#1450. Jesus is the head of the church - His body (11/2/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:15, we are drawn back to the crucial truth that Jesus alone is the head of the church. Therefore, we are called to seek and maintain a healthy, living connection with Him.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. The gifts of the Spirit make us a ‘mature body’

Paul repeatedly uses the picture of a body to describe our union with Christ and with one another, and to show how Jesus works through His people to accomplish His purposes in the world.

The gifts of the Spirit - especially the Word-based gifts - are given so that the church may become a ‘mature body.’ A mature church is spiritually healthy, united, and responsive to the leading of Christ through His Spirit. Each member works together in harmony to serve God’s will.

Jesus gives gifts so that His body may grow to maturity and, as a result, live out His purposes in the world.

2. Jesus is the head of the body - the church

Alongside the idea of maturity, Paul highlights our vital relationship to ‘the head—that is, Christ.’

A body without a head is lifeless and useless. While a physical body cannot function without a head, a church can sadly continue outward activity while losing true connection with Christ and becoming spiritually unfaithful. This is why Paul warns the Colossians:

For the church to be healthy and fruitful, we must remain closely connected to Jesus, our head. This happens in several key ways:

i. Through prayer

We remain connected to Christ by regularly praying and asking Him to fill, guide, and lead us. An individual Christian - or a church - that does not pray together is not relating to Jesus as deeply as it should. Prayer expresses our dependence and love.

ii. Through God’s Word

We remain connected by prayerfully studying and obeying God’s Word—“speaking the truth in love.” As we listen to Christ through Scripture and respond in obedience, we stay aligned with His will.

iii. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit

We remain connected as we seek to discern and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, keeping in step with Him. Jesus desires to guide us into His purposes, as Paul reminds us:

To recognise and walk in these good works, we must stay attentive and responsive to Jesus’ direction.

Response

Are we seeking close connection to our head - to Jesus?

Do we pray together - an expression of love and dependence?

Do we love teaching and studying His Word of truth - an expression of listening to our head so as to obey?

Are we seeking to discern the ‘good works’ that Jesus wants to lead us into? 

We have the immense privilege of being Jesus’ body, He wants to mature us and fit us for His service. So let’s keep as closely connected to our ‘head’ - to Jesus -  as possible. 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

The summary of our message was:  As each part does its work - as each uses spiritual gifts in love - we are able to stand and serve in the storms of life. 

Please read Ephesians 4:14-16 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• If we remain infantile, what are the dangers we face?

• From these verses, what is a vital key to our growth?

• Take a moment to encourage one another by describing the different spiritual gifts that we see in one another. 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From our text, why is using our spiritual gifts vital to our effectively reaching our community with the gospel? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

• Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• Ask God to work through us by His power, so that others may come to know Christ.