saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”
The Bible says that we’re running a race, likening us to athletes: “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me!” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 MSG). Also, in 1 Corinthians 9:26 (TLB), Paul, by the Spirit, writes: “…I fight to win. I’m not just shadowboxing or playing around.” Did you notice that? We’re not shadowboxing; we’re actually in the ring. We’re sportsmen for the Lord, and sportsmen need seasoned coaches to put them through.
Can you see why being a member of a church can’t be overemphasised? Going to church shouldn’t be taken as something casual to do on holidays alone. The church is a place of worship, where we assemble to be blessed, refreshed, strengthened, and energised for victory by God’s Spirit. We come to church to learn the Word of God, to be trained, and to be coached.
Notice our opening verse one more time. It says God gave the ministry gifts, the five-fold offices, for the edification and equipping of the Church, for the perfecting of the saints, and for the work of the ministry. This will go on until we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto perfection, and unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That’s where He’s taking us. That’s the reason for the coaching, the spiritual training that we’re receiving through the Spirit.
