Empowered by Christ: Unleashing Spiritual Gifts for Unity
Summary
The name of Jesus stands above all others—powerful, wonderful, and matchless. In Christ, we find not only salvation but also the generous outpouring of spiritual gifts, given for the building up and unity of His church. Ephesians 4 reminds us that Jesus, having descended to earth and ascended in victory, now fills all things and bestows gifts upon His people. These gifts are not random or trivial; they are intentional, equipping the church to fulfill its calling in the world.
The gifts Christ gives—apostle, prophet, evangelist, and shepherd-teacher—are foundational for the health and mission of the church. Each has a unique role: apostles break new ground for the gospel, prophets call God’s people back to truth and repentance, evangelists proclaim the good news with compelling clarity, and shepherd-teachers nurture and mature the flock through faithful teaching and care. These roles are not merely historical; they continue today, though their expression may differ from the early church. Missionaries, reformers, evangelists, and pastors throughout history have embodied these gifts, advancing the kingdom in their generation.
It is vital for every believer and every church to recognize, affirm, and empower these gifts. The church thrives when these gifts are exercised with passion and humility, always seeking unity and maturity in Christ. The call to ministry is not reserved for a select few; God calls each of us to discover and use our gifts for His glory and the good of His people. As we seek the Lord, we are to be attentive to His calling, open to His equipping, and eager to serve in the ways He has designed for us.
Ultimately, the church is not left to its own devices. Christ Himself is the giver and sustainer of every good gift. As we respond to His call and steward His gifts well, we participate in His ongoing work—building up the body, reaching the lost, and displaying the unity and love that only He can create.
Key Takeaways
- The gifts Christ gives to His church are purposeful and essential for its unity and growth. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherd-teachers each serve distinct roles, and their presence is a sign of Christ’s ongoing care and provision for His people. Recognizing and affirming these gifts is crucial for a healthy, vibrant church. [13:35]
- The authority and generosity of Jesus as the giver of gifts is rooted in His victory over sin and death. His descent to earth and ascension to heaven demonstrate both His humility and His sovereignty, qualifying Him uniquely to equip His people for every good work. Our confidence in serving comes from His finished work and present reign. [20:13]
- The office of apostle and prophet, as seen in the New Testament, was unique, but the gifts themselves continue in new forms today. Missionaries who break new ground and reformers who call the church back to truth embody these gifts, reminding us that God still raises up people to advance His kingdom in every generation. [33:31]
- True prophetic ministry today is not about predicting the future or adding to Scripture, but about boldly calling God’s people to repentance and faithfulness. Discernment is needed to distinguish between genuine prophetic voices and those who distort or add to God’s Word. The church must hold fast to the sufficiency of Scripture and test all things by it. [35:30]
- Every believer is called to seek the Lord and discover the gifts He has given for the sake of the church. The call to ministry is not just for pastors or missionaries, but for all who belong to Christ. As we recognize and empower one another’s gifts, the church is built up, unified, and equipped to fulfill its mission in the world. [49:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Worship: The Name of Jesus
[03:17] - Opening Prayer
[04:05] - Children’s Dismissal & Elder Prayer
[06:46] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:7-11
[08:37] - Guest Speaker Introduction
[11:07] - Setting the Context of Ephesians
[13:35] - The Generosity of Christ’s Gifts
[16:38] - Spiritual Gifts in the New Testament
[18:54] - Psalm 68 and Christ’s Victory
[22:02] - The Descent and Ministry of Jesus
[27:59] - Christ’s Ascension and Authority
[29:28] - The Four Foundational Gifts
[33:31] - Apostles and Missionaries Today
[35:13] - Prophets and Reformers
[37:07] - Evangelists and Their Role
[39:26] - Shepherd-Teachers and Church Maturity
[41:09] - Historical Examples of the Gifts
[47:48] - Application: Recognizing and Empowering Gifts
[50:20] - Closing Prayer
[51:45] - Closing Worship: Amazing Grace
[55:48] - Doxology and Dismissal
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Generosity of Christ’s Gifts
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 4:7-11 (ESV)
> But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:7-11, who is the giver of the spiritual gifts, and what is the purpose of these gifts?
