God's Strength through Us Molds Us into Dependent Followers Who Love the Church

Photo by Stepheney

Scripture: Ephesians 4:15-16

but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Insights: We conclude this week with a better understanding from where our strength comes.  You will recall yesterday we discussed how we grew in our knowledge of the Lord, and as a result, we were able to discern the truth from the lies dispensed in this world.  With this increased strength we learn in verse fifteen the true source behind this strength.  We learn our knowledge we have gained only becomes truly powerful when we have surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus.  In other words, when we are fully dependent on Christ and not our increased knowledge do we really experience victory.  This ability leads to one last item regarding the church.  Because we are dependent on the Lord, we begin to live and acts like Him.  Now remember, He died for the church.  He is protective of the church.  The reason Jesus bears these kind of traits toward the church is because He loves the church.  When we have gone through this entire process, what happens to us is we start to see this world differently.  We then are transformed to such an extent we are able to love the church as well.  These individuals are not just nameless faces in the worship service.  If they have been born again, then they are your brothers and sisters.  You ought to love them and serve them.  When you live life like that you are truly displaying your belief in the wholeness of the church.  Let us, the church, truly be centered around Jesus and be recipients of His amazing grace.

Questions:

1. In what ways do you display your dependency on the Lord?

2. How would you describe your love for the church?

Prayer: Father, help me to be more dependent on You and increase my love for Your bride, the church, as well.  Amen.

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