For the Glory of God

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Ephesians 4:11-16 (The Message)
 ^7-13But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift. The text for this is,

   He climbed the high mountain,
   He captured the enemy and seized the booty,
   He handed it all out in gifts to the people.

Is it not true that the One who climbed up also climbed down, down to the valley of earth? And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.
 ^14-16No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.

For Reflection


Our strength as individuals lies in how we are different, not in how we are alike.  Differences are gifts from God.  What are your gifts?  How have you used them?  How do you think God will use them?  Give in to God.  Relax! If you have him as your first interest, He will have you as His.

Pray that we recognize the gifts in our selves and in others.  Pray that we embrace our differences.