Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Ephesus. More specifically today’s passage begins with the fourteenth verse of the third chapter and continues through to the sixteenth verse of the sixteenth chapter. “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Sprit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness ofGod. Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:14-21).

 

            “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto. Men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended. Is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, t hat he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; a nd some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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 fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:1-16).

 

            When you come to this particular passage of Scripture you will find the apostle Paul providing unto the Ephesian saints the second declaration of his heart for and towards them. If you take the time to read this epistle written by the apostle Paul you will find the apostle Paul—in two places—speaks of his heart toward the Ephesians. What’s more is that when you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find the apostle Paul expressing his heart for and toward them in a manner that you would not expect. I am convinced it is of great importance when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for more often than not we think that the greatest demonstration of our heart, of our compassion and even of our affection for others is done through words, through actions and deeds. There are many among us who think that the single greatest demonstration of affection and compassion toward others is done solely through actions and have absolutely no understanding that there is indeed an even greater demonstration and manifestation of that compassion. It is when you read the words which are found in this epistle you will find the apostle Paul writing unto these Ephesian saints and emphatically declaring unto them his heart and his affection toward them and demonstrating it through prayer and intercession. Would it shock and surprise you to think about and consider the fact that the single greatest demonstration of our affection and compassion towards others is done in the secret closet of prayer through prayer and intercession. Words are nice but I am convinced that talk is cheap and more often than not our words come up far too short in most cases.

 

            I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but encounter and come face to face with the incredibly powerful truth that more often than not we are well-intentioned when we seek to use our words to demonstrate and show compassion towards others. The truth of the matter, however, is that I firmly believe the single greatest demonstration of compassion and affection towards others is done through prayer and intercession. When reading the words which the apostle Paul wrote in this epistle you will find that his mention of prayer was in the realm of intercession separate and away from the Ephesian saints. As you read and study this epistle you will understand that at the time the apostle Paul was writing these words he was in prison—a reference which is revealed in the fourth chapter when the apostle Paul wrote and spoke of his being a prisoner of the Lord. If you turn and direct your attention back to the twentieth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts you will find the apostle Paul describing unto the elders of the Ephesian church that he was going bound up to Jerusalem. Moreover the apostle Paul did not know what awaited him in Jerusalem—save that the Holy Spirit bore witness with his own spirit that bonds and afflictions awaited him. What’s more is that when you read the words found in the twentieth chapter of the book of Acts you will find the apostle Paul warn these elders concerning his departure and how after his departure there would be those who would seek to enter in among them as well as those who would rise up from among their own ranks and would seek to trouble and distress them. This is something we must not miss and lose sight of for while speaking to the elders of the Ephesian church the apostle Paul made it very clear that after he departed from among them they would never see his face again. In fact Luke even writes of the sadness and sorrow that overtook the elders of the Ephesian church and how they wept with the apostle Paul and fell upon his neck knowing they would never see him again. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the twentieth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts:

 

            “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with. Many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to the Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And Indeed now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship” (Acts 20:17-38).

 

            Please pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture—specifically the words which are found in verses thirty-six through thirty-eight—for within these final verses of the chapter we find the apostle Paul kneeling down and praying with the elders of the Ephesian church. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to consider it is when you read how the elders of the Ephesian church wept freely and fell upon the neck of Paul and kissed him. The reason for their sorrow and sadness was because of the words which he spoke unto them that they would see his face no more. The words which the apostle Paul would speak unto the elders of the Ephesian church were incredibly unique when you take the time to think about them for he clearly showed and revealed unto them the uncertainty of his future upon journeying to Jerusalem—and not only the uncertainty of his future but also the understanding and knowledge that they would see his face no more after this day. I would dare say the apostle Paul possessed a discernment within his spirit knowing that this journey to Jerusalem would indeed be one that would dramatically alter the rest of his life here upon the earth. It would be this understanding that would cause the apostle Paul to speak unto the elders of the Ephesian church and declare unto them they would see his face no more. What makes this all the more interesting when you take the time to consider it is when you consider the fact that according to the words of the apostle Paul himself he labored among them for three years. Scripture seems to suggest that the apostle spent the longest time in Ephesus laboring among the saints which were present there in the midst of that city. We know from Scripture the apostle Paul spent a year and a half laboring and toiling among the Corinthian saints, however, these words seem to suggest an incredible amount of time the apostle Paul spent among the Ephesian saints.

