The Christ Who Gave Gifts

For months, our elders have prayed, planned, and prepared a year-long journey built around one central theme: Knit Together in Love. Why this theme? Why now? Because we are living in a cultural moment and a congregational moment where we cannot afford to drift. Our Vision Plan is rooted in Ephesians 4:11-16, where Paul describes Christ’s design for His church. He has given each one of us what we need to serve, grow, and build up the body. Today, we’ll learn how Christ has equipped us for the mission.

1. Christ Gives Gifts to Every Christian (4:7)

   1. Ephesians 4:7: Now grace was given to each one of us…

      1. Each member receives grace personally, intentionally, and uniquely.

      2. There is no such thing as a non-gifted Christian.

   2. Ephesians 4:7: Now grace was given to each one of us…

      1. Not about our forgiveness so much as it’s about God empowering His people to serve.

      2. Christ has placed His own power and presence within us to do what He calls us to do.

   3. Each member receives a measured, purposeful gift.

      1. Ephesians 4:7: according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

      2. Our gifts are like snowflakes and fingerprints — each one completely distinct.

   4. When we don’t use our gifts, the body suffers. You matter. Your gift matters. Your participation matters.

2. Jesus Earned the Right to Give These Gifts (4:8-10)

   1. Who gave Jesus the authority to distribute these gifts?

      1. Psalm 68:18: You ascended to the heights, taking away captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, so that the Lord God might dwell there.

      2. Because Christ has conquered, He now gives.

   2. The One who descended:

      1. Ephesians 4:8: But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth?

      2. Christ descended to defeat sin, death, and the powers of darkness on our behalf.

   3. Now He has ascended far above the heavens.

      1. Ephesians 4:10: The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.

      2. His authority stretches everywhere. He supplies what we lack.

3. Christ Gives Gifts to the Whole Church (4:11)

   1. Ephesians 4:11: And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

      1. Apostles and Prophets - The foundation.

      2. Evangelists - Proclaimers and ground breakers

      3. Pastors and Teachers - Shepherds who lead and feed

   2. The purpose of These Gifts (4:12):

      1. to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,

      2. Not to create spectators - but to cultivate servants.

4. As We Close…

   1. Our church is not under-resourced. We are not lacking. We are not unprepared.

   2. We have precisely what Christ intends us to have — because Christ Himself has given it.

   3. Will we receive the gifts He has given? Will we use them? Will we let Him shape us?

   4. You are not on the outside of this vision — you are essential to it. You matter. You are needed. You are called. Will you step into the work He has prepared?