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Understanding Ephesians 4:11-16: The Church's Gifts and Unity

Ephesians 4:11-16 reveals Paul’s insights on spiritual gifts within the church, emphasizing the importance of unity and maturity. As he writes from prison, he urges a humble approach to service, highlighting that every believer receives a unique gift from Christ. The passage showcases a healthy church as a body where each part functions effectively, acting in love and truth, leading to spiritual growth. Discover how the diversity of gifts enriches Christian unity and helps the church build itself up in love.

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Understanding Ephesians 4:11-16: The Church's Gifts and Unity

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  1. Ephesians 4:11-16 The Church Using Her Gifts

  2. Context • Paul in prison (Vs 1) • A new church in a pagan city • (Temple of Artemis)

  3. Context • Paul’s urge (Vs 1) • Context of humility and loving unity • (Vs 2-3) Compare 1 Corinthians 13 • ‘One’ x 7 (Vs 4-6)

  4. Context • Everyone gets a gift (Vs 7) • Who’s this one from? • The descended and ascended Christ (Vs 7-11)

  5. A Wonderful Vision (Vs 14 – 16) • A healthy body (Vs 16) • A healthy church …. going places (Vs 12 ) • A) People equipped • B) People serving Compare

  6. A Wonderful Vision • ‘truthing’ in love (Vs 15 a) • Maturity (Vs 13 and 15b) • 1 - Developing maturity (‘becoming’) • 2 - Not easily deceived (Vs 14) • 3 - Knowing more and more of Christ (Vs 13) • A church that points to heaven

  7. He’s Got ‘em on the List! • Listmania! • No complete lists of spiritual gifts in Bible • 5 key texts: • Romans 12 • 1 Corinthians 12a • 1 Corinthians 12b • Ephesians 4 • 1 Peter 4

  8. He’s Got ‘em on the List! • Romans 12:6-8 – Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, Mercy • 1 Cor. 12: 8-10 – Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Distinguishing Between Spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues • 1 Cor. 12: 28 – Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Miracles, Kinds of Healings, Helps, Administration, Tongues • Ephesians 4:11 – Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor-Teachers • 1 Peter 4: 11 – Speaking, Serving

  9. He’s Got ‘em on the List! • God loves variety • 'Christian unity is enriched by the diversity of our gifts'. (John Stott) • Natural alongside Supernatural

  10. Ephesians 4 list • Eph 4:11: • Apostles • Prophets • Evangelists • Pastor/Teachers • Eph 2:20 and 3:5 • Gospel foundations

  11. Examples • Joseph (Gen 37-50) • Stephen (Acts 6-7) • Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2)

  12. Examples • Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-3)

  13. But Why? • Love languages • Which would you rather receive? • Gifts are for service (Cf. 1 Cor. 12:7 and Vs 12)

  14. But Why? • To Equip and to Build up • (Vs 12) • To develop a mature church

  15. Applications • Remember Remember! • What is your gift? • No Lone Rangers here! • Serve humbly, watch out for pride • Vs 16, ‘as each part does its work.’

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