This series is written by Nathan Paugh, copyright protected.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5 of 5
Over the past several posts we have seen how the local church is an essential component to the growth of the believer. The reality is that when God’s people utilize God’s ordained instrument the results are unbelievable.
There are three specific, positive results that are revealed by Paul in Ephesians 4: 13 – 16 with the condition that they will come to be if the members of the church body will faithfully exercise their individual spiritual gifts.
- The church will be unified and loving (v. 13).
- The church will become mature and wise (vv. 13-15).
- The church will become effective and successful (vv. 15-16).”[¹]
In light of these statements it is imperative that we recognize that this success is not necessarily equal to the success as would be defined by the world. However, this success will be exactly what God has planned for that particular ministry.
Romans 12 is another passage to consider when attempting to understand this concept. In Romans 12: 3 – 8, we find the Apostle Paul exhorting the Roman church to utilize all of their gifts for the effectiveness and efficiency of the ministry. Paul makes it clear in verses 4 – 5 when he says, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”[²]
Therefore it is imperative to recognize what God’s plan is and then, as God’s children, follow this plan while utilizing their individual God given gifts. When we take God at His word and follow His plan be prepared to see amazing things take place in our own individual lives while also in the lives of those around us both individually and corporately.
[¹] Wayne Mack & Dave Swavely, Life in the Father’s House, (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2006), 158-159.
[²] Romans 12:4-5, KJV.
©2013 Mark Davis
<< The Centrality of the Local Church Series >>
Christians Are Us 
4 Comments