Novermber 30

Ephesians 4:16 (NIV84) — 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Let’s look for some insight as we look a little closer at this verse. First of all we see that Jesus is the REAL subject. It is from Him that everything comes from. Even as we do our part, it is His supply, energy and ability that makes things happen.

Next we have this word sunarmŏlŏgĕō: to join together so as to form a coherent entity. This word is compound made up of harmeo – which we get the word harmony from. Held together is interesting, sumbibadzo - : to bring together into a unit—‘to bring together, to cause to be a unit, to unite, to combine. Bibadzo has the meaning of forcing things together which brings an interesting twist. It is as if Jesus is pressing us together by the power of His love with the purpose to be joined together to form a harmonious entity which operates….

Ligaments are connective tissue, very strong ones that hold bone to bone. These ligaments that Jesus is talking about have a supply line that fulfills the “joined and held together” operation that comes from Jesus himself. So who or what are the ligaments? Why don’t you answer that!

The next phrase in the Greek is by the operation (energy) of each one (person), as in not the whole, but as individuals uses their energy (work) to do something, which is that which Christ has called you to do. The point here is that EACH ONE, not some, work. That is God’s plan in order to bring…

As the believers in Christ are joined together in a group, with each part having a particular function, they cause (because of operating in their function with the energy of God) to increase is size and dimension and also to increase the potential by building something that wasn’t there, all within the context of unconditional (not judging people according to the flesh) love.

Now, put this all together and see what you come up with! I bet it will be a people who can no doubt change the world.