“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
God gives to the church gifts through God’s people to build up the body of Christ – which is the church.
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers…”
Whenever you come across lists like this in the Bible, these are not exhaustive lists. The Greeks did not have an “etc.” in their vocabulary, so the way they expressed “etc.” is to put like things together in a list.
Notice, that the purpose of spiritual gifts are for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. It is not for personal gain or personal use. When God gives people spiritual gifts, it is for the building up the church.
So, if you find yourselves content to show up and receive from others, you are missing out. You are missing out on the thrill and the privilege of being used by God for the building up of God’s church, and the church suffers without your gifts. God sent you with your gifts to be used for the building up of His church.
Worse yet, if the pattern of your involvement is to show up without engaging and serving, not only are you missing out, but eventually you will become dissatisfied and disillusioned with church. You will not be getting what you need. BECAUSE YOU WERE GIFTED TO SERVE. And you will be dissatisfied and disillusioned.
You are needed. Your spiritual gifts are needed. We are better and stronger when each of us serve, give, and use our spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ, His church.
Give Pastors James, Brad, or Bill a call and let’s get you serving!