 

            I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be drawn to the incredible reality that over the course of a three year period of time—especially understanding how the early church met and gathered together—deep friendships and abiding relationships would have been established between the apostle Paul, those companions who were with him and even the saints which were at Ephesus. I can’t help but think about how many times they broke bread from house to house as they would engage in fellowship with each other. There is something incredibly powerful about the imagery of the apostle Paul spending three years among the Ephesian saints for during that time I would imagine they spent a considerable amount of time praying one with another. I would dare say that during that three years the apostle Paul, those who traveled with him and even the Ephesian saints would engage in a tremendous amount of community and fellowship with each other. In all reality I am trying to picture what those three years would have been like as the apostle Paul and the Ephesian saints would have enjoyed a beautiful fellowship with each other. Three years is a good length of time to spend with individuals—especially during the days of the early church when church was not what we know and understand in our modern context today. Church during the days of the early church was centered upon breaking bread from house to house and truly living in community and fellowship with each other. This is something which is expressed throughout the New Testament book of Acts for within this book you will find the fellowship of the early church and the early Christians and saints took place in homes more than it did in a central location such as we are used to within our modern generation. We are used to coming unto the house of the Lord and unto a sanctuary Sunday morning—and not only Sunday morning but perhaps during the week for a midweek service—and that is the extent of our fellowship with the saints and body of believers among us within our cities, towns and communities.

 

            It is at this particular juncture I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the second and fourth chapters of the New Testament book of Acts. With this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call your attention to the fact that the words and language we find within these chapters helps set the context and stage for what those three years most likely looked liked as the apostle Paul spent time laboring and fellowship together with the Ephesian saints. I firmly believe that during those three years the apostle Paul enjoyed tremendous community and fellowship with the Ephesian saints and perhaps forged one of the strongest bonds and connections with them. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for when reading the words which the apostle Paul spoke unto the elders of the Ephesian church you will encounter the tremendous truth that he did indeed and did in fact spend three years among them—not only laboring in the work of the ministry but truly enjoying fellowship and community with them. I have to say that while I do believe the apostle Paul labored among them through teaching and preaching I firmly believe that he spent a considerable amount of time simply living in community and fellowship with the Ephesian saints. I don’t believe that all his time spent among the Ephesian saints was teaching and preaching or even miracles but there were times when they enjoyed meals together and breaking bread from house to house. I do not believe that the apostle Paul taught and preached for twenty four hours a day, seven days a week for three years. I would dare say it is highly unrealistic to think the apostle Paul spent all his time preaching and teaching among the Ephesian saints during that three year period of time for such a reality eliminates the possibility of fellowship, community and relationship with those with whom he was spending time.

 

            The more I think about and consider this particular reality the more I am convinced that while it is indeed true the apostle Paul taught and preached among the Ephesian saints I would dare say that he spent a considerable amount of time simply doing life with them. If you read and study the four gospel narratives written by the gospel authors you will find that Jesus came into the earth as the Word made flesh and spent the first thirty years of His life doing life with those in Nazareth. If there is one thing I love about the four gospel narratives which were written concerning the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ it’s that before He was manifested as the Son of the living God and began the ministry ordained and appointed for Him He would simply do life and live with and among them. Before Jesus would engage in the ministry of teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, before Jesus would heal the sick, before Jesus would cleanse the lepers, before Jesus would raise the dead and before Jesus would cast out unclean spirits and demons He would spend thirty years as the Word made flesh among us doing life with us and living among us in fellowship and community. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to consider the fact the apostle Paul spent three years with and among the Ephesian saints in that city. I can’t help but think about what those three years looked like as the New Testament book of Acts describes how during the time the apostle Paul was among them countless sick were healed as they would bring handkerchiefs and aprons from the apostle Paul that they might be given to those who were sick. Moreover during the time the apostle Paul was present among them there would be a great revival among many as they would bring their books of dark magic and burn them in the midst of the city. Not only this but Luke writes how from Ephesus the word of the Lord would be preached to many throughout Asia as the city of Ephesus was a prominent city for trade and commerce. During those three years the apostle Paul would teach and preach the words and gospel of the kingdom and it would go forth from that place and spread throughout Asia so that all Asia heard the word of the Lord.

