Equipping God’s People

Ephesians 4.7-16

April 20, 2008.

In the above passage, we read that Jesus ascended to heaven. He led the captives into captivity- the devil, death and sin. He gave ministerial gifts; some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and some teachers to equip His people; the body of Christ to grow into His fullness; in maturity, steadfastness and integrity.

Maturity: By maturity, I mean Christ-like maturity where we are transformed into His likeness. Col.2.6- 7 exhorts us to continue to live in Christ and to be rooted and built up in Him. Our roots should go deep; we must grow up and be strong in Him. We must be men and women of the Word. The Spirit and the Word will help us to grow into His maturity.

Steadfastness; The enemy will try to destroy our faith and our work for the Lord. Stand steadfast in faith against him. The Psalmist says, “ I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved”. (Psalm 16:8). Be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Your labour in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

Integrity: Integrity should be the watchword of every Christian. We must speak the truth with one another. The word “Tummah” means Integrity. It means simplicity, sincerity, truthfulness, pure heart and uprightness. The plural is “Thummim”. It was one of the words on the breastplate of the high priest when he entered into the presence of God! Integrity should be in our hearts!

“To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus’

All I want is to be like Him.

Not in a measure, but in His fullness;

All I want is to be like Him”