The Lord intends the church to serve one another, and help each other grow in Christ-likeness so we can be an effective witness for him in the world.

What we see here in Ephesians 4 is that Jesus empowers the church to grow itself. And what we see here is that the whole congregation is responsible not only for governing its membership but also growing its membership with one another.

1. God Given Gifts (v. 11-12)
2. The Goal of Growth (v. 13-14)
3. The Game Plan (v. 15-16)

Ephesians 4:16 starts with the words “from whom”, reminding us that Jesus is the head of the Church. All of this growth, all of this change comes through Christ. We don’t need to do this in our own strength, wisdom or ability, Christ is the source of our joy and strength. Christ loves his church and will care for His body. Just as your head controls your body and directs the members of the body to care for one another, so Christ does in the church. Just as your head does not cut off a sore finger, but tenderly nurses it back to health, so Christ does for a wounded member of His body. We can draw near to Christ, knowing that He loves His Church and cares for you.

Jesus is the source of love. Jesus ultimately grows his church, not us! We are just the conduits as we partake in this every member ministry of building each other up in love.

Be encouraged, even if you are exhausted. Don’t become weary of well doing. Take small steps toward each other, and watch Jesus take the smallest acts of faith and do great things with them…for His glory and for our Joy!