 

            Having said this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the nineteenth chapter the New Testament book of Acts as well as the words which are found in the second and fourth chapters of the same book. It is in the nineteenth chapter of the book of Acts we encounter and come face to face with the incredible truth surrounding the time the apostle Paul spent among and with the Ephesian saints. What’s more is it’s within the second and fourth chapters of the New Testament book of Acts we discover what it meant to be part of the early church during the days of the apostles and early Christians. In the nineteenth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts we read of the great ministry which took place in the city of Ephesus while it is in the second and fourth chapters of the same book we truly learn about the fellowship and community which took place among the saints of the early church. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for when we read of the apostle Paul spending three years among the saints which were in Ephesus I would dare say—and we must understand—that those three years would have been spent living in community and fellowship with them. The apostle Paul wouldn’t have merely spent three years laboring among them teaching, preaching, healing the sick, casting out demons and that was it. I am convinced that laboring among men and women doesn’t simply nor does it always mean teaching, preaching, healing the sick, casting out devils, and the like. Even when Jesus was among us in the Word made flesh He entered into the homes of many during those days and enjoyed breaking bread and having a meal with them. From entering into the house of Matthew, to entering the house of Zacchaeus, to entering the house of Mary and Martha, to entering the house of Simon’s mother in law, to entering into the house of Simon the Pharisee, to entering into the house of another Pharisee Jesus would indeed enjoy fellowship and community with many during those days. Having said this I find it absolutely necessary to draw and call your attention to the following passages of Scripture found within the New Testament book of Acts beginning with the nineteenth chapter:

 

            “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? So they said to him, We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit. And he said to them, Into what then were you baptized? So they said, Into John’s baptisms. Then Paul said, John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all. And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:1-10).

 

            “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handerkchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcises took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” i((Acts 19:11-20).

            “When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed inA Asia for a time. And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship. Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting hiim forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. But when they found out that He was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering. And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly”  (Acts 19:21-41).

 

            Having presented you with the words which are found in the nineteenth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the following words which are found in the second and fourth chapters of the New Testament book of Acts. There is not a doubt within my mind that even with all the ministry that took place within the city of Ephesus there was also a considerable amount of community and fellowship among them. I do not believe that the time the apostle Paul spent among the Ephesian saints that it was all teaching, preaching, healing, casting out devils and the like. I firmly believe that during the three years the apostle Paul was present among the Ephesian saints they enjoyed fellowship and community with each other. There is not a doubt in my mind that during those three years the apostle Paul would have spent a considerable amount of time simply doing and enjoying life with the Ephesian saints as he would talk with them, eat with them, pray with them and truly enjoy the ministry of the body with them. I would imagine the apostle Paul spent a considerable amount of time talking with them, laughing with them, weeping with them, and simply enjoying the fellowship of the body and the fellowship of Christ with them. There is something truly captivating about the idea of the apostle Paul spending three years living in community and fellowship together with the Ephesian saints and even the words which he would write in this epistle speaks to the reality and concept of the fellowship and community of the body. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the second and fourth chapters of the New Testament book of Acts, the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints as well as the words which are found in the fourth chapter of this epistle written unto the Ephesian saints:

 

            “When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).

 

            “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call. And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, Be saved from this perverse generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as those who were being saved” (Acts 2:36-47).

 

            “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:32-37).

 

            “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the HOly Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).

 

            “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Geeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the food should say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessarily. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestowed greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care one for another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

 

            “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail/ whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).

 

            “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore he says: When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Now this, He ascended—what does it mean but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifice int 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; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried Ab out with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:1-16).

            It is absolutely necessary to recognize and understand that which is found within these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the ministry of the body—and not just the ministry of the body but also fellowship and community. Perhaps one of the greatest truths we must needs recognize and understand concerning the spiritual body of Christ is that there is a difference between ministry to the body and ministry among the body. There is a place and a need for ministry such as teaching and preaching, healing, miracles, casting out unclean spirits, cleansing those who need cleansing and even for various other means of deliverance from oppression, slavery and bondage. With this being said, however, I am convinced there is a tremendous place for ministry to, with and among the body as it pertains to fellowship and community. I am convinced that one of the hardest things to do within the spiritual body of Christ is truly learning how to live in community and fellowship with each other. Having said this I would dare say that teaching and preaching and even healings and miracles are easier to come by within the spiritual body of Christ and more often than not are indeed those things which people seem to find more necessary and even appealing. What we must needs understand and recognize is that one of—if not the greatest and most difficult things to experience and enjoy in the midst of the spiritual body of Christ is indeed fellowship and community. It is much more difficult to truly learn how to live in community and fellowship with other believers than it is to teach and preach. I am convinced anyone can teach and preach given time to study and prepare when it is mixed with personality, charisma and the like. Where it becomes truly difficult is when it comes to truly enjoying and experiencing fellowship and community one with another.

