Speak the Same Thing, Pt. 13 (final)

1 Timothy 4:1

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Do you see what is behind that spirit of religion?  Muslims don’t just kill themselves; they strap on bombs and they blow everyone else up so they can all go to hell together.  Satan is that way.  But you were created in Christ Jesus for a purpose. 

Acts 16:16-18

…for I have appeared unto thee [Paul] for this purpose, to make thee a minister and … To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

God puts saints in the body to meet each particular need.  There are rich saints and poor saints.  If you have financial blessings from God, make that your ministry.  If you are creative or have computer skills, serve in that way.  But we are all joined together.

Ephesians 4:15-16

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together…

Notice that.  God has created the body of Christ to be fitly joined together like the human body – like Adam and Eve’s. 

Genesis 2:22

And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

The Hebrew word for ‘made’ in this verse means that God ‘stacked her up.’  The original bodies of Adam and Eve were beyond our comprehension.  They were beautiful.  That is what God is doing with the church the body of Christ.

 …From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted [by the Spirit and word of God] by that which every joint supplieth, 

Every member of the church the body of Christ serves a purpose, and it is in the local assembly that we have the spiritual blessing from God to work out our own salvation (Phil.2:12).  Whether it is cleaning the floors, working in the kitchen, serving in children’s ministry, giving or preaching, every joint (member) supplieth, 

…according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, 

As you take in God’s word you are able to play your part.  It is effectual—it is increasing.  The more you get the word in you and the more you fellowship, the more you can serve God.  The word starts to effectually work in them that believe 

… maketh increase of the body 

Paul is talking about the local assembly.  Because every joint is supplying their measure (playing their part) the end result will be fantastic (like mixing all the different ingredients together to bake a delicious cake).  That is what God is doing.  We all play a part.  Even if you don’t understand it all, it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). 

…unto the edifying of itself in love.

You do have a part, whether it is with your time, treasure or talent.  It is between you and God.  If you don’t know what your part is, just be a part of your local grace assembly.  That is your time.  That is worship.  There are other things you can be doing, but that willing sacrifice of time to be there learning and worshiping with the saints can be your part.  But however we serve, we all play a part, and that part should be increasing.  Don’t be stagnant; let your part increase.  That is what God is saying.

Transcribed from an audio message by Ron Knight