EQUIPPING THE SAINTS
And he 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 (Ephesians 4:11-12).
The apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4, talks about the five-fold ministry gifts which are for the perfecting of the saints. What does it mean by “the perfecting of the saints?” It’s interesting to note that this does not imply making the saints better or more perfect. Saints are already perfect. It refers to equipping and bringing up the saints.
Consider this example: do children become more human as they grow? No! Every child is born perfectly human, just as their parents are. Children need to grow and be brought up, and this involves equipping them with knowledge and the requisite nourishment. Until they grow and are equipped with the right information, intelligence, and strength, they cannot fully engage in the activities that adult humans do, despite being already hundred per cent human.
In the same way, the perfecting of the saints involves helping them grow and be equipped for their purpose in the Body of Christ. There is a tendency for some Christians to resort to the ordinary way of life instead of living the transcendent life in Christ. Therefore, they need to be taught and reminded of who they are in Christ, and how they must live.
This is the essence of the five-fold offices. This is why for ministers of the Gospel, our work in the Gospel must be well understood. We’re first and foremost called to be saints; saints of God, members of the Body of Christ. But then God created a structure for His Church and appointed some into special ministry offices to assist in equipping the saints in carrying out the work of the ministry.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I pray that Christians everywhere will fully understand and fulfil their roles and responsibilities within the Body of Christ, being strengthened in the faith and encouraged by the Spirit and the Word to stand firm in their convictions of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 4:11-16 AMPC; Colossians 1:28-29
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:11-32 & Ruth 1-4
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:23-28 & Leviticus 16
