Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas. In season 1, Pastor Jim is leading us in a study of Ephesians. Today’s passage is Ephesians 4:7-16.
Our previous episode was about the unity of the Spirit we share as Christians. However, mere unity itself or, unity at all costs is not the goal.
“Unity is not the goal; unity in Christ is, the unity that comes from a shared faith and a shared knowledge of Christ. Therefore, there are limits to unity. The church and its unity are always Christologically and theologically defined.”
– Dr. Klyne Snodgrass, Ephesians: The NIV Application Commentary, p221
“Our problem is that we have $1 million salvation, and a five cent response. We seem unimpressed with God’s salvation.”
– Klyne Snodgrass
We would probably do well to focus a bit more on making ourselves available to the Holy Spirit at all times, in all situations, and in every way. If we focus too much on the gifts themselves and on which gifts we can identify within ourself, we may fall into presumption or elitism and limit the possibilities of God using us in whatever way God may want to on any given occasion.
“We must be open to the possibility of God’s addressing us in whatever way he chooses, or else we may walk right past a burning bush instead of saying, as Moses did, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.”
– Dallas Willard, Hearing God, p. 91
How can I contribute to the growth and building up of the body of Christ, in the knowledge and love of Christ?
- V11: Provision – with what means does God equip us to grow spiritually?
- V12: Purpose – why does God equip us? 1. For the work of service and 2. the building up the body of Christ
- V13: Goal – what measurable goal does God want to reach in equipping us?
- V14-16: Vision – what results does God want to see in us as we join Him in the work He is doing through us?
“I want to keep growing, even though the older I get, the more difficult it becomes. Why? Because there is no growth without challenge, and there is no challenge without change. When I was younger, change was a treat; now it tends to become a threat. But I need change—not novelty, but change—the kind of experiences that force me to dig deeper and lay hold of that kingdom which cannot be shaken. There is no time to waste on scaffolding; I must build on essentials, not accidentals.”
– Warren Wiersbe
“Growing in the grace, knowledge, and obedience of Christ is the result of being united to Christ himself, his person and his work.”
– Michael Horton
