THE BODY IS EDIFIED IN LOVE
Wednesday – January 11, 2017
Greetings in the name of Jesus from The Three Minute Word publication. Hump day is upon us and we are sliding toward the weekend. Now back to our Bible Study from Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:14-17 (KJV)
14 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;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
I have been discussing how Jesus when He ascended to the right hand of Majesty on High gave gifts to men (people). These gifts are special anointing of the Holy Spirit for the function and office of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher. These Five-Fold Ministry gifts, people with these gifts, are to be present and function in every person’s life and in every Church. They play a key role in promoting maturity, and facilitating increased and more productive ministry for the individual and Church as a whole. This strengthens the individual Churches in a given area and depending on the unity between Churches the town, city, State, and Nation are strengthened. This is important for the Church then acts as an impenetrable bulwark against the enemy and righteousness reigns and the people rejoice.
Each of us must understand that although God can do great and wonderful things through us for and in the Kingdom of God individually we are more productive and a greater force for the Kingdom in concert with others. We are to work as a well-conditioned human body. As in the human body the health of one part is vital to the health of the rest of the body. In Ephesians 4:16 the word ‘compacted’ indicates a knitting together, the presence of attachments, agreements, and this compacting is facilitated by the Truth, increasing spiritual maturity, by being in our place. There is a place that fits each of us to a T and will cause the individuals and the associated body to function with the God level of proficiency and power.
As I prepare to finish moving through this verse let’s take a look at the Biblical Numerology for a moment. Recall that Ephesians is the tenth book of the New Testament which indicates responsibility. This is the fourth chapter and the number four has to do with creation, authority, and power. We are in the sixteenth verse having to do with love which is obedience to the Word of God. It is our responsibility to seek after and attain to maturity because only then can we fully exercise the supernatural creativity of God through us, only in maturity can we fully exercise the full authority and power of the Blessing, and only in maturity can we walk in the fullness of Scripture. When Jesus says you must raise the dead like I did we must understand that this kind of power is not going to flow in a spiritual baby. Just think, you don’t turn a Jaguar car over to a ten year old.
Okay now back to our text.
Ephesians 4:16 (KJV)
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Let’s look at this in another translation of the Bible.
Ephesians 4:16 (ESV)
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Notice that as each person (part) matures this strengthens the body as a whole and that body will function at a higher level and will grow. This facilities and permits us to fulfil the mandates of God to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue, exercise stewardship, and guard the Kingdom of God. Notice that this all takes place as the body builds (edifies) itself up in love. Love in the Bible, the Kingdom of God is at its core obeying the Word of God, Holy Scripture. We have to obey the Scripture of course with the right motivation which is an attitude of selflessness. We also must understand our responsibilities of the Blood Covenant to which we are a party in Christ Jesus. One of the key components of Blood Covenant is that whatever one party is willing to do and in fact does, the other must do also. All of the assets and capabilities of one party are at the disposal of the other. If one is attacked the other will use 100% of its resources to defend the covenant partner. When we cast our cares over onto the Lord which distract us from taking care of Kingdom business He will care for us. Don’t miss this, the body of Christ as a whole and each of us individually and our groups are built up, strengthened by our obedience to the Word of God. It would be easier if all we had to do was eat ice cream (smile). No, we have to acquire the Word of God, guard the Word of God, and do the Word of God by the leadership of the Spirit of God.
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
