Reading
SAA Notes
This chapter contains much doctrine that is central to what we should be on about as a Christian congregation. Christ’s gifts to the Church are men of His Word – Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. What does verse 12 tell you is God’s purpose for your minister and his ministry?
SJA Notes
* Father God, You are the Good Shepherd, we are Your sheep. Please feed us today from Your word.
“… So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”
Every wind of doctrine.
Human cunning.
Craftiness in deceitful schemes.
These are three things that can cause us to be like flotsam and jetsam, tossed to a fro on the ocean, by the waves.
When we are children.
What does that mean?
We need to grow, and continue to grow in Christ Jesus! To mature, to blossom and flourish, to ground ourselves, dig our roots deep in God and His word.
So that we are like those living stones, being built up into a holy temple – the body of Christ, moving towards the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Jesus.
Growing toward Jesus is growing mature in the faith.
This protects us from being blown about, tossed here and there.
This is a good thing!
* Dear God,
Thank You for growing faith within us, Your word planted deep, blossoming, bearing fruit.
Please mark us as a fruitful people, humble under Your mighty hand, obediently going about Your will for us.
Thank You that growing toward You is maturing.
Please build us up in Your love Lord God.
Amen.