each other in the love of Jesus Christ and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Most often, everything happens exactly the opposite: people are forced to follow the winds of teachings that divide Christians into confessions and denominations, and to build relationships with each other based on what such organizations and people who are at the head of such structures need.
Christians can no longer unite in the freedom of grace and love of God in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, because they are beginning to be divided according to their belonging to human teachings, and also depending on what kind of order is established by those who are separated from the unity of faith and sound doctrine. The slab of human deposits weighs on the spiritual life of God's children and hinders normal development Body of Christ. But it’s time for all believers to realize that either they are part of the one living Church of Christ, or they are simply members of some religious systems that have nothing in common with the Church!
The Lord calls us to begin to take seriously our participation in the Body of Jesus Christ, in which all relationships are formed on the basis of love for the Lord and each other, when we seek fellowship not out of obligation or habit, but out of eternal life abiding in us! It is time, truly, as we draw closer to God, to draw closer to other parts of the Body of Christ, forming strong bonds of faith, love and the teachings of Jesus Christ, which, on the one hand, are alien to the spirit of isolation, sectarianism and denominational differences, and on the other hand, are devoid of superficial unity and ecumenism, where people although they do not quarrel, they still remain with their human opinions and statements.
It is time for all Christians to come out of spiritual infancy and stop delving into their small little “worlds” in order to grow in love, wisdom and spiritual maturity, acquiring the ability to bear real fruit that will contribute to the salvation of a great many souls who are still in slavery to sin.
13 You, brethren, are called to freedom, so long as your freedom is not a pretext for [pleasing] the flesh, but serve one another through love.
(Gal.5:13)
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of one body, although many, are one body, so is Christ.
13 For we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, and we have all been given one Spirit to drink.
14 But the body is not made of one member, but of many.
15 If the foot says: I do not belong to the body, because I am not a hand, then does it really not belong to the body?
16 And if the ear says: I do not belong to the body, because I am not an eye, then does it really not belong to the body?
17 If the whole body is eyes, where is the hearing? If everything is hearing, then where is the sense of smell?
18 But God arranged the members, each one in the body, as He pleased.
19 And if they were all one member, where [would] the body be?
20 But now there are many members, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand: I have no need of you; or also head to feet: I don’t need you.
22 On the contrary, the members of the body that seem weakest are much more needed,
23 And those who seem to us to be less noble in body, for those we take more care;
24 And our ugly ones are covered more gracefully, but our good ones don’t need [to do so]. But God proportioned the body, instilling greater care for the less perfect,
25 So that there may be no division in the body, but all members have equal care for one another.
26 Therefore, if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is glorified, all members rejoice with it.
27 And you are the body of Christ, and individually members.
28 And God hath appointed others in the church, firstly apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers; further, [to others he gave] powers [miraculous], also gifts of healing, help, government, different languages.
(1 Cor. 12:12-28)
10 I appeal to you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same spirit and in the same thoughts.
(1 Cor. 1:10)
1 Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if there is any joy of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if there is any mercy and compassion,
2 Then complete my joy: have the same thoughts, have the same love, be of one mind and of the same mind;
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, consider each other better than yourselves.
4 Let each one not take care of himself [only], but each one also of others.
(Phil.2:1-4)
18 Let no one deceive you with self-willed humility and the ministry of angels, intruding into what he has not seen, recklessly puffed up with his carnal mind
19 and not holding fast to the head, from which the whole body, being joined and held together by joints and bonds, grows by the growth of God.
(Col.2:18,19)
17 I urge you, brethren, beware of those who cause divisions and temptations, contrary to the teaching which you have learned, and turn away from them;
18 For such [people] serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and with flattery and eloquence they deceive the hearts of the simple.
(Rom.16:17,18)
2 that their hearts may be comforted, united in love for all the riches of perfect understanding, to know the mystery of God and the Father and Christ,
3 In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
(Col.2:2,3)
1 Song of Ascension. David. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together!
2 It is like precious oil on the head, running down onto the beard, even Aaron’s beard, running down onto the edges of his garment;
3 Like the dew of Hermon that descends on the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded blessing and life forever.
(Ps. 133:1-3)
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be of one mind with one another, according to the [teaching] of Christ Jesus,
6 so that with one accord, with one mouth, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore accept one another, just as Christ also accepted you to the glory of God.
(Rom. 15:5-7)
Chosen Saints!
Pray that Christians will understand their participation in the Body of Christ, which is indivisible and has never accepted as normal any kind of division into denominations or religious organizations human character. May the Lord provide for the building of all kinds of connections between Christians that are based on truth, the love of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit, so that they are not superficial and have the ability to withstand the onslaught of divisions of all kinds of human opinions and interpretations of Scripture.
