How to Grow in the Truth of Love Because of Jesus Gifts ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba %

Because of Jesus Gifts, we are to Grow in the Truth of Love in this Christian Journey here. Certainly, the Gifts of Jesus included the Holy Spirit who is to guide us into all truth. But it was more than just that. According to scripture, Jesus also gave special gifts for His Church. And who are His Church? All who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. So as we move forward in Ephesians, please do not forget who you are in Jesus Christ. You are His Redeemed, Chosen, Beloved Saint by His Declaration and Purchase of our freedom from sin. Children of God Almighty, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, Sealed by the Holy Spirit for all of eternity. Endowed with wisdom and power due to the indwelling Holy Spirit.

So, do not forget who you are. But also, we are servants to Jesus by choice and therefore, our lives are examples of Him to the world around us. So, as we move forward in this study, we are now being given more instructions on how to live this life while journeying as pilgrims in this land. Also, how to grow in the truth of love so that we are ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

Paul, a prisoner for the Lord Urges Us

Willingly, the Apostle Paul went to prison for his faith. He felt the gospel of Jesus Christ more important than his freedom on earth. During his imprisonment, he led all those around him to Jesus Christ. Even the Roman guards that were chained to him. Imagine being one of those guards. But how did he do that? Not by just speaking the truth, but also, living the example of Christ through humility, gentleness, patience and love. He bids us to do the same.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV

In Jesus Christ, we are united into one body as the bride of Christ. Therefore, when we bicker, complain, and battle against each other it as though we are “cutting off our nose to spite our face”. (An old country saying that seems to fit here.) Instead, for all believers we need to reach out a hand and lift a brother that is teetering on a ledge.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6.

In other words, never forget where you came from and how you were saved by Grace Alone.

Because of Jesus Gifts, We Grow in the Truth of Love

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,

and he gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:7-8 ESV

Here Paul is quoting from Psalm 68 which is a song of victory.

The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,
    thousands upon thousands;
    the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.

You ascended on high,
    leading a host of captives in your train
    and receiving gifts among men,
even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.

Blessed be the Lord,
    who daily bears us up;
    God is our salvation. Psalm 68: 17-19

Here Paul reminds the readers that Jesus returned to heaven with His Gains from the victory. As He did He left gifts for those here so that even the rebellious might come to know Him.

Let us take this a bit further.

(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:9-10 ESV

So what gifts did Jesus leave humanity?

And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:9-11

And were these a one time gift? No absolutely not: They were to continue until.

until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Ephesians 4:12-14 ESV

Not Certain About You, but think I still need the gift of ministry equiping me every day.

We are to Grow in the Truth of Love

All of this is to help us Grow in the Truth of Love. His love for us. The love of the Holy Spirit indwells us so that we may speak the truth in love. Even when we are faced by those who are hostile to the gospel message. We have been equipped by God through the Holy Spirit and through the gifts given to us by Jesus Christ. He provides for us those who will help us to grow in the truth of love.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4: 15-16.

This is not work we can perform solely on our own. For that reason, we do need His gifts of ministers, teachers, and shepherds who are to guide us to grow in the Truth of love. We are not isolated beings in no need of each other. And as the world continues to go further chaotic with evil forces surrounding us, we need other Christians with us. Therefore, as we grow in the truth of love, we can reach out more to other Christians. Then, jointly we reach out with love, patience, and care to the lost in this world.

thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2: 14-17 ESV

Feast on those words for a few moments. That will help you Grow in the Truth of Love

Lead in Christ in a triumphal procession by God. When was the last time you thought of yourself as marching in a triumphal procession. The victory is won. Nothing to fear. March on with confidence wherever you may go. Whatever is around you.

Through Us, God spreads the Fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ everywhere. Think on that one. What kind of fragrance are we?

We are the aroma of Christ to God among those being saved and those perishing. Wow! A fragrance from death to death to those who refuse Him as Savior. The fragrance of life to life to those who accept Christ.

We are not peddlers of God’s word—mouth only not reflected in our lives. Nor are we those who teach the Bible from a heart of greed.

Sincere teachers of the Word, commissioned by God, speaking Christ in the presence of God

Therefore, we must take serious our commission here on this earth.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

How to Know and Unlock the Amazing Power Jesus Gave You

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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