HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN

Passage: Ephesians 4:7-13

Key verse: 12

NIV

7 But to each one of us(A) grace(B) has been given(C) as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives(D)
    and gave gifts to his people.”[b](E)

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended(F) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)(G) 11 So Christ himself gave(H) the apostles,(I) the prophets,(J) the evangelists,(K) the pastors and teachers,(L) 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ(M) may be built up(N) 13 until we all reach unity(O) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God(P) and become mature,(Q) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(R)

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Footnotes
  1. Ephesians 4:8 Or God
  2. Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18
  3. Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

7 But (A)grace was given (B)to each one of us (C)according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says,

(D)“When he ascended on high (E)he led a host of captives,
    and he gave gifts to men.”[a]

9 ((F)In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into (G)the lower regions, the earth?[b] 10 He who descended is the one who also (H)ascended (I)far above all the heavens, that he might (J)fill all things.) 11 And (K)he gave the (L)apostles, the prophets, the (M)evangelists, the (N)shepherds[c] and teachers,[d] 12 (O)to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for (P)building up (Q)the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to (R)the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, (S)to mature manhood,[e] to the measure of the stature of (T)the fullness of Christ,

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Footnotes
  1. Ephesians 4:8 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women
  2. Ephesians 4:9 Or the lower parts of the earth?
  3. Ephesians 4:11 Or pastors
  4. Ephesians 4:11 Or the shepherd-teachers
  5. Ephesians 4:13 Greek to a full-grown man
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. He gave gifts of grace (7-12)

There is one Lord, but there is a diversity of gifts which Christ gives the captives he sets free. Christ, who descended to this world in his incarnation, ascended to the highest heavens and poured out his Spirit on his own people. He equips his Church to serve him. Each of us receives different gifts, but every gift he gives has one purpose: To prepare God's people for service so that the whole body of Christ may be built up (12).

2. Until we become mature (13)

Divisions among God's people are a mark of immaturity. The goal of our growth is unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God--that is, maturity in Christ. We must encourage one another, and build up one another. And, instead of competing with one another, we must each strive to grow in Christ's love and in knowledge of him until we attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, help me to use the gifts you have given me to glorify your name and build up your people.

One Word: Build up the body of Christ