 

            I firmly believe that the greatest work of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost—and not only on the day of Pentecost but also each subsequent day from that day forward was causing the saints of God to learn how to live in community and fellowship one with another. It is easy to gather together on a Sunday morning for worship, sing some worship songs, give of tithes and offering, sit through and perhaps even respond to the preaching of the word and maybe even stick around after the service to greet a few folk and spend time engaging in conversation. Where it becomes truly difficult and more challenging, however, is when it comes to learning how to live in community and fellowship with the body of Christ outside of and apart from the church building. We are great at knowing how to engage with the spiritual body of Christ in the context of the local church building, however, where it becomes much more difficult is when it comes to learning how to enjoy the fellowship and community of the spiritual body of Christ outside of and apart from the church building. I believe one of the greatest works of the Spirit is producing within the heart and soul of the members of the body of Christ a love, a compassion, and an affection for the members of the body of Christ. I am convinced that it is not enough to merely fellowship together with the spiritual body of Christ in the context of the church building but there is something incredibly powerful about actually fervently loving and being kindly affectioned one toward another. There is something to be said about having within your heart faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a love for the brethren. Oh you might be able to spend some time together with the brethren on a Sunday morning during the service and even for a period of time after the service, however, can you truly learn how to live in fellowship together with the saints of God outside of and apart from the church building? Do you possess within your heart and soul a genuine love for the spiritual body of Christ and do you have within your heart and soul an authentic desire to be with the members of the spiritual body of Christ and to truly enjoy community and fellowship with them?

 

           

With this in mind I find it absolutely necessary to all and draw your attention to the following words which are found in the first and third chapters of this epistle written unto the saints which were at Ephesus. I believe there is a great need to recognize that for which the apostle Paul wrote unto these dear saints for the apostle Paul not only referenced his prayer and intercession for the Ephesian saints but he also referenced their love and affection one for another. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the ministry of the spiritual body of Christ. There is a great need for us to recognize the importance of a genuine and authentic love and affection for the spiritual body of Christ. What’s more is I believe it is not enough to merely gather together with the spiritual body of Christ on a Sunday morning and perhaps even spend some time talking with them after the church service. Being members of the spiritual body of Christ is about so much more than simply gathering together in the context of the church building. Being members of the spiritual body of Christ is and must be centered upon a true and genuine love and affection for the body and addicting yourselves to fellowship and community with the body. Not only this but we must needs recognize that this is not something that can be conjured up and manufactured within our own hearts and souls by ourselves. We are unable in and of ourselves to produce and manufacture this affection and love for the body and we cannot produce this unity with the members of the spiritual body of the Lord Jesus Christ in and of ourselves. There is a great need for us to yield ourselves to the Spirit and allow the Spirit to produce and work within our hearts and our souls this affection and compassion for and toward the spiritual body of Christ. Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the first and third chapters of the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Ephesus:

 

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and over and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is the body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:15-23).

 

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the width and length and depth and neither—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:14-21).

 

Pay close attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for in the first and opening chapter the apostle Paul writes and speaks of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as well as their love for all the saints. What’s more is that in the third chapter the apostle Paul speaks of “the whole family in heaven and earth” which is named. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for in the third chapter of this epistle we encounter the tremendous truth that the spiritual body of Christ extends beyond simply that which is found here upon the earth. If you turn and direct your attention to the twelfth chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews you will find the author writing and speaking of being surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. What we must needs recognize and understand is that the spiritual body of Christ extends beyond the realm of time and space here on the earth and extends to that which is in heaven. When we think about the spiritual body of Christ we must needs recognize that it touches both those who are dead in Christ and have gone before us as well as we who are alive and remain. Even the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints demonstrates and reveals the reality of the spiritual body of Christ touching “those who are dead in Christ” rising first and those “who alive and remain” being caught up together to meet the Lord in the air.

 

I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding the words which the apostle Paul wrote concerning faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for when we think about the spiritual body of Christ there is a great need to recognize that we have indeed been called to an affection, a love and a compassion for and toward the saints of God. With this being said it is important for us to realize that we haven’t been called to a faith in Christ Jesus and a love for the Father alone. We have indeed and have in fact been called to love our neighbor as ourselves, to love our enemies and especially to love the saints of God who are the called in Christ Jesus. We as the members of the spiritual body of Christ must needs recognize and understand that we have been called to yield ourselves to the work of the Spirit in not only making us members of the spiritual body of Christ but also joining ourselves to the spiritual body. Being joined together to the spiritual body of Christ—truly being joined to the spiritual body of Christ—is about more than simply gathering together in the church building on a Sunday morning. Being truly joined to the spiritual body of Christ means that we learn how to live in community and fellowship together with the members of that body. We must be willing to fully yield ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit and low ourselves to be brought into community and fellowship together with the spiritual body of Christ. We must allow our hearts and our souls to be fully opened to a love and affection for the saints of God and must needs addict ourselves to the fellowship and community of the spiritual body of Christ. We must allow the Holy Spirit to enlarge our hearts that we might indeed be filled with a love and affection for the members of the body that we might truly love them as Christ loved us.

