based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w4d2
Read: Ephesians 4:7-13/SOAP: verses 11-12
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave gifts to men.” 9 Now what is the meaning of “he ascended,” except that he also descended to the lower regions, namely, the earth? 10 He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. 11 And he himself gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature.
Ephesians 4:7-13
As believers we are one body, joined together by one Spirit, and we are called to one hope – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. However, Paul makes it clear that this doesn’t mean every believer will be the same, stating in verse 7 of today’s passage: “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” As today’s journal entry points out, “The church is made up of a variety of people from all different backgrounds and stories.”
Scripture makes it clear that all believers receive a spiritual gift. The gifts Paul writes about here are ones given to the building up of the church, but he lists many others in his letters to Rome (Romans 12:4-8) and Corinth (1 Corinthians 12). Paul makes it clear that the purpose of the gifts is not for our glory but rather to build up the body of Christ, equipping us for ministry, and maturing us in our faith until we “measure up to the full and complete standard of Christ” (vs 13). Or, as bibleref.com explains it: “The end goal is to be full of Christ.”
The end goal is to be “full” of Christ or the “fullness of Christ.”
bibleref.com/Eph 4:13
Words of Wisdom Concerning Spiritual Gifts
I don’t know about you, but I have found myself envious of other people’s gifts. There was also a long period of time where I was convinced I had no gift to use. I encourage you to read the following portion of today’s journal entry by Love God Greatly. I found it an encouraging reminder that while Satan would love for us to wallow in one or both of these mentalities, they are not thoughts that God wants us to have. Actually, they are great examples of Paul’s lesson to the Corinthians about taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
While it is tempting to look at another person’s gift and think that it is more important or more worthy of praise, the truth is that all gifts are important and necessary. The body of Christ is incomplete without you.
You are uniquely equipped and gifted to step into the places where God has you, whether it be your local church, home, workplace, family, friend group, local ministry, or somewhere on the other side of the world.
If you are unsure of how the Lord has gifted you, begin to pray and ask Him to reveal it to you. If you do know what your giftings are, begin praying and seeking ways to use them to build up the body of Christ.
Secure In Christ Journal Entry/p123
Friends, let’s thank Jesus for gracing us with gifts that allow us to serve Him wherever He leads and how He leads. May we be faithful to use our gift(s) to build up the church and to lead others to Him. May we be steadfast in encouraging others we see using their gifts and praying for any we know who are struggling to see/use their gift(s).
Reflection
What are your gift(s) and how are you using it/them? (I’d love it if you would share your response in the comment section below)
Me From the Inside Out 