The Importance of Following Christ's Instructions
Christ laid out a clear blueprint for how His church should operate, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit's guidance, the role of leadership, and the importance of unity and maturity among believers. According to Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV), Christ gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up and reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God.
Guided by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the church. Christ did not exclude the Holy Spirit from His design. Instead, the Spirit is integral to ensuring that the church operates according to God's will. A church led by the Holy Spirit will be more likely to stay connected to Christ, the head of the church. This connection is vital for the church to grow in maturity and love.
The Role of Leadership
Christ did not designate a single person to run the entire church. Instead, He established a team of leaders—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. This leadership structure is designed to build up the body of Christ, ensuring that each part works together harmoniously. These leaders are not just figureheads; they are responsible for equipping the congregation for works of service, contributing to the unity and maturity of the church.
The Need for Unity and Maturity
Unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God is a critical goal for the church. As believers grow in unity and maturity, they become less susceptible to the "cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming" (Ephesians 4:14 NIV). Instead of being tossed back and forth by various teachings, a unified church can stand firm in the truth, growing into a mature body that reflects Christ.
The Dangers of Deviating from Christ's Instructions
When churches deviate from Christ's instructions and appoint man as the head instead of Christ, the consequences can be spiritually disastrous. We have seen instances where human-led churches have fallen into greed, sexual immorality, and other sins. These issues often arise when the primary goal shifts from staying connected to Christ to merely growing in numbers or influence.
Staying True to Christ
To ensure that our churches are functioning according to God's will, we must abide by the Word of God and be led by the Holy Spirit. When Christ is the head of the church, and we follow His guidance, we can be confident that we are doing things the Lord's way. This alignment with Christ's instructions will lead to a church that is unified, mature, and built up in love.
In summary, the structure and leadership of the church, as directed by Christ, are essential for its growth and unity. By adhering to His blueprint and being led by the Holy Spirit, we can avoid the pitfalls of human-led initiatives and ensure that our churches reflect the fullnes
s of Christ.
