DCLM Daily Manna Devotional July 17, 2017
Topic: Edifying The Body of Christ
Bible Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
Key Verse: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
MESSAGE: The Apostle Paul revealed in our text that when Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave some believers ministry gifts to function as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These gifts are different from personal spiritual gifts. They are referred to as five-fold ministry gifts for ministers which the Holy Spirit gives to the church to develop the members, help them to discover and use their personal spiritual gifts.
These gifts in the church are for the purpose of edification, equipping, growing and maturing believers so that they will grow from spiritual babes to mature believers. And they foster unity among believers. Apostles refers to certain men called directly by Jesus Christ and given special authority to lay doctrinal foundation in the church. The prophet is gifted to speak unto men edification, exhortation and comfort. He also has the supernatural ability to receive and declare revelation from God about future events.
DCLM Daily Manna Devotional: Our Great Deliverer
The evangelist is specially gifted to point sinners to Christ and challenge fellow believers to win souls. The pastor/teacher is endowed with a supernatural ability to communicate and clarify the details of God’s word and lead the flock to God. He combines the qualities of a shepherd and extraordinary skills of a trainer. All teachers may not necessarily be pastors, but all pastors must be teachers. God wants His people to grow and come to unity and perfection in Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
The goal is that all believers in Christ must attain the full stature of Christ-likeness and become productive members of the Body of Christ. This growth will be achieved when the believers are united in faith, holiness and love. Have you discovered your own ministry gift? Pray through and receive, so that you experience great revival, blessings and be a co-labourer with Christ.
Thought for the day: The saved is gifted to serve the Body.
Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 1-4
DCLM Daily Manna Devotional was written by Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the Founder and General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