Ask the Lord to show Christians that He is one head and His truth is one, and there are no different roads to salvation. If we honor one God, then, of course, we must build mutually strengthening bonds, not by organizing superficial concerts, entertainment events or prayer services, where everyone prays in general phrases, but, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gradually giving up everything that is ours and gaining God is in greater and greater depth.
Pray to God that He will give His people a deep responsibility for the whole Body of Christ, and not for their own denominations, unions and local assemblies, that Christians will judge others not by the labels they have been given, but by the personal standing they have before God in freedom, without external pressure by anyone.
Thank the Lord for His promise to bring the Church to maturity and His intention to bring it about in our lives. Let His work in holding His Body together have a powerful effect, bringing the children of God out of infancy and a defective state, so that the salvation of a great many souls will be realized in a real way, since division will no longer reign among Christians, but love!!! Amen.
Analysis of the word (Eph.4:11-16) Church “Word of Salvation”
(Before studying the word, spend time on how to minister to lost people)
PURPOSE OF GIFTS.
11 And He appointed some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be shepherds and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into perfect men, to the measure the full stature of Christ;
QUESTIONS:
- What gifts has God given the church to improve it?
- What is the connection with the repair of fishing nets and the improvement of believers?
- What is the purpose of the fivefold ministry of the church?
- What gift do I give to the church?
(Version 4:11). God gives gifts to every local church. The purpose of these five gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, is to prepare Christians for ministry, strengthening them in matters of faith and in a practical daily walk with God, thereby encouraging them to mutually edify each other.
(Version 4:12). The Apostle Paul says about ministers that they are destined for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry. Translated closer to the text, this phrase sounds like: to the improvement of the saints for the sake of their subsequent service to God and their neighbors. The Greek word is katartismon, words of the same root are found in Matthew 4:21-22, which refers to the repair or preparation of fishing nets. “21 From there, going further, He saw two other brothers, James Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
And they immediately left the boat and their father and followed Him.”
Gifted people are called to share the word of God with others in order to prepare them in turn for further service. And all this so that the body of Christ can be built up in this way. From here it is clear that everything "the Saints", and not just leaders, should be involved in service. For everything "saints of God" have certain gifts with which they can and should serve others.
(Version 4:13). The pentagonal ministry in the church is for spiritual growth members of the body of Christ, until the whole Church comes to the four goals set:
- unity of faith;
- knowledge of the Son of God;
- into a husband, perfect;
- to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
As each believer functions in accordance with the gift he received from Christ, the unity of the body of the Church as a whole strengthens, it grows more and more spiritually and becomes more and more like Christ in His fullness.
THE SECRET OF CHURCH GROWTH.
14 So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried away by every wind of doctrine, through the craftiness of men, through the cunning art of deception, 15 but through true love we may grow all things into him, who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom is the whole body, joined together and held together by every means. binding ties, when each member acts to its own extent, it receives an increase for the creation of itself in love.
QUESTIONS:
- What is the danger of an infant church?
- Who is the source of the spiritual growth of the church?
- What are mutually reinforcing connections?
- What is the secret to church growth?
(Version 4:14). Believers should not remain infants who are easily led astray, and, like wavering waves, rush forward and backward, carried away by every wind of doctrine (meaning false doctrine) due to the crafty policies of some people who master the art of deception. False teachers lead believers away from the truth in order to captivate them with their inventions and heretical doctrines.
(Version 4:15). In contrast, Paul instructs believers how they should act, acting out of true love, both in words and in deeds, proclaiming the truth of Christ in love, growing up to all in the One who is the head of Christ. Jesus is thus the source of believers' spiritual growth as well as the goal of that growth. It is the head, Christ, who controls the growth and actions of His entire body.
Each member of the body is thoughtfully connected with other members, and they are all connected through all sorts of interconnecting connections when each member acts to its own extent. This gives the body of Christ the opportunity to grow, both quantitatively and qualitatively, building itself up in love. " With love" And "in love" occurs three times in this chapter, indicating a means of preserving unity. It is also noteworthy that the modification of the expression "in moderation" also occurs three times in this context. Every believer is called to function in the body of Christ - by the strength that God gives him - according to the gift he has received from Christ. Provided that every member of the Church acts in accordance with this measure, there will be a due increase "get increment" and the Church as a whole, building itself up in love in order to ultimately achieve a full measure of Christlikeness. If believers do not fully use their gift or prevent this in others, then the growth of the Church slows down or stops.
The responsibility for the unity of the Church lies with its ministers (gifts). Within this unity, a variety of functions is provided. Paul emphasizes the growth of the body, not its individual members. Each believer makes his own personal contribution to this overall growth by functioning according to the gift he has received.
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