Taking the Spoils

Introduction

Last week we discussed walking in a manner which is worthy (or that suits) the calling by which we’ve been called.

If you’ll recall, we covered how we are to walk; that is:

with humility

gentleness

patience

bearing with one another in love

eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

We highlighted how the concept of being “eager” was the same word used in the manner of travelling; meaning exert energy, go out of your way to make sure the unity of God’s Spirit that is there because of Him is NOT broken

Today, I want to continue our discussion with the idea that the reason we are to walk worthy of the calling by which we are called is because, in Christ, we’ve received gifts.

These gifts aren’t intended for our personal enjoyment, in fact, these gifts are for the blessing and benefit of others.

Think of pickles or candy in a jar. We’re the jar, the contents within is what Christ has given to us. Why walk in a manner that suits our calling? Because if we want the jar that contains the goods to be presentable else, it doesn’t matter how good and edible the goods are within, the jar looks nasty, so I don’t want to try.

It’s important that we allow the Holy Spirit to perform His work in us.

It’s important that we do what Andrew Murray wrote about, and that is, Absolute Surrender

Surrender to the Holy Spirit within, allow Him to create within us a clean heart. Yes, we’re clean in Christ however, that cleanness of spirit should make its way outside of ourselves at some point.

I’m not here to beat you up. If you’ve been walking with the Lord and you’re seeking Him and it’s a struggle, please know He’s with you and He’s gentle with you.

However, if you’re not taking your walk with Jesus seriously, then wake up!!

What are you doing?

As God said to Adam: “Where are you?”

In other words, if you’re not walking with God, then where are you?

Body

Let’s look at what Paul says beginning in Ephesians 4:7 and we’ll read to verse 16

Grace

I want us to understand that any gift we receive from God in Christ is only because of His grace and His grace alone

It is only by grace that I stand and it is only by grace that I am able to function within the call of God upon my life.

Do you want to partake of this grace, this grace to exercise your gift in Christ?

It will cost you.

Grace is given at no cost, but it doesn’t come free

In other words, Grace is free but it’s not cheap

And it’s by the grace of God that, in Christ, I’ve been given a gift

Host of Captives

In verse 8 Paul quotes Psalm 68:18

Psalm 68:18 ESV

You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.

If we read this passage in the O.T., we’ll find that it seems Paul misquotes what was said because, in the Psalm, David said that God “receiv[ed] gifts among men”

Why would Paul misquote it?

One commentator believes Paul employed an ancient rabbinic tradition; akin to the Targum (which was an originally spoken translation of the Hebrew Bible (in Aramaic) that eventually was written down in Aramaic)

These translators would expound on the scriptures with their thoughts, paraphrases, and explanations

It’s within this rabbinic tradition we see Paul explaining that Christ led a host of captives and, as a result, gave the spoils of these captors to His followers.

In times of war, the winning side would consume the remains of their enemy and take the goods for themselves

In addition, Paul is saying what Christ has taken captive, He is sharing (as gifts) to men.

In verses 9 & 10, Paul pulls a theological audible and discusses the thought that if ascended up to somewhere, the implication is Christ descended somewhere first.

Theologians disagree on exactly where Jesus descended to however, for our discussion this morning, let’s just say He descended from heaven to earth, conquered over the forces of darkness and ascended back to heaven.

Gifts

What are these gifts?

What do they look like?

What’s the purpose of these gifts?

What are the Gifts?

In verse 11, Paul mentions 5 gifts: which are

a. Apostles

b. Prophets

c. Evangelists

d. Shepherds (Pastors)

e. Teachers

To my understanding . . .

Offices within the Church (Traditional, I believe)

Gifts - Offices are only Elder & Deacon (Sam Storms)

One commentator states: “More precisely, Paul refers to functions more than to offices. In Ephesians alone is it said clearly that these gifts come from Christ.”

In addition, another commentator states: “the Greek requires a list of functions;” which I understand that to mean this list may be a list of functions and not roles (as traditionally viewed).

In truth, it’s a matter to be explored, but it doesn’t change this one truth:

Jesus has given these gifts to men and there was a purpose to them.

No Apostles/No Prophets??

Before we move ahead, I must provide a bit of commentary.

The office of an Apostle is no longer active for today.

Now, there are those who have an “entrepreneurial” spirit that can function