BODY BUILDING

 

 May 8, 2025

 

Ephesians 4:11–16

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

 

---

“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

 Ephesians 4:16

---

 

Growth is a sign of health in any living thing—and the Body of Christ is no exception. God’s desire is not just for His Church to exist, but to grow—in maturity, unity, and love. And this growth doesn’t happen by accident. It comes through intentional equipping, spiritual leadership, and the faithful participation of every believer.

Ephesians 4 describes how God gives leaders—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—not to do all the work, but to equip the saints (that’s us!) for the work of ministry. As we each step into our roles, the Body is built up. The goal? Maturity in Christ. Unity in faith. Steadfastness in truth. Love in action.

But growth also requires effort. It calls for listening to sound teaching, rejecting spiritual passivity, speaking truth with love, and staying connected to the rest of the Body. Just like muscles in the human body, spiritual strength increases when we’re exercised in love, service, and truth.

The Body of Christ becomes healthy and strong when each part not only believes, but builds. We have a role in that development.


Reflection Questions

Are you actively growing in your faith—or are  you spiritually coasting? (It happens to us all at times)

What would do you feel would help you grow deeper in Christ right now?

Do you see yourself as a builder in the Body of Christ?

Do you feel you are assisting fellow worshippers mature in their walk with Jesus? 



Let Us Pray

Lord, I want to grow in You. Help me not to settle for spiritual coasting or isolation. Teach me to speak truth in love, to build others up, and to take responsibility for my part in Your Body. May our church be one that grows strong in love, truth, and unity, all for Your glory. Amen.