Ephesians Part 21
Without love as our driving force, even the most active service loses its spiritual value. John writes, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God.”
The purpose of all the roles Paul lists in Ephesians 4:11 is clearly stated in verse 12:
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
The Greek word translated “equipping” refers to making someone fully prepared or fit to accomplish a specific task. Ministry, or diakonia, literally means service, like the humble work of serving others, as a table waiter would. Every spiritual gift, Paul emphasizes, is a service gift, given not for self-promotion but for building others up. The goal of all ministry is not personal achievement but the strengthening and growth of the Church.
This principle aligns beautifully with God’s call to serve in love. Without love as our driving force, even the most active service loses its spiritual value. John writes, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God” (1 John 4:7). When we serve one another in love, we reflect God’s nature, because His Spirit abides in us (1 John 4:13).
Thus, the spiritual offices Paul describes are not positions of privilege, but of responsibility. Their purpose is to teach and equip every believer to discover and use their own gifts for service, to strengthen the body of Christ. This edification leads to maturity, unity and spiritual growth. The NIV Study Bible notes that “built up” recalls the imagery of Ephesians 2:19–22, where believers are described as both a Body and a building—two metaphors emphasizing growth and interdependence. As Paul reminds the Galatians, we are to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). Peter echoes the same spirit:
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
Ultimately, all of this labor, teaching and service aims toward one divine goal:
“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
The “unity of the Spirit” mentioned earlier in the chapter is a gift to be guarded, but “unity of the faith” is a goal to be reached. When every member knows, serves and trusts the Lord, the Church will reach maturity—a complete and unified body reflecting the fullness of Christ. The prophet Isaiah foresaw this day when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).
To be a “perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” as Paul describes, means to be spiritually complete, mature in faith, and fully conformed to Christ’s image. This is the lifelong process of discipleship and growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). When we reach that fullness, when the Church collectively reflects Christ’s nature in unity, love and service, we will have fulfilled the purpose for which these gifts were given: to glorify God through the mature, radiant body of His Son.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