2. What are the four foundational gifts that Christ gives to the church as listed in this passage?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given of how these gifts have been expressed throughout church history? ([41:23])
4. How does the passage describe Jesus’ authority to give these gifts? What does it say about his descent and ascension? ([20:13])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize both the descent and ascension of Jesus before talking about spiritual gifts? What does this teach us about the source and authority of our gifts? ([22:02])
2. The sermon mentioned that the roles of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and shepherd-teacher are not just historical but continue in new forms today. What might this look like in a modern church context? ([33:31])
3. The sermon warned about “prophetic” voices that add to or take away from Scripture. Why is it important for the church to test all things by the sufficiency of Scripture? ([36:56])
4. What does it mean for every believer to be called to ministry, not just pastors or missionaries? How does this challenge common assumptions about serving in the church? ([49:20])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that every believer is called to seek the Lord and discover the gifts He has given for the sake of the church. Have you ever taken time to ask God what gifts He has given you? If not, what is stopping you? If yes, how are you using them? ([49:20])
2. Think about the four foundational gifts: apostle, prophet, evangelist, and shepherd-teacher. Which of these do you see most clearly in your church? Which do you think is missing or needs to be encouraged? ([48:41])
3. The sermon gave examples of missionaries, reformers, evangelists, and pastors who used their gifts to advance God’s kingdom. Is there someone in your life who has encouraged you to use your gifts? How can you encourage someone else this week? ([41:23])
4. The sermon emphasized that the church should recognize, affirm, and empower people in their gifts. What is one practical way you can help someone else in your group or church use their gifts? ([48:59])
5. The sermon warned about “prophetic” voices that distort or add to God’s Word. How do you personally test what you hear or read against Scripture? Is there a practice you want to start or improve to be more discerning? ([36:56])
6. Jesus’ authority to give gifts is rooted in his victory over sin and death. How does remembering Christ’s finished work give you confidence to serve, even when you feel inadequate? ([20:13])
7. The sermon said the church thrives when gifts are exercised with passion and humility, always seeking unity. Is there a situation where you need to use your gifts more humbly or with more passion? What would that look like this week? ([48:59])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group discover, use, and encourage the gifts He has given for the building up of His church and the unity of His people.
Devotional
Day 1: Purposeful Gifts for Church Unity and Growth
The gifts Christ gives to His church are not incidental but intentional, designed to foster unity and maturity within the body of believers. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherd-teachers each serve distinct and vital roles that contribute to the health and mission of the church. Recognizing and affirming these gifts is essential for a vibrant community that reflects Christ’s ongoing care and provision. When these gifts are exercised with humility and passion, the church is equipped to grow in love and truth, fulfilling its calling in the world.
As you consider your own church community, reflect on how these foundational gifts are being recognized and empowered. Are there ways you can encourage or support those who serve in these roles? The flourishing of the church depends on the active participation and affirmation of these gifts among all believers. [13:35]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Reflection:
Who in your church community embodies one of these foundational gifts, and how can you intentionally affirm or support their ministry this week?
Day 2: Jesus’ Victory as the Source of Our Confidence
The authority and generosity of Jesus as the giver of spiritual gifts flow from His victory over sin and death. His humble descent to earth and triumphant ascension to heaven uniquely qualify Him to equip His people for every good work. This victory is not only historical but present and active, giving believers confidence to serve boldly and faithfully. Our ministry is grounded not in our own strength but in the finished work and reigning authority of Christ.
Understanding this truth invites believers to rest in Christ’s sovereignty and generosity, knowing that every gift and calling comes from Him. This assurance empowers the church to serve with courage and joy, trusting that Christ sustains and guides every step. [20:13]
Psalm 68:18 (ESV)
You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.
Reflection:
In what area of your service or spiritual gifting do you need to remind yourself that your confidence comes from Christ’s victory rather than your own abilities? How can you practically lean into that truth today?
Day 3: The Continuation of Apostolic and Prophetic Gifts Today
While the specific offices of apostle and prophet in the New Testament were unique, the gifts themselves continue to manifest in new forms throughout church history and today. Missionaries who pioneer new gospel fields and reformers who call the church back to biblical truth embody these gifts. This ongoing raising up of gifted individuals reminds us that God is actively advancing His kingdom in every generation.
Recognizing these gifts in contemporary contexts challenges the church to remain open to God’s work beyond traditional boundaries. It also calls believers to support and pray for those who break new ground or call for repentance and renewal. [33:31]
Acts 13:2-3 (ESV)
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Reflection:
Is there a “new ground” or challenging area in your community or world where God might be calling you or someone you know to serve as a pioneer or reformer? How can you encourage or participate in that work?
Day 4: True Prophetic Ministry Calls to Repentance and Faithfulness
Prophetic ministry today is not about foretelling the future or adding to Scripture but about boldly calling God’s people back to repentance and faithfulness. Genuine prophetic voices challenge the church to remain true to God’s Word and to live in obedience. Discernment is essential to distinguish authentic prophetic ministry from distortions or additions to Scripture. The church must hold fast to the sufficiency of Scripture and test all prophetic words accordingly.
