“So Christ himself gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4.11-13
The gifts are different but the goal is the same – building up the Body, reaching unity in faith, gaining knowledge in the Son of God, becoming mature and attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, v.13.
No where does this Scripture say anything about obtaining person wealth, worth or success in this world. No where does it say to conform to the image of this world. No where does it say to strive for the social rights of all the oppressed. We begin first be becoming like Christ and becoming unified in faith and mature followers of Jesus.
In order to do this, God has created order. It’s not an “everyone for himself” kind of endeavor. The unity in the Body of Christ comes through the administration of the gifts which Paul mentions here — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Notice the distinctions? Apostles lead the church as a whole. They cast vision and help build up and give order to all the gifting. Prophets speak truth, for today and for the time to come. Evangelists proclaim the good news of the Gospel always and everywhere. Pastors care for the sheep, shepherding, guiding and leading. Teachers instruct the people of God to know his word and live it out in the world.
It was Christ himself who selected these persons for these positions. Not everyone has a particular specific gift, although all believers are given the Spirit and called to glorify God with their lives. For those who have been given these gifts, the responsibility to lead the church belongs to them through the power of the Spirit.
These have been given so that the Body of Christ might be built up. Period. Therefore, it is imperative that we live into these gifts. For those who have been called, set a part and ordained for this purpose, they must remain faithful and strive to be all Christ has called them to be.
I ask you, would you pray for our church leaders right now? Would you lift up our teachers, preachers, pastors, prophets, evangelists and apostles. Would you ask for God to give them His Spirit so that the world might know and the Church might be the light of Christ today and always?
“O Lord God, thank you for the gifts of your Spirit to the church. Thank you for loving us for for allowing us to be your hands and feet. I love you Lord and praise your name. Pour out your Spirit on your people. Bring revival to this land. Help us reflect your image and give you glory. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen