In Relation to Spiritual Gifts

Read

Ephesians 3:20-21 (Mission of the Church)
Ephesians 4:7 (Gift of Grace)
Ephesians 4:8-10 (Gifts given to men)
Ephesians 4:11 (Gifts given to the Church)
Ephesians 4:12-13 (Why Christ gifts the Church)
Ephesians 4:14-16 (Why the Church)

Introduction

Those who carefully read these passages will receive knowledge of why Christ brings spiritual gifts, as these passages contain deep truths.

Ephesians clearly presents God’s purpose and intent for the Church, both universal and in the local church.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus, our Lord. In Him and through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:10-12

Discussion

By granting grace and gifts to individuals in the Church, the Lord, Christ Jesus, enables this to happen. The Church then functions to proclaim the wisdom of God’s plan for reconciliation. The love of Christ and our love for one another allows us to live in unity — as one body.

The watching world is watching.

What about believers in the Church?

We, individually, are called to walk in the light of our calling within the plan of God — a plan of peace and unity. As believers, we maintain that unity, embrace our new identity as His people and properly do our part as the Church body grows, grows and grows some more.

All this is according to His plan.

But to each one of us was given grace as Christ apportioned it…and He gave gifts to men. Ephesians 4:7&8b NIV.

The gift of grace is remarkable. I don’t think we can number the books already written ton the subject of grace. However, let’s look at how Webster’s Dictionary defines it and how we can see the progression of God’s power in giving us this wonderful gift of grace.

Grace: unmerited divine assistance given man (humankind) for his regeneration and sanctification. A state of sanctification* enjoyed through divine grace.

Now let’s take a closer look at this definition, and you’ll see just how God’s divine assistance gives us the ability to live the “with God” life. Regeneration is the term used for something formed or created, someone spiritually reborn, or one restored to a better, higher, and more worthy state.

Sanctification, on the other hand, sets you apart to a sacred purpose, consecrates you unto God, and sets you free from sin. Sanctification is a process actively at work in your personal devotion (solemn commitment to God) and the way He makes you holy (set apart for His purposes) is the gift of grace.

What about Christ?

Christ brings all things to completion. He is seated at the right hand of God, exalted above all spiritual powers, and has authority over everything. He processes boundless riches and freely gives gifts to His people and the Church. His death and resurrection are the basis for our redemption and reconciliation.

Christ determines the fate of all who love Him. Being in Christ unites us with Him and our new identity necessitates a complete reorientation of our entire existence: For in Him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

In Christ, we not only have fellowship with God but also with one another. Christ “connects” God and the Church (horizontally) and He also connects all true believers in the Church, regardless of race, culture, gender, or economic status.

What about the Church?

Paul gives us a clear understanding of the unity of members and the Church. Although “church” generally refers to a local assembly or congregation, we learn from God’s Word that it has a wider meaning as the universal life of the Church to which we all believers belong.

If we took an overall survey of the book of Ephesians, we would discover that Paul refers to the Church in five ways: as a body (Christ as the head), a temple filled with God’s presence, a commonwealth, a household, and a bride.

But for now, let’s focus on the Church as a body — members joined together and dependent on each other.

What about the Gifted Church?

We depend on Christ for our maturity and Church growth. As we submit to Christ, things will happen in the Church — mighty and wonderful things.

He supplies everything we need to live the “with God” life in the community. The unity of the Church arises from one Spirit, one Lord, and one God and Father over all. He has gifted the Church:

He gave gifts to men… So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers. Ephesians 4:8b & 11 NIV.

Christ poured out His Spirit on the Church — members of one body, and empowers them to do His will. In His great love and care, He’s gifted the Church with apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers who are called, led, instructed, and obedient to the Lord.

Apostles: There are Apostles and there are “apostles”. The Apostles, commonly referred to as the 12, are those who Jesus called. They walked with Him and witnessed His death, resurrection, and the ascension. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit and given special revelation. They founded the Church.

Apostles today are different. We know them as missionaries or church planters. They’re commissioned to proclaim the message and establish the Church.

Prophets: New Testament prophets have a special revelation for the Church. They function with prediction, exhortation, encouragement, and explanation. They must be 100% accurate and truthful to God’s Holy Word, or they are false. They are responsible for communicating a message from God that is most appropriate to the situation facing the Church.

Evangelists: Evangelists are equipped, called, and gifted to proclaim the gospel. Paul was an apostle, yet his greater authority included evangelism — receiving the gospel and sharing the revelation he received from the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth.

Pastors: They shepherd, instruct, and care for God’s people. It is a responsibility they take seriously.

Teachers: The Holy Spirit instructs teachers, and so He makes Himself known in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Teachers are invaluable because they cause us to know, guide us in studies, instruct us precept-by-precept, lead by example, and provide just the right information — upholding the truth at the right time. They are held to a higher standard because great harm comes from those who teach false doctrine.

Reflect

You will find apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in a local church. But, let me make something clear. These positions are not “offices” but responsibilities given to gifted members. One does not have authority over another. Christ is the ultimate authority. Each position is subject to the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Why would Christ give gifts to humankind and the Church? Simply, so we will not be children tossed to and fro by the winds of doctrine.

Of course, there’s more. Christ gives gifts to:

Equip members of the body to fulfill the ministry God called us to serve.
Build up the body of Christ.
Attain the unity of faith.
Attain to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Speak the truth in love.
Grow up in every way unto Christ Jesus.

The mark of authentic Christianity and the Church is love. We’re not given gifts for our own private benefit. No one can grow to maturity in isolation — to each is given the manifestation (gift) for the common good (see I Corinthians 12:7).

When each part works properly, then the body grows and builds itself up in love. This equipping, maturing, and moving in harmony will continue until Christ returns.

Respond

The next time you go to church. Sit quietly in your chair or pew — look around and ask yourself: what gifts do they have, and how has Christ gifted me to work in harmony with them?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Christ Jesus, my Savior, and His gifts to us. Thank You for Your plans for Your people - Thank You for the Church and help me fit in and use me to Your glory and honor. I am grateful for You, Your gifts and Your Church.  Amen

Conclusion

Not everyone understands the dynamics of membership and the Church, or How Christ fits into the picture. But you have been given a special revelation as you’ve “deep dived” into these treasured passages.

He loves you individually, moves powerfully in the Church, and gives spiritual gifts because of His great love. You are blessed because now you understand the intent of God in bringing us to Himself and setting in place an organization that supports His purpose to reconcile us to Himself.

Go in the blessing and gifting of the Lord!