She Reads Truth: EphesiansSample

Ephesians 4:1-16 | Graced + Gifted for God’s Body

Repetition is a proven way to help us learn and remember important points. When you read through these 16 verses, you might notice some repetition. The word “one” is used 10 times--give or take, depending on which translation you are reading.

It is used to show unity: one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. It is used to speak directly to us individually: he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. (v. 7, NLT). It is again used to tell of Christ: He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens (v. 10, NIV).

All three of these uses are important as we look at this section of scripture: we are called to use what He has given us for His glory.

Each one of us have been given unique gifts. Take time to ask the Lord to reveal these gifts in your life. Let’s take a look at the gifts mentioned in this passage: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, shepherd and teacher.

And now, what are we to do with these gifts?

It is easy for us to become silos: focusing on our own gifts and not the unity of the body of believers. It is easy to become isolated, because community means being vulnerable and potential for hurt. It is easy to assign these jobs to paid positions or volunteer roles or jobs. I love verses 12 and 13:

...to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. (NLT, emphasis added)

We must be moving forward, maturing in our faith daily, so that we can be discerning and not easily swayed or knocked down. As we mature, our heart becomes more like His, and we come unified as one. And that unity is only possible when we are focused on the one who brings us together. It is He who blessed us with these gifts, and it is for Him that we need to use them.

• Ask God to reveal the gifts given to you: not for show or gain, but for His glory and ministry.
  
• Verse 11 lists the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Jesus is the perfect example of each of these gifts, as he spent time as man here on earth with us. What passages of scripture tell us more about Jesus as prophet. Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus as evangelist. Make a list of how he displays these gifts.
  
• Maturity is difficult: it requires a daily discipline of vulnerability and humility and consistency. Think of all the things that are good for us, but difficult to maintain: eating well, exercising, spending time daily with God. Write out some goals for yourself, tangible goals, to help mature you in your faith. That your heart may become like His.
  
• We are a community, made up of incredible, gifted women. Find someone-a friend, pastor, mentor, community member-to help you evaluate your gifts and how they can be used in the body of Christ.
  

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