Rhapsody Of Realities 29 June 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy) – Distinct Purposes Of The Five-Fold Ministry Gifts
TOPIC: Distinct Purposes Of The Five-Fold Ministry Gifts (Rhapsody of Realities 29 June 2024)
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 highlights the distinct purposes of the five-fold ministry gifts in the Body of Christ.They’re for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Some Bible translations wrongly assume that the passage presents a single unified purpose, extending fromthe first line to the last due to the lack of punctuation in the manuscripts. However, a closer examination, supported by contextual analysis and comparison with other Scriptures reveals distinct purposes outlined by Paul.
Some other Bible translations wrongly phrased the statement as “for the perfecting of the saints, so that the saints can do the work of the ministry, which is the edifying of the Body of Christ.” But that’s a misconception. Three distinct purposes for the ministry gifts are, first, to perfect or equip the saints.
Secondly, they’re for the work of the ministry itself. Thirdly, they are for the edification of the Body of Christ. So, it’s not stating that the saints themselves will edify the Body of Christ, but rather, the five-fold offices listed in verse 11 are responsible for building up the Body of Christ.
Of course, when every part of the Body functions as it should, the entire Body is edified. Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) tells us, “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.”
Also, Colossians 2:19 says, “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” However, in Ephesians 4, Paul directs attention to the distinct purposes assigned to ministry gifts for equipping the saints, the work of the ministry, and building up the Church.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m equipped, edified, and built up in the Body of Christ through the ministry gifts. I don’t walk in darkness, weakness, or live in stagnation, for I’m always fruitful, productive and abounding in every good work. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 4:11-13: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
1 Corinthians 14:12 – Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 14:1-28 & Nehemiah 11-13
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 10:8-18 & Isaiah 18
Remember to share with all your friends and loved ones today. Thank you and God bless you richly.
Rhapsody of Realities 2024 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.
Rhapsody Of Realities 18 September 2024: Intercession Is For Others
Rhapsody Of Realities 18 September 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): Intercession Is For Others TOPIC: Intercession Is For Others ( Rhapsody of Realities 18 September 2024) Wherefore he is able...
Rhapsody Of Realities 17 September 2024: The “Lalia” Of Christ
Rhapsody Of Realities 17 September 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): The “Lalia” Of Christ TOPIC: The “Lalia” Of Christ (Rhapsody of Realities 17 September 2024) Why do ye...
Rhapsody Of Realities 16 September 2024: Talk From God
Rhapsody Of Realities 16 September 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): Talk From God TOPIC: Talk From God (Rhapsody of Realities 16 September 2024) But he answered and said,...
Rhapsody Of Realities 15 September 2024: Don’t “Chicken” Out
Rhapsody Of Realities 15 September 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): Don’t “Chicken” Out TOPIC: Don’t “Chicken” Out (Rhapsody of Realities 15 September 2024) …Nevertheless when the Son of...
Rhapsody Of Realities 14 September 2024: Understanding Helps You Apply The Word Correctly
Rhapsody Of Realities 14 September 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): Understanding Helps You Apply The Word Correctly TOPIC: Understanding Helps You Apply The Word Correctly (Rhapsody of Realities...
Rhapsody Of Realities 13 September 2024: His Focus Is Human Souls
Rhapsody Of Realities 13 September 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): His Focus Is Human Souls TOPIC: His Focus Is Human Souls ( Rhapsody of Realities 13 September 2024) For the...
Rhapsody Of Realities 12 September 2024: The Mission Continues
Rhapsody Of Realities 12 September 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): The Mission Continues TOPIC: The Mission Continues ( Rhapsody of Realities 12 September 2024) The Lord gave the word: great...
Rhapsody Of Realities 11 September 2024: God’s Grand Plan For Redemption
Rhapsody Of Realities 11 September 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): GOD’S GRAND PLAN FOR REDEMPTION TOPIC: God’s Grand Plan For Redemption (Rhapsody of Realities 11 September 2024)...