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Ephesians 4:11-16. The Church Using Her Gifts. Context. Paul in prison (Vs 1) A new church in a pagan city (Temple of Artemis). 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). Context. Everyone gets a gift (Vs 7)
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Ephesians 4:11-16 The Church Using Her Gifts
Context • Paul in prison (Vs 1) • A new church in a pagan city • (Temple of Artemis)
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)
Context • Everyone gets a gift (Vs 7) • Who’s this one from? • The descended and ascended Christ (Vs 7-11)
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
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
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
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
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
Ephesians 4 list • Eph 4:11: • Apostles • Prophets • Evangelists • Pastor/Teachers • Eph 2:20 and 3:5 • Gospel foundations
Examples • Joseph (Gen 37-50) • Stephen (Acts 6-7) • Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2)
Examples • Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-3)
But Why? • Love languages • Which would you rather receive? • Gifts are for service (Cf. 1 Cor. 12:7 and Vs 12)
But Why? • To Equip and to Build up • (Vs 12) • To develop a mature church
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.’