Equipping the Saints

The Diversity of God’s Gifts

Equipping the Saints

Ephesians 4:11-12

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

Starting Prayer

Lord, grant me wisdom to understand how Your diverse gifts equip the saints for ministry. Guide me to use my gifts effectively for the edification of Your church. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background

Ephesians 4 addresses the unity of the body of Christ and the diversity of spiritual gifts given by Christ for the building up of the church. In verses 11-12, Paul lists some of these gifts, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, emphasizing their role in equipping the saints for ministry and the edification of the body of Christ.

Be Encouraged

Just as a toolbox contains various tools for different purposes, God has equipped His church with diverse gifts to fulfill various ministries. Just as a carpenter needs different tools for different tasks, so the church needs different giftings to fulfill its mission. Whether it's teaching, preaching, leading, or serving, each member's contribution is essential for the growth and unity of the body of Christ.

Furthermore, the purpose of these gifts is *not for personal glory but for the common good and the building up of the church.* As each member exercises their gift in service to others, the body of Christ becomes stronger and more effective in fulfilling its purpose. Let us, therefore, embrace our unique roles and support one another in using our gifts for God's glory.

Additional Verses

- 1 Peter 4:10: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

- Romans 12:6-8: "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

Invitation

Beloved member of the church of Christ, have you neglected your God-given gifts and failed to use them to serve God and others? Repent and start utilising them now to equip the church!

If you have not yet obeyed the Gospel, today, there is an invitation to come home to the church of Christ. Repent from all your sins and be baptized for the forgiveness of all sins you have committed in the past. It is through baptism that we are united with Christ and receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to use our gifts for His glory.

By embracing our unique roles and using our gifts to equip the church, we can build up the body of Christ and make a difference in the world. Let us not waste our God-given potential, but rather use it to the fullest for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Concluding Prayer

Lord, thank you for the diverse gifts You have given to Your church. Help me to use my gifts faithfully for the edification of the body and the advancement of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

Theodore J. Quist

Evangelist

Church of Christ

Abokobi - Accra

Ghana

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