That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Ephesians 4:14 KJV
The church of Jesus Christ is well structured. The Lord has anointed and appointed ministry gifts and has given them to the church for the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12).
Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is so that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church (the Body of Christ) to a position of strength and maturity.
The word perfecting in Ephesians 4:12 is translated from a Greek root word katartizō, which means to frame, fit, repair, complete, mend what has been broken, and complete furnishing or equipping. So, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers have been given to the Church for the complete furnishing or equipping of the saints. Their training brings the saints to a position of strength and maturity.
Spiritual stability is a result of consciously following what you have been taught and putting the knowledge into practice: “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:7 KJV). Begin by practicing what your pastor or spiritual leader is teaching you about spiritual stability.
Our opening verse shows us that when we receive the ministry of these gifts in the Church, we shall no more be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine. Our lives will be free from the deception and instability, which characterize the life of spiritual babes.
Every one of us needs these ministry gifts. If you think you don’t need one, you are already living in deception. You must belong to a family where the elders can teach, rebuke, correct, and train you in righteousness. Nobody is an island. You are strong, fortified, and formidable in the church family. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
I am being perfected and fully furnished for every good work. I grow in strength and maturity in Christ. I am rooted and built up in Him. I am established in the faith as I have been taught. I practice the Word with gratitude and consistency. Hallelujah!
DEEPER REFLECTION
Hebrews 5:14 (KJV) ,Galatians 5:4 (KJV)
I Peter 2:2 (KJV), Acts 20:30 (KJV)
BIBLE READING PLAN
1 YEAR: Deuteronomy 5-6, John 13
2 YEAR: Exodus 30, Mark 1:16-30
