Growing in Christ: Empower, Equip & Edify
- Ray Reynolds, Ph.D.
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
This year I’ll be directing my sermons and classes to help us focus on spiritual growth. Last year we focused on getting back to the Bible. What’s next? We need to move on to spiritual maturity. Think about your role in the body of Christ, the Lord’s church. Ephesians 4:11-16 emphasizes that we are not an organization but a healthy organism that naturally develops. What do we need to grow in Christ?
There are three key concepts that can help us grow in Christ: empower, equip and edify. First, we are EMPOWERED by the Head (The Source of Life). We cannot manufacture spiritual growth. We are Empowered only when we are connected to the Head, Jesus Christ. He is the one who gives the gifts (v.11) and He is the source of the body’s energy to "work properly" (v.16). We move from unstable "children" (v.14) to empowered adults through our connection to Him.
Second, we need to be EQUIPPED for Function (The Role of the Parts). A body has many parts, and they all need to function. We are not meant to sit; we are meant to serve. The role of church leadership (v.11) is to ensure every member is Equipped—given the tools, knowledge, and confidence—to find their unique "joint" or function within the body.
Third, believers must be EDIFIED in Love (The Healthy Outcome). When the body is connected to the Head and the parts are working, the natural result is Edification—a building up. This isn't just numerical growth; it is growing into the "stature of the fullness of Christ" (v.13). The evidence of an edified church is that it operates "in love" (vs.15-16).
Growing in Christ is not a destination we reach, but a lifelong journey that transforms the very fabric of our character. Much like a seedling requires consistent nourishment, sunlight, and deep roots to weather a storm, our spiritual lives require intentional cultivation to withstand the pressures of the world. When we prioritize this growth, we move beyond a surface-level acquaintance with God and enter into a vibrant, living relationship. This maturity allows us to trade our anxieties for His peace and our limited perspective for His divine wisdom, ensuring that our faith remains resilient regardless of our circumstances.
Furthermore, our spiritual development is the primary way we learn to reflect the heart of Jesus to those around us. As we "abide in the vine," the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and patience—begin to manifest naturally in our interactions. We find that our reactions shift; where there was once irritation, there is now grace, and where there was selfishness, there is a newfound desire to serve. Growing in Christ equips us to be effective ambassadors of His message, showing the world a tangible example of His transformative power through our actions and attitudes.
Finally, staying stagnant in our faith often leads to spiritual drift and a loss of purpose. The Christian walk is designed for forward motion; when we stop seeking more of Him, we become susceptible to the distractions and values of a secular culture. By committing to spiritual disciplines—such as prayer, studying Scripture, and engaging in community—we keep our hearts aligned with God's kingdom. This growth ensures that our lives are not just busy, but meaningful, as we become more attuned to the specific calling and "good works" He has prepared for us to walk in.
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds
Comments