A Journey Through Ephesians… 4:7-13

However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.” Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the One who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that we might fill the entire universe with Himself. Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: The apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and the teachers. Their responsibility is to equip 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. 4:7-13

Don’t check out because it’s a lot of words. We can do this!

Remember yesterday we were given the invitation to a call…. a vocation. Today, Paul narrows down that “calling” a little bit to show us we each have specific gifts. Yes we are one body, but there many parts. (1 Cor 12:12)

In my opinion, what makes this passage seem daunting at first glance is Paul’s detail on the ascended/descended part. It is ALL very important, but he seemingly goes a little off road so the Ephesians understand that Christ ascended to heaven, yes – but he doesn’t want them to miss the importance of Christ going to Hell, releasing the righteous dead to eternal glory, and ascended “so that” we could ALL fill the universe with Himself. No biggie. Just the universe. lol. But seriously. This displays His great power and contrasts both extremes.

That is how I understand it, anyway. #notatheologian

Speaking of NOT being a theologian, I am not about to pretend I fully understand the Gifts of Christ to the church mentioned here (the Five Fold Ministry) verses the Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. But the whole reason we are HERE is to dive in and learn so, let’s just learn together.

What I ‘think’ is true…. Christ gave these five ministry offices to the BODY of Christ to help/equip them for unity and service (we are all called so we need to be equipped!). The only thing that confuses me is verse 7 – Paul says we have each been given a gift according the generosity of Christ. But in all my research it is pretty unanimous that we all do not have a call into the Five Fold ministry. However, the gifts of the Holy Spirit we can all receive. Paul says, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”  So I interpret this to mean they are available for everyone.

Did you all learn this when you were younger? I am super visual so this helps me make sense of it all in my 6am brain….

1. The thumb is the Apostle because he functions in all five gifts.

2. The pointer finger is the Prophet because he gives direction.

3. The middle finger is the Evangelist because he has the most reach.

4. The ring finger is the Pastor because he is married to the sheep.

5. The pinky finger is the Teacher because he brings balance to the body of Christ.

And there here is a visual regarding the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit….

I will end with this.

The word “equip” is the same word used of setting a bone during surgery. Our Great Physician saw fit to give us leadership to equip us… making necessary adjustments so we would be whole. Not out of joint. The Five Fold Ministry is one way God does this. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to all of us to benefit and encourage one another within the body as we learn, grow more into the likeness of Jesus and serve as Ambassadors in this life.

I think.

LOL. Oh friends. Thank you for learning with me. This most definitely encourages me to keep digging, asking questions and praying. “Lord, what are my gifts? Where do I fit in this brilliant plan?”

I encourage you to ask the same! Love to you all….

• P.S. We are traveling and I may not have service. If I go off grid I will be back Friday and most likely post through the weekend!