1. Joined and Knit Together
Studies in Ephesians 25
Joined and Knit Together
Ephesians 4:16

2. Ephesians 4:11-16 Leaders in God’s word provided - functionaries
For the Equipping of the saints for the work of ministry (service) for the edifying of the body of Christ
So that we are mature and grounded, so that we are no longer tossed to and fro…

3. The whole body, joined and knit
We are the body of Christ
He is the head (vs. 15, 1:22-23, 5:23)
We are the body – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Romans 12:4-5 Colossians 1:19

4. The whole body, joined and knit
Parts of a body are brought together and intact. Not just a collection of parts, but parts joined and functioning properly as they move in conjunction with one another.

5. The whole body, joined and knit
The Body of Christ within a given location needs to have this type of seamless unity to fully function.
Joined & knit implies work is being done to create structure.
MATURITY TAKES EFFORT!

6. The effective working…
Effective working (ἐνέργεια, energeia - effectual working, proper working, etc) – our English word “energy” is derived from this Greek word - Active or “working” in an effective way!

7. The effective working…
Every part does its share – Every member needs to be busy doing, not just something, but their share of the work
When a part of the body malfunctions, it affects the rest of the body Revelation 2-3, Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 2:11-13
When every part is working effectively and does its share – true growth happens!

8. Causes growth of the body…`
When we sow enough, we are going to grow – 2 Corinthians 9:6
Typically, when there is deficiency, someone is not doing their full share

9. Causes growth of the body…
HOW is the body to grow?
Closer to God – James 4:8
Spiritually – Revelation 3:7
Closer to one another – 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Our text – grounded in love and truth, united in faith, mature in Him, with leaders

10. Causes growth of the body…
Edifying of itself in love
Edification – building up Romans 14:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Ephesians 4:29

11. Causes growth of the body…
Itself – we are independent and autonomous! Our growth doesn’t depend on being accepted by others!
The only approval we need is God – 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Timothy 2: Corinthians 10:18

12. Causes growth of the body…
In love
Agape love – the ultimate result!
When we are of one mind, of one heart and growing – we will genuinely love one another as we ought to.
Strength will cause our love for God to increase also! 1 John 4:19
We will love the church and desire what is best for her!

13. What are you doing to cause growth in the body?