“…HE [Jesus] GAVE some, APOSTLES; and some, PROPHETS; and some, EVANGELISTS; and some, PASTORS and TEACHERS; For the PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, for the WORK OF THE MINISTRY, for the EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:” (Eph. 4:11-12)
[Jesus gave various ministry positions (remember HE CALLS US to this work!) To complete us unto the callings He has for us, so His church (body of Christ) CAN BE BUILT UP!]
“Till we all come in the 1unity of the faith, and of the 2knowledge of the Son of God, unto A 3PERFECT MAN, unto 4the measure of the stature OF THE FULNESS OF CHRIST:” (Eph. 4:13)
[1unity of the faith: we must be united in our understanding of the scripture! How?
“…God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God…the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” (1 Corin. 2:10-11),
[2knowledge of the Son of God: the work “knowledge” literally means “a mark of intimacy” to know in a very intimate way. By the Spirit of adoption Christ is our “Brother” and our brother loved us so much that He gave Himself for us!]
“…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and…the two SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.” This MYSTERY IS PROFOUND, and I am saying that IT REFERS TO CHRIST AND THE CHURCH.” (Eph. 5:25, 31-32) [For us to know what Christ expects from us we must know Him intimately!] [3a perfect man: we will be complete in Christ, doing His will, not ours 4the measure of the stature OF THE FULNESS OF CHRIST: we look at Christ in the word and that is what we measure up to!]
“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48)
“…that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that SHE MIGHT BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH.” (Eph. 5:27)
WE MUST BE PERFECT AS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PERFECT; IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD?
-Bill Stockham