The Christ Who Gave Gifts

Reading from God’s Word

Ephesians 4:7–11 CSB

7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people. 9 But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? 10 The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. 11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

Introduction

As we begin the final month of the year and look ahead to 2026, we are stepping into what I think will be one of the most important and relevant Vision Plans we’ve ever had.

For months, our elders have prayed, planned, and prepared a year-long journey built around one central theme: Knit Together in Love.

Why this theme?

Why this emphasis?

Why now?

Because we are living in a cultural moment, and a congregational moment, where we cannot:

afford to drift

become passive spectators

or to treat faith as an individual exercise.

The New Testament shows us a different picture:

the church is a living body

intricately connected

unified by the Spirit

and strengthened when every member does their part.

Vision 2026 calls us back to that biblical model.

It is rooted in Ephesians 4:11–16, where Paul describes Christ’s design for His church:

A body equipped for ministry

A people growing in unity

A church anchored in truth

A fellowship built up in love

Every part working properly

Every member contributing to the mission

That is essence of the vision.

Not programs.

Not activities.

Formation. Maturity. Mission. Unity. Love.

And this is not optional — it is essential.

Because when a church becomes passive, inward, or fragmented, it loses its mission and its joy.

We are entering our sixth year in this new place.

Going back 10 years, we have grown in number.

The congregation looks completely different today than it did then.

Many have gone on to their reward.

New families have come in.

A number of people have come to know Christ for the first time, or have been restored out of service.

It is easy to think we’ve arrived.

It is easy to slow down and let others do the work.

It is easy to turn inward and criticize the things we don’t like.

It is easy to fall into a lull.

But when a church understands who it is in Christ, embraces its gifts, and commits to serving one another in love, the church becomes a powerful witness to the world.

This is why the elders chose this theme. This is why we’re spending a full year in Ephesians 4. This is why our classes, sermon plans, and ministry initiatives all tie into this vision.

Because God is calling Cornerstone to grow — not just in number, but in unity, maturity, and mission.

And it all begins with this truth:

Christ Himself has equipped His church to do the work.

He has not left us without direction.

He has not left us without resources.

He has not left us without gifts.

He has given each one of us what we need to serve, grow, and build up the body.

So, where do we begin?

If Christ intends to knit us together in love,

If He calls each one of us into the work of ministry,

If he desires a church marked by unity, maturity, and shared purpose,

Then the starting point must be this: Christ Himself has already supplied everything we need.

And that is exactly what Paul shows us in Ephesians 4:7-11.

Before the church can serve, we must understand how Christ equips.

Before we can work together in love, we must see how Christ empowers each member.

Before we can grow in unity, we must grasp the gifts Christ has poured out on his people.

So, let’s look again at our text and wee how Paul walks us into the foundation of what we’ll be talking about all year: the generous gifts of the risen Christ.

Christ Gives Gifts to Every Believer (4:7)

“All” to “Each”

Ephesians 4:7 CSB

7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

The shift here should get our attention.

After spending 6 verses lifting up what binds us together,

One body, one spirit, one hope, one lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father,

He turns to focus on what makes us distinct.

Unity does not erase individuality.

Oneness is not sameness.

The church is a single body made up of wonderfully different members.

And so Paul writes: “Now grace was given to each one of us…”

See how the emphasis shifts from “all” to “each.”

In v. 3-6, the word was “all” - every member shares the same foundation in Christ.

But in v. 7, the word becomes “each” - each member receives grace personally, intentionally, and uniquely.

There is no such thing as a non-gifted Christian.

No one in the church is overlooked.

No one is unnecessary.

No one is without purpose.

No one can say, “There is nothing I can contribute.”

Grace is the act of God giving Himself.

Ephesians 4:7 CSB

7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Let’s focus on the word “grace” in v. 7 again.

Not about our forgiveness in this context.

He is talking about God empowering His people to serve.

Grace is not just about God giving Himself for our salvation — it is about God giving Himself into us for our ministry.

Think of it this way: Christ has placed His own power and presence within His people to energize whatever work He calls them to do.

Each Member Receives a Measured, Purposeful Gift

Ephesians 4:7 CSB

7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

This is not random.

He measures.

He decides.

He equips each one of us precisely as He intends.

Some are gifted in teaching.

Some in encouragement.

Some in service.

Some in leadership.

Some in hospitality.

Some in mercy.

Some in generosity.

Some in quiet strength and faithfulness.

Our gifts are like snowflakes and fingerprints — each one completely distinct.

This means your personality, background, life story, talents, and even your wounds shape how Christ works through you.

He didn’t make you like someone else because He doesn’t need two of them — He needs one of you.

When we don’t use our gifts, the body suffers.

Think of it this way: if you don’t use your gift,

someone goes unencouraged

someone goes unserved

someone goes untaught

some need goes unmet

some work gets undone

some opportunity is missed

So, you matter. Your gift matters. Your participation matters. Christ has already placed within you exactly what this church needs from you.

Jesus Earned the Right to Give These Gifts (4:8-10)

So, every Christian receives grace for ministry. But, who gave Jesus the authority to distribute these gifts?

The Victor Who Ascended

v. 8 is a quote from Psalm 68:18.

Psalm 68:18 CSB

18 You ascended to the heights, taking away captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, so that the Lord God might dwell there.

This psalm celebrates the triumph of God.

Now, I want you to think of an ancient victory procession.

A conquering king returns home.

He leads the defeated armies through the city in humiliation.

He displays the spoils of war.

And then, as an act of generosity and celebration, he distributes gifts to His people.

In Psalm 68, God is that conquering king.

In Ephesians 4, Christ is the fulfilled figure of that king.

He triumphed over the forces of hell itself.

