Date: 24-July-2023
Name: Neil Fairbrother
Topic: THE FULL MEASURE
Content:
EPHESIANS 4: 11 -13
11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
to measure an object.
has a requirement
of 3 dimensions
width,
depth,
& height.
= total measurement of object.
width = knowledge
depth = experience
height = attitude - integrity
knowledge
(broadens your horizons )
measurement of understanding
'experience deepens it'.
A depth of understanding by doing both: what works & what doesn't, as failure & pain is a great teacher, along with the joy of success.
Height
altitude is dictated by attitude. This will determine just how High you go.
someone said;
No one cares how much you know,
until they know much you care.
An attitude of gratitude
= Thanksgiving
an attitude of Humility
= teachability .
self abasement.
(lifting Jesus Higher by making ourself lower.
altruistic
esteeming others Higher than ourself.
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves.
(opposite to a self promoting know it all.)
Ephesians 4 :11
our education system is qualified & titled by academic achievement of degree's, doctorates, certificates, which enable recognised official titles like: professors teachers, Doctors, lawyers. nurses & mechanics almost every profession you could name.
qualifications are neccesary.
however God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise.
so
God has given: -
not according to our achievements.
but more attuned to our attitude - recognition of our own inabilities
Numbers 12:3
Moses was the humblest man on the face of the earth.
(teachable)
God gives:
supernatural enablement
what some have termed
as: the 5 fold -
(ascension gift ministries)
Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers
These roles come from an enablement / annointing
- gift from God.
Note
these gifts are not given for the benefit of the recipient:
But for the recievers of the manifestations of these gifts: as:
these are to be exercised for the benefit of the body of Christ. So we can be equipped for the work of the ministry .
obviously: the word instructs us to study to show ourselves approved.
some wanting credentials enter Bible college seeking these giftings.
(apparently the fall away rate is high, possibly through disillusionment
when individuals aren't chosen
or Gifted in these credentialed titles?
Gods gifts are without repentance
( God doesn't take them back.)
so this annointing flows.
The danger is ministers have made the mistake of thinking they are ok & favoured by God because the annointing is still flowing:
while they are exhibiting bad behaviours & choices.
Matthew 7:22 -23
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
the modern day church is afraid of these titles:
Apostle,
prophet,
evangelists,
but accepting of organised
Man credentialed Pastor or teacher?
there is also a false humility because we attune titles to
personage rather than gifting?
flippant
( but recognising their calling.)
The title Apostle is simply this:
Someone who was / is
CALLED & SENT.
Apostles at times have the enablement to impart giftings
by discernment & laying on of hands.
Romans1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
(presbytery)
whatever the gifting we are here (to serve others)
whoever is least among you.
Luke 9 : 43- 50, Matthew 18: 1-5
Mark 9 : 30 - 41
Disciples arguing about who will be greatest.
(recently someone shared how Paul spoke about himself; initially as the least of Apostles, servant & then prisoner of Christ.
Attitude is altitude.
whoever has an ear to hear:
John13:20
This is the truth the absolute truth, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. (God)
then onus is on us;
as when we recieve them;
we are receiving God.
the consequences of NOT recieveing them are dire?
Prayer Points:
pray
Father God - forgive me
of my inequities, sins & transgressions.
through the blood of Jesus. I stand in Your righteousness alone.
You are everything.
I am nothing.
Lord today we take on ourselves that garment of Humility.
Father we deny ourselves & take up our Cross today.
Lord we empty ourselves of ourselves. In order that we might be filled with the One who enables us to help others.
Holy Spirit, put Your thoughts in our minds, Your Words in our mouths, Lead us a, guide & direct our steps. so that Christ will be glorified in & through us today.
Place us in the right place at the right time, for the right reason. That Your Kingdom is established. Father Build your Church.
Open our eyes & our hearts to receive those whom you have sent.
I ask these for the sake of Jesus, that he be glorified.
Amen.
