The key to most victories needed in life is the growth of our spirit.
This book was written to believers, exhorting them to walk worthy of their calling. The word, "Beseech," is the Greek word, "parakaleo," to come alongside and plead or command. This is not a commandment involved in our salvation, but one for our spiritual growth. Until you are born again, spiritual growth is impossible.
*The list in Ephesians 1-6 isn't about refraining from certain actions but rather of attitudes to maintain.
Grace gift - Ephesians 4:7-16
"To each one..." - Each of us (those born again have been given a grace gift.
"To some..." - Note those gifts were for some (not all). Some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.
Regarding these five gifts, their purpose of equipping believers for the ministry.
What the enemy does to keep us from spiritual growth:
1. Distracting - teachings (from twinkies to poison - not all is poison). Some teachings are like spiritual junk food. They have no nutritional value for growth. Other teachings are downright poisonous and can destroy you.
2. Not speaking the truth or speaking the truth in love.
3. Keeping us from being knit together. We all have character flaws, but we should still receive the gifting within each other. I might not want to emulate how a person walks, but they might have a teaching gift I need to receive.
4. Cutting us off from the other parts of the body. Many have abandoned gathering together for worship, prayer, and the Word, thus cutting themselves off from valuable opportunities for growth. Each of us has a gift to benefit others in the Body of Christ. We are hindering our own growth when we don't come together.
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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 AM. Super Church for Kids also starts at 10:00 AM. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you!
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