DAY 5 OF 7
You've now spent time in Ephesians 4:13–16 and you've brought Romans 12:3–8 back into the study.
Today I want you to begin putting the pieces together.
But we're going to test what we think we've found.
HOW DOES THE BODY GROW?
In your journal, answer this question:
Based on Romans 12:3–8 and Ephesians 4:13–16, how does Paul describe a healthy Body?
Write a few sentences.
Then do something important.
Show your answer from the text.
Go back through both passages.
Don't write what you think a church should look like.
Don't write what you've heard me say.
Ask what you can actually show from Scripture.
TEST WHAT YOU WROTE
Look at your answer and ask:
Does a healthy Body require leaders?
Does it require individual members?
Does it require different gifts?
Does it require maturity?
Does it require truth?
Does it require love?
Does it require every part to participate?
Don't assume the answer to any of those questions.
Mark where you see it in the passages.
If you don't see it, don't force it into the text.
And if something in the Word challenges what you wrote, change what you wrote.
That's part of studying Scripture faithfully.
TODAY'S WORK
Finish this sentence in your journal:
According to these passages, the Body grows when...
Then show where your answer comes from.
You may still have questions.
Keep them.
Tomorrow, we're going to make this personal.