How Do We Equip the Saints

On another forum a question was raised as to what are some practical ways for teachers to test the effectiveness of their teaching responsibilties as presented in Eph 4:11-16.

Here is the response I posted:

First of all this is an excellent question. It allows an opportunity to exegete a portion of Scripture as well as the practical application of the Scripture.

King James has “perfecting of the saints” rather than “equipping of the saints.” I think both offer different facets of the dynamic involved. It is a training or teaching that leads to maturity in the saints. While the standard to which we strive in verse 13 is never ending, we all as pastors and teachers, with discernment know how affective we are at producing mature Christians. That discernment is also the mark of a teacher in Hebrews 5:14, where the contrast is between someone who is skillful in the use of the Word of God, and someone who is not.

Now back to Ephesians. I think there are some very practical signs of maturity right in the text of Ephesians. Up to verse 16 I think Paul was laying the doctrinal foundation, and then starting in verse 17 he is outlining the practical application of the doctrine. This is found in the tiny phrase “this I say therefore”, or “So this I say.” It connects what will be presented with what came before.

Without writing a long exegesis the next paragraph outlines the contrast of walking by the power of the old man, and walking by the power of the new man. Paul equates the walking in the old man in three ways. The first one is they walk in the vanity, or futility of their own minds. The Greek word that is translated “vanity”, or “futility” literally means “depravity.” This makes it easier to see how it is linked back to the old man. The second sign that a person is walking by the old man is that they will be past feeling or callous towards sin. The third aspect of living by the old man is that they will be given over to their own desires. If our desires are run-amok we will in the end fall into sin.

Contrast this with the result of putting on the new man in verses 24-32. It is a practical list that a pastor or teacher with discernment can see being produced in the believers that have come under his care. If there is a lack of these things, then with discernment we teach them to become skillful in the Word of God, and how to put on the new man. Each person may have unique needs when looking at the list in verses 24-32.

The teaching and preaching of the pulpit are the best ways to teach people to become skillful in the Word of God. Yet it is not enough in my view. As each person has different strengths and weaknesses there is no way to tailor pulpit ministry that covers all of the details. That perhaps can only be handled by the one on one, or small group teaching that is generally called discipleship ministry. In 2 Tim 2:2 Paul tells Timothy to teach faithful men who in turn can teach other faithful men.

One last thought is that the pastor or teacher must do all of this in a spirit of gentleness, patience, and meekness. (2 Tim 2: 24-25) I must always remind myself of this one since I am the first to stand up against false doctrine and sin. I guess that sometimes I go into something looking for a fight. I have at times done the same thing.