The Church - Ephesians 4نموونە

Growing in Christ Together

Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:7-16

"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, ‘When He ascended on high, He led captive the captives, and He gave gifts to people.’ (Now this expression, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."— Ephesians 4:7-16 (NASB 2020)

The Apostle Paul teaches that every believer has received grace from Christ in the form of spiritual gifts. These gifts are not just for personal benefit but are given for the growth and maturity of the entire body of Christ. In this passage, we see the beauty of God’s design for the church, where each person plays a role in the growth and unity of the body, ultimately leading us all to maturity in Christ.

1. Grace for Each of Us (Ephesians 4:7)
   Paul begins by reminding us that "to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift." This grace refers to the spiritual gifts that Christ distributes to His church. Every believer has received a unique gift or set of gifts. These gifts vary in type and function, but they all come from the same source—Christ Himself. No one is left out, and no gift is insignificant.
2. Christ the Giver of Gifts (Ephesians 4:8-10)
   Paul refers to Christ’s ascension, noting that He first descended to earth, and after accomplishing His work of redemption, He ascended on high, giving gifts to His people. Jesus, as the victorious King, distributes spiritual gifts to His church to empower and equip us for ministry. His victory over sin, death, and the grave made this possible. We serve a risen Savior who is actively working through His people today.
3. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts (Ephesians 4:11-13)
   Paul explains the purpose of these gifts: "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ." Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given to equip the church to serve. Every believer is called to ministry in some way, and our gifts help the body of Christ grow in unity, knowledge, and maturity. God’s desire is for all of us to grow in faith and become more like Jesus.
4. Growing into Maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:14-16)
   As we grow in Christ, we are no longer to be spiritual children, "tossed here and there by waves" or deceived by false teachings. Instead, we are called to speak the truth in love, building each other up as we all grow into the fullness of Christ. Each of us has a role in this process, contributing to the health and growth of the body. When we are united in purpose and working together, the body of Christ matures and is built up in love.

Applications

1. Embrace your unique gifts.
   Recognize that Christ has given you grace to serve and contribute to the body of Christ.“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
2. Serve with humility and purpose.
   Use your gifts to equip and build up others in the faith, remembering that your gifts are for the benefit of the church.“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
3. Grow in maturity and truth.
   Be intentional about growing in your faith, avoiding false teachings and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word.“But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).
4. Build up the body in love.
   Work toward unity, speaking the truth in love and contributing to the growth of others in the body of Christ.“Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You have given to each of us through Christ. Help us to recognize and embrace these gifts, using them to serve and build up Your church. Lead us into maturity in our faith, that we may no longer be tossed by false teachings, but grounded in Your truth. Teach us to walk in love, speaking the truth with grace and contributing to the unity and growth of the body of Christ. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.