LESSON 5-Ephesians
Chapter 4
BEING THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
Ephesians 4:1-32
Eph.4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
4:7 The gift of Christ gives dimension to grace and defines our individual value. (Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ) Mirror Translation
There is a unique grace package designed for each Christian. The aorist tense of the verb “given” shows that there was a time in the past when this grace package was given. I teach these were given to you from the foundations of the earth. The passive voice shows that we were given this by God.
The plan of God for every believer includes:
- Salvation and the assurance of a glorious eternal future.
- The opportunity to walk in the Spirit and be occupied with Christ.
- The opportunity to live in the Word of God, acquire divine wisdom and prudence, and be able to make decisions and solve problems according to God’s divine viewpoint.
- Peace that passes understanding.
- A great happiness (joy) that does not depend on circumstances, people, or things.
- A well laid out “career” of serving God, fulfilling the plan of God, exercising spiritual gifts, prophesying, evangelizing and teaching, producing “gold, silver, and precious stones.”
Ephesians 4:8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”
4:8 Scripture confirms that He led us as trophies in His triumphant procession on high; He repossessed His gift (likeness) in man. Mirror Translation
Taken from-Psalm 68:18- You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the Lord God might dwell there.
Led Captivity Captive:
Colossians 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Gave Gifts to Men:
I have a course I teach on God-Given Design. Quote from that teaching:
God has given you a unique combination of skills, interests, aptitudes, personality traits, motivational patterns, callings, gifts and talents. He has specially equipped you to be a dynamic minister to and within your family, your job and to the community of faith. You’ll need to discover this by the Holy Spirit’s leading. Your God-given passion which indicates where you should serve – Your God-given gifts which indicate what you should do – Your God-given personal style which indicates how you should serve – Together, they indicate what you do best. (your passion)
When you were given this unique design? The answer should be in all of the Scriptures.
Gen. 1:26, 1 Cor. 11:7, Jer. 1:5, Romans 8:29-30. Eph. 1:4-5, Eph. 2:10, Ps. 139:13-16
That’s why the gift and callings of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29) He never takes them back because they were given to you at your creation. (Gen. 1:26) If to be a wise steward of your gifts and abilities, you need to fully understand and appreciate your God-given design. As the Psalm 139:14 states, “…you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has given you tremendous responsibility in being a steward (or manager) of your unique design. It is like your fingerprint, something specific to you as an individual, a person uniquely crafted and gifted by God to perform meaningful tasks of service to Him and to others.
You are uniquely fitted into the Body of Christ.
We will continue with Lesson 5 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
David & Mary Sue