USING YOUR GIFTS?
Walk Using Our Gifts To Build the Body
Ephesians 4:7-16
This second half of Ephesians continues to deal with our daily walk, instructing us on how we are to live like children of God and show Jesus.
We find out here in Ephesians 4:7-16 that since Jesus is the victor, He can equip us to do the job we are supposed to be doing by giving us gifts. And also clarifies what that job is and in what manner we do the job.
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”
EPHESIANS 4:7
Jesus is the Victor and Gifts are Given
Ephesians 4:7-10
Again, here in chapter 4, Paul talks about the grace we’ve been given and it’s associated with being in Christ. What we’ve been given is unmerited, we don’t deserve it. It’s only because of Jesus that we receive grace.
Christ has been given all power. He ascended into heaven as High Priest. Like we see in Leviticus 16, the High Priest poured blood on the mercy seat to make atonement for the sins of Isreal. Jesus as our Great High Priest poured His blood to make atonement once and for all.
Paul, in verse 8, is quoting David Psalm 68:18 “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; Yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”
Kings and generals gave gifts after they won wars and battles. Christ is victor has won the war now he can hand out gifts. We don’t really see this today, but you could think of a hero getting a parade and then getting handed the keys to the city.
What are the gifts?
Ephesians 4:11
Different gifts are given to different people as God sees fit. There are a few lists in the Bible that talks about these gifts. They are in Romans 12, 1 Cornthians 12, Ephesians 4.
Just a few of these gifts that are mentioned: administration, discernment, exhortation, service, wisdom, knowledge, giving, leadership, hospitality;
Apostles – Or sent ones, they had a special mission
Jesus chose 12 Apostles, then after Judas’ betrayal, they chose Matthias. Paul was a special Apostle.
Prophets
Sometimes they spoke revelations from God, or sometimes expounded upon existing revelations.
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
Ephesians 2:20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” There may be those that have a special gift in interpreting God’s Word, similar to a prophet But there are no new revelations from God. We have his complete Word already.
Now that we have God’s Word complete there is no need for the two gifts of Apostle and Prophet. Every revelation is recorded for us in the Bible.
Evangelists
Someone that shares the gospel. Church planters, missionaries. They feel the strong call or need to share the gospel.
Pastors and teachers– or shepherds, leaders, protectors of God’s people.
Feed the flock of God with nurishment from God’s Word. Pastors are not meant to be a passive leaders or lead passive congregations- see verse 12.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”
EPHESIANS 4:11
What do we do with the gifts? Edify the body. 4:12-16
Verse 12 lays it out plainly what pastors are to be doing.
Ephesians 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
We become mature children of God. We grow so we are not fooled by false teachers and false doctrine. We edify, or build, the body using our gifts, speaking truth with love.
Verse 16- Christ supplies what the body needs to grow. We all have our own part to play. When we all do our part we will grow, individually and as a body. And everything we do we do in love. Always everything we say and do in love.
Questions:
Are we using our gifts?
Are we growing?
Are we giving it our all or are we being passive?
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
EPHESIANS 4:15