Ephesians 4:7-12

Introduction:

Last week in Ephesians 4:1–6, we saw God’s call for every believer to walk worthy of the calling we have received

marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and a relentless pursuit of unity.

Paul grounded that unity in unshakable gospel realities: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. The emphasis was clear—what unites us in Christ is far greater than anything that could divide us.

This week, in Ephesians 4:7–12, Paul turns the corner. After stressing our shared unity, he now highlights our diversity. Unity does not mean uniformity.

The same Lord who makes us one also graciously gives gifts to each believer. Christ, the victorious and ascended King, has distributed these gifts not for personal recognition, but for the building up of His church.

We move from walking worthy together to serving faithfully according to grace given to each one.

Main message: God has called and equipped you to serve Him and glory Christ and edify the body

1. (V7) But to each one grace was given according of Christ’s gift

Gifts for unity

Last week: Paul names seven basic spiritual realities that unite all Christians

We have unity because of what we share in common. In Jesus we share one body, one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Father.

Paul moves from what we have in common to how we differ…

a) But to each of us grace was given, which means we have individual gifts

A spiritual gift is God-given ability to serve God and other Christians in a way that Christ is glorified and believers are edified

1 Corinthians 12:11 “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

1 Corinthians 12:7 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:”

Not only did Christ die for us that we might be saved, but He’s given us gifts

Through grace, its undeserved

Nothing we can do will earn us gifts, simply through grace

b) What are the spiritual gifts?

Gifts Listed according 1 Corinthians 12:8–10

Word of wisdom

Word of knowledge

Faith (distinct from saving faith)

Gifts of healings

Working of miracles

Prophecy

Discerning of spirits

Different kinds of tongues

Interpretation of tongues

Gifts Listed in Romans 12:6–8

Prophecy

Ministry (serving)

Teaching

Exhortation (encouragement)

Giving

Leadership (administration)

Mercy

Every believer has at least one of these gifts, according to the measure of Jesus’ gift

In Romans, Paul instructs us to use our gifting

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

c) Each believer is given gifts to function in the church

He saves us and He wants to use us

A blessing to be used

A crew arrives to build a house.

One brings a hammer, another a level, another a saw, another a measuring tape.

None of the tools are impressive alone, but all are essential.

The house can’t be built if everyone uses the same tool—or leaves theirs unused.

Spiritual gifts work the same way.

God gives every believer a gift, though not the same gift.

The value is not how impressive it looks, but how faithfully it’s used.

An unused gift helps no one, just like a tool left in the truck.

When each believer uses what God has given:

The church is built up

Christ is honored

The work moves forward

d) What is your gifting?

Each one of us was given a gift according to the good measure of Christ’s gift

You have been given spiritual ability

If you don’t know your gifting or your not sure how the Lord may want to use you, allow the elders to pray for you after the service

1.1 (V8) When he ascended on High, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men

a) He ascended on high and led captives free

Paul quoting from Psalm 68

Jesus being put to death and raised again led the captives free

We are no longer captive to sin

b) Jesus said, it’s better that I go and leave you with the Holy Spirit

John 16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”

When the Holy Spirit falls upon you and you have recieved power, go be a witness to me in Jerusalem and every other part of the world

In Acts chapter 2 the disciples were told to wait in

It’s through the Holy Spirit the gifts flow and operate

He chose to include us in His plan of rescuing humanity

c) Not according to our strength that He uses us

Zechariah 4:6 “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.”

1.2 (V9-10) He must first descend before He can ascend

a) Before he had to ascend, he must first descend

The Gospel of John tells us Jesus was there from the beginning

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

He left Heaven to come to earth

b) That He might fill all things

Acts 2:33 “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.”

Not only does He offer salvation for all those who believe upon His name

But He has given us gifts

Christ fulfilled all things not only through His work on the cross, but through the leaders He gives to His church.

1.3 (V11) He gave some to apostles, prophets, evangelist, and some to be pastors and teachers

He Himself: This means that Jesus established these offices. They are the work and appointment of Jesus, not men. 

Given these offices to build up and edify His church

1. Apostles – The Foundational Messengers

Jesus had many disciples, but he only 12 hand picked Apostles who were divinely appointed representative

These Apostles where to give witness of the resurrection because they had personally seen Christ raised from the dead

Because their role was foundational, this office did not continue beyond the first generation of believers.

Today, while God still sends out gospel workers, no one carries the authority of the original apostles.

The term apostle means “one who is sent.”

Some would say a missionary could be considered an apostle because the term means to be sent out

2. Prophets – Those Who Spoke God’s Word

Prophets spoke forth God’s truth in complete harmony with the Old and New Testament revelation.

At times their message included prediction, but their primary role was proclamation.

Like the apostles, first-century prophets were foundational and do not function today in the same way or with the same authority

We have God’s written word

3. Evangelists – Proclaimers of the Gospel

Evangelists are specially gifted to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Their focus is on taking the gospel to the lost, calling sinners to repentance and faith.

God uses evangelists to expand the church, while other leaders help establish and mature it.

4. Pastors and Teachers – Shepherds of the Flock

The Greek text indicates one office with two functions: pastor-teachers.

A pastor is a shepherd—one who cares for, protects, and tends the needs of the flock.

A shepherd loves the sheep and would give his life for the sheep

Willing to sacrifice

A shepherd doesn’t drive the sheep from behind—he walks ahead of them. He knows the sheep, he watches for danger, and leads them where they can be fed and kept safe.

A teacher feeds the flock by faithfully instructing them in the Word of God.

He expounds the Word of God

He teaches faithfully and is consistent

1.3 (V12) For the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry

Purpose: These gifts given are to build up the church for the work of the ministry

These ministries work together to produce strong, mended, fit Christians.

a) Gifts given to equip the church

Equipping also has the idea of “to put right.”

The purpose of these gifts are to equip the church

For the work of the ministry

2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

b) For the work of the ministry

God’s people do the real work of ministry.

Leaders in the church have the first responsibility to equip people to serve and to direct their service as God leads.

Your in grocery store, at work, in your neighborhood, with your kids and in the church

You have great influence everywhere you go and I believe that is the work of the ministry, right where you are..

1.4 For the edifying of the body of Christ

a) For the edifying of the body

To biblical term for edify is the building of a house or building up

To build up, expanded and strengthened His church

Members of the church grow feeding on the word of God and ministering to one another

b) A health church

Coming to this church my mindset is how can add to this church

How can I compliment what is already happening

A healthy church is a church where 100 percent of the people are active using their gifting

c) Our church

I’ve been blessed by all of your support, many have come alongside me which allows me to focus on the task in front of me

Missionaries going out in different parts of the world, even here in the United States

We have business owners running their business in a Christ like manner

We have Teachers who are in pubic school

We have law enforcement in the community

We have people involved in politics and praying for the community

Evangelizing in the community

d) Give my church vision

My vision is continue in the direction that has been laid before me

Live as an example

Equip the saints through teaching the word, for the work of the ministry

Continue to support missions and to be a witness in the community

e) If your looking to get involved

I have a heart for this community

I have a few different outreach ideas..

Such as, having a church service in the park

Having Outreach events here at the church, like fun in the sun

We are going to offer classes on how to share your faith and then we will go into the community and share with people and do baptisms

In Conclusion:

Christ has given grace to every believer and gifts to His church—not for personal recognition, but for mutual edification. He descended to save us, ascended in victory, and now supplies what we need to grow.

As each member serves, the church is strengthened, Christ is glorified, and the mission moves forward.

So the question is simple: Are you using the gift Christ has given you to build up His body?