Prelude to Joy!

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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.

There is a full measure of the fullness of Christ that awaits us, and we are to pursue it. It makes us joyful to remain steady in difficult times.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves,and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 

We are to speak the truth in a loving way.  This gives us favor with God for speaking His truth, and with man for speaking it out of a motive of love for both God and them.     

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.

The goal for all of us is growth.  Ask yourself, what is my plan for growth?

Luke 2:52  (NIV)

52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Above are the four areas of growth for Jesus.  

1. Wisdom

2. Stature

3. Favor with God

3. Favor with man. 

John 14:26 (NIV)

26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Let's ask the Holy Spirit where do I need to grow in these four areas?

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let's fix our eyes on Jesus who is able to grow us in our joyous faith. 

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands

Video

https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/#prayer-service