“Some were called to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 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. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” – Ephesians 4:11-16
Verses 11 and 12 state, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Here, we see a beautiful variety within the body of Christ.
Variety: An apostle means 'one who is sent.' Prophets speak new messages from God. Evangelists spread the good news of salvation. Pastors and teachers shepherd and instruct the church. Each role is unique, just as each part of our body is unique.
Colors and Community: Our church's resolution for 2024 is "Colors and Community." Each individual is a unique creation of God, with distinct appearances, personalities, and dreams. This diversity makes our church colorful and vibrant.
Unity: While verse 11 emphasizes the diversity of gifts, verse 12 focuses on their purpose: “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.” – Ephesians 4:2-4
Paul does not just call for diversity in roles but stresses that these roles are for building up the church, the body of Christ.
During our last Match UP seminar, Pastor Kevin Lee shared about his seminary small group. They met weekly, committing to Community, Confession, and Confidentiality. They believed individuals exist for the community's sake, supporting each other and growing together in faith. These moments built them up, preparing them to serve God in various places.
The church exists for its people, but the people also exist for the church—not for its power, but for its purpose. Building a good church that pleases God benefits everyone. Some might resist this idea due to past church disappointments or burdens, but let’s pray for healing and renewed joy in building a church that honors God.
Verses 13 and 14 emphasize maturity: “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.” The church helps believers grow in faith and knowledge, becoming more like Jesus.
The church exists for two purposes: to receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and, starting from that point, to spend a lifetime understanding the richness of God's kingdom. In the past, the Korean church emphasized obtaining salvation through the gospel. Now, we must go through the door of salvation to experience the fullness of God.
“May have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:18-19
The early churches practices five different ministries: Worship (“leitourgia”), Evangelism(“kerygma”), Volunteerism (“diakonia”), Discipline (“didache”), and Fellowship (“koinonia”).
Our church has summarized the above five practices into three: worship, discipleship, and missions. This means establishing worship 365 days a year in the city, becoming a loving community that values people over problems, and advancing God's kingdom from local missions through the diaspora to global missions.
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:14
To tempt children, a single candy is enough. Paul advises the church not to be swayed by worldly trends and values like children without conviction, but to grow up and live according to God's will like mature adults.
Politician Huh Kyung-young claims he can levitate. He deceives people by driving around in a Rolls-Royce. Now he sells 'healing milk' with stickers of his face on it, claiming that chanting his name ten times and drinking it will cure diseases and prolong life. He also claims to have healing powers, which he uses as an excuse to sexually assault women. The problem is that people fall for these absurd lies! More problematic than Huh Kyung-young himself are the people who are swept up by this nonsense. Humans inherently have fears, which leads them to yearn for a messiah.
Verses 15 and 16 remind us, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
We must speak and teach the truth in love. No matter how biblically correct our advice, if it lacks love, it’s just noise.
As Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:24-25, “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
After I discipline my son Joshua after he’s done something wrong and I take a peek of him sleeping at night inside his bedroom, there are times when I regret for being too harsh on him. I sometimes ask myself, “Why didn’t I just tell him I loved him?” Parents scold their children because they do truly love them and want the best for them but sometimes, we become impatient with them.
Sometimes, it’s harder to love than to do ministry. However, we know love is the only answer. When there are problems and conflicts, just love. Is there someone you don't like? Are there people who frustrate you? Is there someone who hurts your pride? Just love. How can you love? There is only one way: think of the cross of Jesus. Remember the love of the cross, where He bore it for a sinner like me. Renew your awareness that you are forgiven for a debt of ten thousand talents. Then, there will be no problem you cannot forgive or endure.
When dealing with conflicts or challenges, love is the answer. Have a person you find difficult to get along with? Remember Jesus' love on the cross. Reflect on the forgiveness you received, and you'll find it easier to forgive and love others.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
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