Studies in Ephesians 22 Gifts Ephesians 4 7

Studies in Ephesians (22) Gifts Ephesians 4: 7 -10

Gifts given to each of us l To each of us grace was given – a general gift available to all, as opposed to spiritual gifts given at the Holy Spirit’s discretion (cf. 1 Corinthians 12: 4 -11) l. This “gift” is associated with God’s grace

Gifts given to each of us l According to the measure of Christ’s gift l Measure – the full extent or complete amount needed l Given to each of us. Note we each do have individual abilities (cf. Romans 12: 3 -8), but this was given to all of us. l “Gift”, δωρεά (dōrea)

Gifts given to each of us l “Christ’s gift” – what is it? l Salvation – Titus 2: 11, Rom. 5: 15 Jesus offered Himself – John 3: 16, 10: 10 -11, Rom. 5: 8 l. Spiritual blessings in Him – Ephesians 1: 3 -12 l Unity – Ephesians 4: 1 -6

Gifts given to each of us l “Christ’s gift” – what is it? l Godly knowledge of leaders – Ephesians 4: 11 -16 All of these have the l Allability the products of maturity to produce the Ephesians 4: 16 unity God demands l ALL of these are true for Christians

Gifts given to each of us l. Therefore He says… l Psalm 68: 18, “You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the LORD God might dwell there. ”

Gifts given to each of us l. Therefore He says…Psalm 68 l A psalm of David praising God at Mt. Sinai – it celebrates His power over His enemies! None can stop Him! In conquering His enemies, He received gifts from men

Gifts given to each of us l. Therefore He says…Psalm 68: 18 l In Eph. 4: 8, the victory of God celebrated at Sinai is compared to the victory of Christ over His enemies. Eph. 2: 1 -3, 11 -15, 6: 10 -18, etc.

Gifts given to each other l. When He ascended on high (4: 8) l Christ has ascended to heaven Ephesians 1: 20, Philippians 2: 9 Colossians 3: 1

Gifts given to each of us l He led captivity captive (4: 8) l Christ has captured “captivity” – defeated Satan Hebrews 2: 14 -15 Luke 11: 20 -22 1 John 3: 8 Colossians 2: 15

Gifts given to each of us l He gave gifts to men (4: 8) l Consider the “gifts” previously mentioned l NOTE the difference between two texts:

Gifts given to each of us Psalm 68: 18 Ephesians 4: 8 l “You have l “When He ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, …” ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men. ”

Gifts given to each of us l He gave gifts to men (4: 8) l In Psalm 68: 18, God received gifts – and He did! Today, we give “gifts” to Him – Romans 12: 1 -2, etc. l In Eph. 4: 8, He (God and Christ) gave gifts to us – and He has! Cf. 2 Corinthians 9: 5

Gifts given to each of us l Reconciling Psalm 68 & Eph. 4 l Paul is taking an Old Testament truth and making a New Testament application (without diminishing the text) contrasting the differences. l Thus, Eph. 4 perhaps is not a direct quote of Psalm 68, but a reference to it with application. l Jesus gives us gifts – Romans 6: 23

Gifts given to each of us l Ephesians 4: 9, elaboration and application of 4: 8 l “Now this, ‘He ascended’, what does it mean but that He also first descended…” l Jesus left heaven for us – Philippians 2: 5 -8 Hebrews 2: 17 l The unity found in Jesus was made possible because He came to earth

Gifts given to each of us l Ephesians 4: 9, l “…descended to the lower parts of the earth” l A reference to this sin cursed world. Jesus did not come among the elites! Perhaps, ultimately fulfilled in His death and burial. l He cares for us! 2 Corinthians 8: 9, John 3: 13

Gifts given to each of us Ephesians 4: 10, l “He who descended is also the One who ascended far above the heavens, that He might fill all things. ” l Jesus has completed His mission and is able to do ALL that we need of Him. l Colossians 2: 9 -10, Hebrews 2: 18, 4: 14 -16 Ephesians 1: 3, He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Him l

God has given us His grace through Christ Will you accept His gift?