“PERFECTING”

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV).

The word “perfecting” is translated from the Greek word ‘katartismos,’ which means equipping or training the saints for the work of the ministry.

Think about this: When a child is born, he’s as perfectly human as his parents, even as a baby. He then starts growing by feeding on the right nourishment.

But that child needs to be trained and equipped with the right knowledge and information to eventually function effectively as an adult.

That’s what Apostle Paul meant by “perfecting of the saints.” As you receive the Word of God into your spirit, you’re being equipped to function and carry out the work of the ministry; you’re being trained in the life of righteousness.

The righteousness of God is in your spirit, but through the Word, you become more skilled in the doctrine, understanding, and application of your righteousness in Christ.