For the Edification of the Church

God had given apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to the church in Ephesus. Ephesians 4:11. Can this be said of the church where we live? If not, then what is the reason? If revelation of “the church” as the body of Christ is lacking, then the love and power which accompany this revelation are also lacking.

When the people lacked revelation, they lived unrestrainedly. If one does not see the greatness and wisdom of God that is in the life and activity of the church (Ephesians 4:11-16), one can settle down in one of many religious assemblies. But if one has come to God’s mar­velous light (1 Peter 2:9), one needs to stand firm so one’s lampstand is not removed.

In the church we need to “draw near” (Hebrews 10:22) and go forth in the full assurance of faith. There we are fused together to be a lampstand made of hammered gold. Revelation 1:20. If we are not one of the apostles or prophets, etc. (Ephesians 4:11), then we must be among the “saints” who are being made perfect for the work of minis­try, for the edification of the body of Christ. Verse 12. We must be wholeheartedly devoted to God, and have forgotten our own people and land. He who looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62.

The minimum requirement for being in the church is to be “sanctified.” We must be separated in our heart from everything that is worldly. Then we will become the object of the work which the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers are appointed to do. By their ministry, and by being faithful to the truth, we can grow up to the Head in all things. Ephesians 4:15.

We must have a clear and definite goal before our eyes so that this work can succeed. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life. 2 Timothy 2:4. Could it be that one of the greatest hindrances for a member of the body to function is the affairs of this life? They steal time from the prophet to meditate in God’s temple; as well, the “saints” spend too little time in their prayer clos­ets. If there is a need in our prayers there must also be quietness in our hearts’ temple if the thoughts and intents of the heart are to be revealed. The people of this world fill themselves with worldly wis­dom and enjoyment, and the world knows them. We must be spiri­tual Nazarenes, known by God.

Paul was enlightening the Ephesians concerning a mystery. Ephesians 3:9. The mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs of the same body. Ephesians 3:6. It continues to be a mystery that the church is not a human institution but consists of born-again members. These members have consciously given themselves to God so that a work can be done in their lives, and they can be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19.

The light is shining clearly. Its purpose is to awaken us to see the right order in the church, so we can enter in. If we have received light, it is our responsibility to make sure that our gatherings are not lack­ing in edification and power, so that the manifold wisdom of God can be made manifest—not only to people, but also to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:10.

The church, the body of Christ, the bride of Jesus, is the most ex­cellent, splendid, and noble of all of God’s creation. Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 1:15-19. If we are apprehended of this, we will joyfully turn our backs on the world and run toward the goal.