Focal Passage: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16
A call from Christ unto salvation when accepted is immediately met with a call for service — service to the One who saved us by obeying His teachings and living a life worthy of the calling we have received. And, service to one another in love to help grow and encourage each other.
We all have weaknesses just as we all have strengths. And each of us has each at varying degrees. Some have more weaknesses than they do strengths. But some have more strengths than they do weaknesses. But in the body of Christ, the church, that discrepancy is leveled out. The holes are filled and the gaps are closed.
Just as our human bodies have many different parts and organs, so does the body of Christ, the church. We have arms, legs, ears, eyes, organs and each has a specific function to perform. Each is uniquely different but shares a common purpose.
The eye can see an object, but it cannot pick it up. It must rely on the arm and hand to complete that part of the process. The arm and the hand cannot transport the body from one location to another, or at least not easily, without the assistance of the legs. They might be able to supply some movement, but at great difficulty and discomfort which we call impairment. But when all parts are working in unison the body works efficiently and in harmony producing well-being.
Nimmo
The body of Christ is no different. The church has many different parts, each having a specific role to play and each providing for the well-being of the whole. Each Christian has been given a specific role to play, a gift, to be shared.
Sometimes we may forget just how important our role is to the rest of the body. When we do not function as Christ has gifted us, the body of Christ suffers. Like the legs not doing their function, the body may be able to move, but not without impairment.
In this study we will look at some passages in Ephesians. Here Paul talks about the body of Christ and how we all have a unique responsibility to contribute to the unity and well-being of the whole.
In Ephesians 4:1-7, Paul begins by urging his readers to walk worthy of their calling. We are to treat each other with kindness and gentleness and to be patient with one another and forbearing with one another’s weaknesses. He reminds them they are all part of the same body, that they are one. We all have received the same grace and there is no partiality.
In verses 11-13, Paul states that each has been given a role to play. But the common purpose is to build up the body of Christ. We do this by each doing our part so that all of us will mature in our faith and grow in our understanding of Christ.
In verses 14-16, Paul gives the benefits of working together in unity and maturing in our faith. We will no longer be vulnerable like little children, but we will become more like Christ who will make us strong working together in unison to form a perfect body. B&R
