Ephesians
4:11-12 (AMP):
11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us]
some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and
expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel,
traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. 12 His intention
was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated
people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up
Christ’s body (the church).
BISHOPS: Acts 20:28 -
Amplified Bible (AMP) refers to them as Bishops while King James Version (KJV) and
New King James Version (NKJV) refers to them as Overseers; so they
have the same role with Overseers - 1Tim 3:1-2 (NAS); Tit 1:7-9 (NAS); Acts
20:28-31 (NAS).
MINISTERS’ WIVES: These are the wives of Ministers of GOD (men that He has appointed).
They are to be ambassadors for Christ – since they are “in Christ” (2Cor
5:17-20a). Their role is unique in that they have a significant and challenging
God-given opportunity to have influence Christ in church, as well as
surrounding community. It is a role with a special grace and wisdom from GOD –
1Tim 3:8-11 (KJV). Examples of such God-fearing women, to mention few, are:
- Elizabeth,
wife of Zacharias, (mentor to Mary) – Lk 1:5-6, 24-25, 36-37, 39-40, 56.
- Priscilla,
wife of Aquila – Acts 18:2-3, 24-26 (TLB); 1Cor 16:19; Rm 16:3-4.
Others are: Anna - Lk 2:36-37; Esther - Est
4:12-17; Abigail wife of Nabal - 1Sam 25; Apphia, wife of Archippus - Phm 2.
MISSIONARIES: Like Evangelists, they are very important parts of the Body of Christ.
This is because being on mission is an act of obedience to the great commission
of Jesus in calling on all believers to share the message of salvation with all
people and all nations – Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15; Lk 24:47; Acts 1:8.
MINISTRY TEAMS: Rm 12:3-8 – Here, Bro. Paul was admonishing that bodies cannot function
well except they work together. “So we, being many, are one
body in Christ, and everyone members of one of another” – v5. Remember Neh 4? A team is to encourage
and work in support of each other in accordance with purpose of Christ for the
church.
CHURCH MEMBERS: They are:
(a) The Body of Christ – Eph 4:12.
(b) GOD’s people of which He is the Head – Col
1:16-18.
(c) GOD’s flock purchased by His blood –Acts 20:28.
(d) Subjected to Christ – of which He wants her to
be glorious without no spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish – Eph
5:27.
PRAYERS – in accordance with the Word of God:
- Let
every carnal-minded man (Bishop, Ministers’ Wives, Missionaries, Ministry
Teams), which is enmity against GOD, collide with the Rock of Ages; for a
carnal-minded man cannot please GOD – Rm 8:6-8. Let the Spirit of GOD breathe the breath
of life and peace in Christ Jesus over the church and set men free.
- Let
the veil of ignorance from the pit of hell covering the face of these men/women
of GOD be blown away by the whirlwind of GOD. Open their eyes, Holy
Spirit, to see Jesus who died on the cross, and to behold their
wretchedness in the name of Jesus.
- As
many that are still on the altar preaching falsehood in the name of the
gospel and in the name of our GOD, cause O Lord, a divine shaking, so that
men and women will come to say, “Truly, Jesus is the Son of GOD and the
Head of His church” - Mt 27:50-54.
- The
boldness and chance to preach the Good News of Christ freely, fully and
plainly as stated in Col 4:3-4, give unto Your chosen men/women, who You
have made to be shepherd over your sheep.
- Eph
2:10 says, “We are GOD’S masterpiece because He has created us anew in
Christ Jesus.” Pray that the beautiful life and light which Jesus (the
Life and Light Himself) planned for His flock/people/church will be
established and the church will come into it.
- According
to Rm 12:6-8 (NIV), “We have different gifts according to the grace given
to each of us.” Pray that these men/women of GOD will have an in-depth
understanding of the grace of GOD. Pray that they will see the opportunity
that GOD has given them concerning His flock, in order to bring honour to
the LORD; that:
- In
prophesying, they will prophesy in-line with the faith in Christ Jesus;
- In
serving, they will serve with a humble heart;
- In
teaching, they will teach the truth relying on the Truth Himself;
- In
encouraging, they will give encouragement as in tune with the precept of
GOD;
- In
giving, they will give generously;
- In
leading, they will lead diligently;
- In
showing mercy, they will do it cheerfully.
- Col
1:27-28 – GOD, give all these men/women the wisdom to preach and teach
Jesus, so that they may know that they have to present the flock/sheep
perfect unto Christ – since it is Christ in them, that is the hope of
glory.
- LORD
Jesus, come for Your church, revive Your Church – Your church that You
loved and gave Yourself for. Come and sanctify and cleanse Your Church
once again.
