May 5, 2020
Grounded on the divine call by God to save the sinner he exhorts all believers to live and walk in a manner worthy of this calling. To further help the Christian God provides gifts – spiritual gifts. Every believer has at least one spiritual gift; some have more than one. Spiritual gifts are given when we come to faith in Christ and are used to fulfil God’s calling for us. Gifts are varied, and all gifts are of equal importance designed to build up the body of Christ. Gifts are not given for one’s own edification but for the common good, and all gifts are meant to give glory to the One who so lavishly bestows them to us. These gifts aren’t mystical, impractical, or subjective, because their power comes from the Holy Spirit, who transforms our hearts and minds.
Please read Eph. 4:7-16
1. Verse 7 starts with a statement of contrast by using the word ‘but’, what is the contrast? and how does this relate to walking in a manner worthy of our calling? Who is the giver of gifts according to this passage? What does “the measure of Christ’s gift” infer?
2. Paul uses an OT quote from Psalm 68:18. Read Psalm 68 and determine the overall meaning of this Psalm. What are the differences in the way Paul quotes this Psalm? Why do you think Paul quotes this Psalm in relation to spiritual gifts? What is the purpose for this use of the Psalm?
3. (Difficult Q.) What does verses Eph. 4:9-10 mean in relation to the truth that “grace was given to us according to the measure of Christ gift” (v 7) ?
4. According to Eph. 4:11-16 what are gifted functions given to the church? Define each function? What is the purpose for these gifts/functions? In your own words describe what a mature Christian is? How should each one of us be involved in growing towards maturity? Are all these functions in operation in the church today? (Why or why not?)
5. How would you define “speaking the truth in love”? (What is speaking the truth in love and what is it not.)
6. How do these spiritual gifts grow the church in unity? What are the two key ingredients for growth?
7. Consider your spiritual gifts. How are you using these gifts to mature the church? What steps do you need to put in place to serve the church with your gift? How does your gift promote unity and maturity in the body?
Memory Verse
Eph. 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.