Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The Fullness

In Ephesians 4:7-13 we see the description of the five-fold ministry. According to Paul, the offices/gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher are meant to exist to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body. In a conversation I had with another believer they stated that they felt that the end goal was that each member of the body reaches the fullness of the stature of the Messiah, and that at that point we would all operate in all five offices. This point is important because we do need to know how long these offices are to exist if the point is to equip the saints.

First I disagree that we can all operate in all of these gifts. There is nothing in this passage that indicates this, although it is frequently preached from the pulpit. It is clear that the gifts (plural) were given by the Messiah to men (plural) in verse eight. That is what the scripture says, and although I love my brethren, when they disagree with the scripture, I have to agree with the scripture.

The second point is when can we expect to reach the fullness of the stature of the Messiah, as stated in verse 13? In 1 John 3:2-3 it says that when we see Him we will be as He is. Therefore, it would suggest that at the second coming we will be like Jesus. Until then, we are to work toward being pure. How? Through the work of the five-fold ministry, studying the scriptures, prayer, praise, etc. So, I suggest first that no one will ever have all five ministry gifts, because the purpose of them is to get us to the time when we are like Him, which is when He returns. There is no indication in this scripture that they will continue after that. Why is this important?

For me and my house, we need to see the five-fold in operation because we need to be equipped. Whatever we are missing is an opportunity for the enemy to attack and inflict damage. I do not want that for my family.

What do you want for your family?

Prayer
Father, You are the Most High King. You alone are worthy of all praise and honor. You alone can help man reach the the fullness of the stature of the Messiah through the gifts that Jesus died and rose again for, the five-fold ministry. Please Father, have mercy on us all. Please call forth these gifts on the earth in a mighty way today. In Jesus name. Amen.