In my previous post, I challenged us as believers to be Christians in the marketplace through acts of service because the ultimate aim of Christian discipleship is to multiply Christlike individuals. It’s not just about attending church services or saying a prayer for salvation; it goes far beyond that. Christian discipleship involves a spiritual rebirth, character development, and equipping for service. In Ephesians 4:13, the apostle Paul beautifully captures this purpose, stating that we are to be “built up 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.” Today, let’s explore the significance of edified saints and their role in achieving this goal. I encourage you to watch our Sunday service Livestream to get up to speed on this exciting series.
Aspiring to be both Equipped and Edified Saints:
In the journey of discipleship, it is essential to be both equipped and edified. To be equipped means to be adequate and sufficient to serve God effectively. Just as a carpenter needs the right skills and tools to build a house, a disciple needs to be equipped for ministry. This equipping involves nurturing spiritual gifts and acquiring knowledge through Biblical teachings and practical training.
Understanding the value of being both equipped and edified is crucial for enhancing effective discipleship. Equipping enables us with the necessary tools and knowledge to serve effectively. On the other hand, edification builds us up, strengthens our faith, and nurtures our spiritual growth. When we combine these two aspects, we become not only capable servants but also spiritually mature individuals. Effective discipleship, therefore, is enriched when we actively pursue both equipping and improvement, allowing us to better fulfill our calling as followers of Christ.
The Edification of the Body:
To understand the importance of edified saints, we must first define the concept of edification. Edification is the process of building up, instructing, and improving believers within the body of Christ. It involves nurturing spiritual growth, promoting unity, and fostering maturity. Edified saints are like living stones, contributing to the construction of a strong and vibrant church.
Four Characteristics of an Edified Body:
An edified body of believers exhibits several key characteristics. Firstly, there is growth, both numerically through evangelism and spiritually through discipleship. Secondly, there is unity of faith, where believers come together in doctrinal agreement and a deepening knowledge and love for Christ through the study of God’s Word. Thirdly, there is maturity, where individuals and the church as a whole grow in their understanding of God’s truth and the application of it in their lives. Finally, there is the fullness of Christ, where believers strive to embody the character and nature of Christ, reflecting His love, grace, and righteousness.
Numerical and Spiritual Growth:
Effective discipleship should not only lead to the addition of new members through evangelism but also to the deep spiritual growth of existing believers. Our role as disciples isn’t confined to personal growth alone; it extends to the mission of spreading the Gospel far and wide. Just as we’re called to go and make disciples of all nations, sharing the good news of salvation with those who have not yet experienced it, we are also called to nurture and guide our fellow believers in their spiritual journey.
Colossians 2:7 reminds us of the importance of being ‘rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.’ This entails fostering strong spiritual foundations in ourselves and our fellow disciples. It’s about helping believers grow in their relationship with God, enabling them to deepen their faith, and equipping them with the knowledge and strength needed to remain steadfast in their Christian walk. It’s akin to cultivating fruitful branches within the vine of Christ, as we all strive to bear the fruits of love, grace, and righteousness in our lives.
Unity of Faith:
Unity of faith goes beyond mere agreement on doctrinal statements. It involves a deepening knowledge and love for Christ, which is cultivated through the study of God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. When we strive for unity of faith, we are able to stand strong in the face of challenges, support one another in times of need, and collectively fulfill the mission of the church.
Striving for Maturity and Fullness of Christ:
Maturity in discipleship applies not only to individual spiritual growth but also to the corporate maturity of the church. As individuals grow in their understanding of God’s truth and apply it in their lives, the entire body of believers is strengthened. This corporate maturity is beautifully described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:14-15, where he speaks of the church as one new man in Christ, reconciled to God and to one another.
In summary, becoming an effective disciple requires both equipping and edification. Equipping prepares us for the work of ministry, while edification builds us up and instructs us to reflect the character of Christ. As we grow in unity, faith, maturity, and strive for the fullness of Christ, we become living testimonies of His grace and love. Let us, therefore, embrace the call to discipleship and be intentional in our pursuit of becoming effective disciples, multiplying Christlike individuals, and advancing the Kingdom of God.