December 14 2025

Sunday December 14

“For the Work of Ministry”

Ephesians 4:11-16

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Today we continue our study of Ephesians 4:11–16. We have spent a significant amount of time on these verses because they are vitally important for every member of the body of Christ—every believer, every follower of Jesus Christ—to understand exactly what their purpose and role is within the body. Up to this point, this entire chapter has focused on that very theme: the unity of the Spirit and the unity of the body—one body working together for one purpose.

What is that purpose? We find it clearly stated in verses 11 and 12: “And He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

We’ve discussed that when the work of the ministry is being carried out, Christlikeness will be evident in the lives of believers. Each believer will be growing into the likeness of Christ, “to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”. Along with that growth comes stability. We will “no longer be like children”—arguing, acting selfishly, seeking positions of prominence, competing with one another, or promoting ourselves. That kind of behavior is childish. We are no longer children. Additionally, we will not be easily swayed by false doctrine or deceptive teaching, whether it comes from within the church, the surrounding culture, or the internet.

Another vital outcome of this passage is what we might call cooperation—working together as one body. This is emphasized in verse 16: “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

When every member is functioning according to the spiritual gifts they have been given, actively exercising those gifts within the local church, the body is knit together in love. It builds itself up. It is strengthened and edified. What a beautiful picture that is. And once again, we see the purpose being fulfilled.

What is that purpose? The saints are being equipped “for the work of the ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ”. We have been given spiritual gifts not for self-importance, not for personal praise or recognition, but so that the entire body—every joint, every member—can become all that God intends it to be. Every part matters. Every member is important. In God’s sight, every believer who faithfully serves is a hero, fulfilling the work of the ministry.

Now remember what the work of the ministry is. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:6, that “God has made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant—not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul continues by saying that because we have received this ministry, we do not lose heart. We do not quit. Even though Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers, even though we may be knocked down, afflicted, or persecuted, we get back up. Why? So that the message of Jesus Christ and the glorious gospel might be made known—even through our physical bodies—as we labor together. This does not mean everything will be easy or perfect, but it does mean the work is worth it.

Then Paul clearly defines this ministry in 2 Corinthians 5:18: “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” There it is. As the body of Christ, we work together to tell the world who Jesus Christ truly is. That is why Paul goes on to say in verse 21: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, we have peace with God. And as believers working together within the body of Christ—the church—we fulfill the work of the ministry by proclaiming reconciliation. We tell the world that they can come back to God. They can have a personal, real relationship with Him. Their sins can be forgiven. They can experience wholeness, peace, joy, and the life God created them to live. That is reconciliation—restored fellowship with God.

Are you exercising your spiritual gift in the work of ministry, the ministry of reconciliation, and the building up of the body of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God?

God bless!