 

As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to declare unto you who are reading these words that we must needs yield and open ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit that He might open and enlarge our hearts. I firmly believe that we as the saints of God must be willing to allow our hearts to be expanded and enlarged that we might indeed be such who are able to walk in affection, compassion and love for the saints of God in the earth. No man was created to live and move on an island during the days they have been given upon the earth and we must needs give ourselves fully and completely to the ministry of the body. What’s more is we must needs understand that ministry of the body extends beyond teaching and preaching, healing and miracles and the like. Ministry unto the body touches the realm of fellowship and community and truly esteeming others better than ourselves. We are admonished in Scripture to look not on our own interests but on the interests of others and we are admonished in the Scriptures to be of one mind, one heart, one purpose, one Spirit while we are indeed united under one Head of the spiritual body who is the person of the Lord Jesus. This is something we have a great need to recognize and pay close attention to for it brings us face to face with the powerful reality of how we as the saints of God have indeed been called to commit ourselves to being members of the spiritual body and not only understanding our place in the spiritual body but also walking and moving in that place. Once we have recognized and understood our place within the spiritual body of Christ we are then to be those who move and operate in that place as we align and join ourselves together with the other members of the body of Christ that we might truly live in, enjoy and experience fellowship and community with them.

 

When I read the words written by the apostle Paul unto the saint which were at Ephesus I cannot help but think about the fact that perhaps the single greatest demonstration and manifestation of compassion and affection for those to whom he was writing—specifically to those whom he spent three years and those who perhaps hadn’t seen his face in months if not years—was through prayer and intercession. With this being said I feel it imperative to declare unto you that living in community and fellowship with the body of Christ not only touches the realm of praying with and for each other in the church building and place of fellowship but it also touches the realm of praying and interceding for the members of the spiritual body of Christ. Are you such a one who is willing to devote yourself to praying and interceding for the spiritual body of Christ when you enter into your secret close of prayer? I am reminded of the words which Samuel the prophet spoke and declared unto the children of Israel in the land of promise and how he declared unto them that heaven forbid him if he should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for them. For the prophet Samuel he viewed ceasing to pray for the saints of God as sinning against the Lord and this is something we need to recognize and understand within our hearts. We as the saints of God must needs understand and acknowledge the fact that we have indeed been called to stand in the gap and pray and intercede for the saints of God and for those members of the spiritual body of Christ.  Would it shock and surprise you to know and understand that sometimes what people want and need the most is not words, is not teaching, is not preaching but simply for you to pray with them on the spot in the church building or over the phone? Sometimes that which means the most to people is not your words but rather the prayers which you offer up unto the living God for them on their behalf. More often than not that which means the most to people is not your abundance of words but rather your willingness to lift them up before the throne of grace in prayer and intercession. Tell me—when was the last time you took the time to pray for someone and truly lift them up before the throne of God in prayer? When was the last time you truly committed yourselves to showing your compassion and affection for others by praying and interceding for them? Oh that we would indeed be men and women who would yield and commit ourselves to being those who would pray and intercede for others in prayer as we go before the throne of grace that we might call their names out before and in the presence of the living God.

            Remember in the thirteenth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints and how he declared that if he spoke with the tongues of men and of angels but had not love he has become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. Moreover the apostle Paul declared that if he had the gift of prophecy and understood all mysteries and all knowledge and though he had all faith so that he could remove mountains but. Had not love he was nothing. Not only this but the apostle Paul also declared that although he bestowed all his goods to feed the poor and though he gave his body to be burned but had not love it profited him nothing. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for at the very heart of who we are and what we have been called to do is love from a sincere heart. What’s more is this love is nothing we can conjure up ourselves nor is it anything that we can produce and manufacture within our own hearts and souls. The only way we can truly love others the way the apostle Paul writes and speaks of in this passage is to yield ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit within our lives. That which the apostle Paul writes and speaks in this particular epistle brings us face to face with the fact that talk is cheap and more often than not words and even works can be shallow and be absolutely nothing. At the very heart and center of who we are and what we have been called to be is love from a sincere heart as we have been called to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus left us with a commandment which He spoke unto and revealed to the disciples and that commandment was to love others. Oh the question that must be asked when reading the words found in the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Ephesian saints is whether or not we are men and women who are kindly affectioned toward the believers in Christ and whether or not we are willing to yield ourselves to praying and interceding for the members of the body of Christ as we come boldly before the throne of grace that we might receive mercy and grace to help in time of need.