7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Humility through Understanding God's Grace
Paul continues encouraging the believers to be united. This time round, expounding on the HUMILITY of the believer. How can we be humble? To know that the intellect, skills, abilities, wealth we have, is by the grace of God and has been given by God in proportion. He gave some more, some less. Hence, we should remind ourselves not to be boastful about ourselves, but be reminded that they are given by Him.
Purpose of God's Grace - To Serve. To Build the Church.
It is important to know the purpose of these graces given to us. It is to equip us for works of service, to build up the church. It is not to used just in the world to live for ourselves and neglect the church. It is to build up the church through serving, till all reach unity through maturity in the faith. Maturity in the faith is attained when we understand the fullness of Christ.
How do we build up the church that we reach unity in the faith? Pursue understanding of His Word.
Ephesians 4:14-16
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Pursue Understanding of His Word
When we understand His Word, we will not be deceived by this false teacher, or that false teacher who preaches because of his own deceptive objectives. Not for the sake of preaching solely God's word.
Speak the Truth in Love - Gentleness, Patience
Other than understanding, we should not be prideful of having understood and start condemning others but to speak the truth in love. This ties back to the quality of gentleness. This ties back to the quality of patience. Being gentle, not judgmental, being patient, not quick to give up, on a brother, that he will grow to be mature and be part of the church.
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