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"From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does it share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

Text: Ephesians 4:16

BEWARE, THE HEADLESS BODY

Sometimes, believers forget that they are to consciously relate to Christ, the Head of the whole body. To leave Christ out is to be a headless body!

KEEPING THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND

Paul once again reminded his readers to keep the big picture in mind:-

1. Christ is the Head of the Body

2. The whole body is joined and knit together

a) Joined together (“sunarmologoumenon”)

This word was previously used (Cf. Ephesians 2:21 translated “fitted together”) to describe how God fits all believers together to form the spiritual temple of God. It is now used to describe how the local church must learn how to be “joined” and “fitted together” to be that united body of believers (Ephesians 4:16).

b) Knit together (“sumbibazoumenon”)

This idea is drawn from Paul’s fascination of how the human body is “knit together” marvelously. Bone mass, muscle tissue, organs, ligaments etc… all are wonderfully “knit together”.

3. Every joint supplies one function or another

No joint in the human body is without its special and specific function. In the same way, every believer must seek to understand his role in the body of Christ!

4. According to the effective working by which every part does it share

a) Each part must be healthy.

b) Every part is meant to contribute its share.

c) Only when it is healthy is it able to offer “effective working”.

5. Causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love

a) Growth is established when every healthy joint contributes its share.

b) Edification of the body of Christ involves both leader and “the average church member”. Every effort put in must be made “in love” for Christ and the Church.