So, because Christ has conquered, He now gives.

His gifts to the church are the spoils of His victory.

The One Who Descended

Now, verse 9:

Ephesians 4:9 CSB

9 But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth?

Before Christ could ascend in victory, He first had to descend into humilty.

Descended from heaven into flesh.

Descended into human weakness.

Descended into the suffering of the cross.

descended into death itself.

There is nowhere exempt from His presence and from His lordship.

Christ descended to the lowest possible point - not because He was defeated - but because He came to defeat sin, death, and the powers of darkness on our behalf.

Now He Has Ascended Far Above the Heavens

Ephesians 4:10 CSB

10 The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.

There is more than the resurrection going on here. This is enthronement.

Go back to chapter 1:

Ephesians 1:20–23 CSB

20 He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

He didn’t just survive the battlefield, he owns it.

He fills all things.

His authority stretches everywhere.

This is why he distributes gifts.

This is why he calls people into minstry.

This is why the church can grow, thrive, and serve.

The Logic of Paul’s Argument:

Christ descended - He paid the price.

Christ ascended - He secured the victory.

Christ reigns - He holds all authority.

Therefore, Christ alone has the right to give gifts to His church.

These are gifts from men.

These aren’t talents we produce ourselves.

They are divine distributions from the enthroned king.

Think of the implications of this:

Christ never calls you into a ministry he has not equipped you to fulfill.

You are not operating from scarcity.

You are operating from Christ’s victory.

Back to Vision 2026:

This year:

The church belongs to Christ.

The ministry belongs to Christ.

The gifts come from Christ.

The power comes from Christ.

The mission is accomplished through Christ.

He reigns. He fills all things. He supplies what we lack.

Our role is to simply receive the gifts and then use them.

Christ Gives Gifts to the Whole Church (v. 11)

Up to this point, Paul has emphasized two great truths:

v. 7: every member receives a gift of grace.

v. 8-10: Christ alone has the authority to distribute these gifts because He conquered, ascended, and reigns.

Now, Paul turns to a third truth:

Christ’s gifts are not only abilities - they are people.

He has given the body gifted men.

In v. 7-10 - Christ gives individual gifts to each member.

In v. 11 - He gives equipping leaders to the entire church.

Ephesians 4:11 CSB

11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

These roles are not privileges.

They are not status positions.

They are not honorary titles.

They are gifts from the risen Christ for the strengthening of His body.

Apostles and Prophets - The Foundation.

Ephesians 4:11 CSB

11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

Paul lists the first because they are foundational.

Apostles

Chosen directly by Christ.

Witnesses of His resurrection.

Carried authority across all the churches

Received and delivered divine revelation

Prophets

Spirit-guided speakers in early congregations

revealed new information via the Sprit

explained revelation already given

strengthened and edified the church

like the apostles, their office ceased with the completion of the New Testament.

And today, the church rests of the foundation they built.

We are building on what Christ has already established.

Evangelists - Proclaimers and Ground Breakers

Ephesians 4:11 CSB

11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

In the NT, evangelists:

proclaimed the gospel to unbelievers

taught, stabilized, and strengthened existing congregations.

Some were missionaries.

Others, like Timothy and Titus, served longterm with specific churches.

The evangelist is a proclaimer of salvation by grace through faith in the Son of God.

Evangelists are Christ’s gift to the church to help it stay anchored in the gospel, focused on mission, and rooted in sound teaching.

Pastors and Teachers - Shepherds Who Lead and Feed

Ephesians 4:11 CSB

11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

Shepherds lead and feed.

Paul described their work in Acts 20:28:

Acts 20:28 CSB

28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.

They oversee the flock.

They shepherd the church.

They teach and guard the flock.

They are Christ’s gifts to the church because:

They model what godliness looks like.

They point the church to maturity.

They help the body remain unified in love.

They equip believers to use their gifts well.

The Purpose of These Gifts

Note v. 12:

Ephesians 4:12 CSB

12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,

Not to do all ministry - but to equip the saints to do the ministry.

Not to create spectators - but to cultivate servants.

Not to centralize power - but to mobilize the entire congregation.

So why spend an entire year in Ephesians 4?

Christ Himself supplied leadership for the purpose of equipping

Christ Himself set the structure for how churches mature

Christ Himself placed our shepherds, teachers, and ministers here for this very moment.

If we trust His design, we will lean into the work He has prepared:

To be taught

To be shaped

To be equipped

To grow

To serve

To build up the body in love.

As We Close…

As we move forward, Paul has shown us where we must begin.

Not with ourselves.

Not with our weaknesses.

Not with our fears.

But with Christ.

Christ gives grace to each believer.

Christ descended, conquered, and ascended to reign.

Christ earned the right to equip His church.

Christ gives gifted leaders to prepare us.

Christ supplies everything needed for Cornerstone to grow.

This means the church is not under-resourced.

We are not lacking.

We are not unprepared.

We have exactly what Christ intends us to have — because Christ Himself has given it.

But now comes the question God places before every one of us:

Will we receive the gifts He has given?

Will we use them?

Will we let Him shape us?

Will we enter this year ready to grow, ready to serve, ready to build up the body in love?

We want to be a church where:

every member serves,

every gift is used,

every person strengthens the body,

every member ministers,

and Christ is glorified.

You are not on the outside of this vision — you are essential to it.

Cornerstone cannot be what Christ intends without you.

Your gifts.

Your presence.

Your heart.

Your faith.

Your service.

You matter. You are needed. You are called.

Look again at v. 7:

Ephesians 4:7 CSB

7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Christ has already equipped you.

Christ has already empowered you.

Christ has already called you.

The only question remaining is: Will you step into the work He has prepared?