Ephesians 4:12

4:12

to – for the purpose

prepare – train, equip, strengthen, enarmor, time for practice, working out, increase proficiency, enable the saints

God’s people – the saints

for works – I’m not satisfied watching the kingdom of God; I must be involved

of service – The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve. At least two all-time characteristics of following Christ, of being God’s people: (1) Persecution or opposition; and (2) Service. Who can I serve today?

so that – train of logic goes like this: Christ gave leadership gifts; these leaders prepare the saints; and the result is…

the body of Christ – Paul’s favorite word picture when dealing with unity and diversity

may be built up - … and the result is “built up”; stronger, bigger, healthier. What results do we expect if we enter a physical fitness regimen? Less fat, stronger heart, responsive muscles, in sum, the body should look and function to its highest level. The parallel clearly applies to the body of Christ when it has been/is being “prepared” for works of service. But that brings me back to “works.” It is not God’s goal that the church merely look good (think body-building). And this passage is not talking about being versus doing. The point of the gifts and the training they provide is exclusively “for works of service.” My home worship community does not put on a top-rated performance on Sunday mornings. Set alongside other group events (whether religious or not), this would get very low marks. In that sense, our local body of Christ does not look good. But that’s not the point. The focus comes back to “works of service.” And from that perspective, this fellowship is doing fairly well, surprisingly well for its size. Some have regular ministries of visitation to elderly shut-ins. Some are involved in pro-life ministries. Some in service to families of prisoners. And I’m sure there are other “works of service” that are done so that only God sees them. So I would guess that, allowing for the size of the congregation, God would credit our body as fulfilling its purpose better than most. Thank you, Lord, for faithful leadership that has in the past, and continues today, to prepare Your people for works of service. In doing so, they enable us to be built up.