THE FUNCTIONING OF THE CHURCH

Ephesians 4:1-3, the Apostle Paul is speaking to born again believers, and begins with making sure you and I know where we fit in, when it comes to the Church.  We are to live our lives in such a way, as to bring honor to God.  We are to have servant hearts.  We are to prefer others before ourselves.  We are to make every effort to maintain peace, and to display Christian unity. 

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

He then goes on, in verses 4-6, to present God's organization known as the Church.  Its founder and leader, is the Triune God.
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

Paul then explains in verses 7-10, that every born again believer has a role to play in the functioning of the church, and that God has given us the ability to do our part.

"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things)."

Paul then informs us that God chose some men as leaders, and explains their role in shepherding God's flock (verses 11-16).

"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Notice that the leaders focus is on protecting and preparing God's sheep, and that it is the sheep who are to do the work of the ministry (serving, soul-winning, financial support, etc.).

Are you a child of God?  If so, you have work to do!