This understanding invites believers to embrace prophetic ministry as a call to holiness and renewal, not sensationalism. It also encourages humility and vigilance in how prophetic words are received and evaluated within the community. [35:30]
1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV)
On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.
Reflection:
When you hear a challenging word or call to repentance, how do you respond? What steps can you take to test and discern prophetic words in your life and church according to Scripture?
Day 5: Every Believer Called to Discover and Use Their Gifts
The call to ministry is not limited to pastors or missionaries but extends to every believer. God calls each person to discover and use the gifts He has given for the building up and unity of the church. As believers recognize and empower one another’s gifts, the church is strengthened and equipped to fulfill its mission in the world. This shared calling fosters a community marked by mutual encouragement, service, and growth in Christ.
You are invited to seek the Lord attentively, open to His equipping, and eager to serve in the unique ways He has designed for you. This active participation in God’s work brings joy and purpose to the life of the church and the individual believer. [49:20]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Reflection:
What spiritual gift or ability has God given you that you have not fully embraced or used? What is one practical step you can take this week to begin serving others with that gift?
Quotes
The first three chapters of Ephesians address doctrinal truth that is what a Christian should believe and the last three address practical matters that is how a Christian should thus live as chapter 4 begins the Apostle Paul emphasized the need for believers to walk worthily in regard to all they've received in Christ and to especially strive for unity based on a series of of ones that is uh that bind them together that is uh being one body having one spirit one hope one Lord, one faith one baptism and one God and father of all. [00:14:11]
Each believer has been granted the capacity to serve the church and thus to build it up in unity by the grace of Jesus as expressed in and through the spiritual gifts bestowed upon each one now of course the greatest of the gifts bestowed upon believers is that of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised he would send before he departed from this world and then who permanently comes to indwell us as believers upon our conversion working all the marvelous ministries of the Holy Spirit within our lives as he abides as he resides within us as saved people. [00:15:29]
Now as we look at these three passages and sort of mine out from them all the distinct gifts that are mentioned we find that it includes a list as follows there's apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing, helping, administration, wisdom, knowledge, faith, discernment, serving exhorting, giving, leading, mercy speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues well let's move along for a few moments to verse eight and take a look at it. [00:16:58]
Paul in verse 8 makes reference to Psalm 68 specifically verse 18 now if you read verse 18 of Psalm 68 in your Bible it's going to read a little different than what Paul quotes here he seemed to modify it a bit by drawing on alternate renderings that were available uh in the scripture world of of his day uh to make his point some Bible scholars believe that he even kind of uh takes what all of Psalm 68 says and summarizes it and uh then declares that in uh verse 8 but he wants to make a point that Jesus has the capacity to generously bestow gifts upon his church he can do that. [00:18:00]
But Paul takes verse 8 and properly makes application of it to Jesus himself who had conquered and been victorious over the enemies of sin and death to have ascended on high into heaven thus returning to his pre-incarnate position and to have been seated at the Father's right hand from where he generously bestows gifts upon his church but Paul also observed in verse nine that Jesus first descended into the lower regions of the earth bible scholars deate debate exactly what this refers to with various possibilities offered up. [00:20:13]
Folks I prefer an interpretation of verse 9 that sees it as referring to simply but profoundly Jesus incarnation that he descended into the lower regions the earth as the ESV renders it as meaning that he came into this world as we know it, as God clothed in human flesh that he was born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary that he lived s sinlessly on earth for 33 years faithfully and obediently teaching God's truth and ministering to physical mental emotional and spiritual needs that he demonstrated power over the devil over Satan by in numerous uh on numerous occasions casting demons out of those who had been afflicted by such beings. [00:22:02]
He demonstrated power over sickness and disease by healing many many different people, sometimes he healed them just with his spoken word sometimes he healed them by touching them physically, sometimes he healed them as they were in his very presence other times he healed them from afar when they were out of his physical presence, but he not only healed those afflicted with sickness and disease it goes further than that he even raised folks from the dead some who had been deceased for relatively short period of time and he raised them up and then in the case of Lazarus he'd been dead for quite a while scripture tells us for four days. [00:23:01]
Jesus demonstrated power by working miracles that only God himself could ever do, and after all that then he finally went to the cross submitting to God's will that he be the one and only and final atoning sacrifice for our sin he was the sinless one and he took our sin upon himself and paid the price that we would otherwise have had to pay he paid it in our place suffering the wrath of God poured out on him so that we would not have to suffer that very same wrath if we would but put our faith and trust in him. [00:26:38]
Now as we move to verse 10 it states in making application to Jesus Paul is making application again here to Jesus he says "He who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens that he might fill all things." The filling of all things has nothing to do with Jesus taking up physical space within the universe but has everything to do with him exercising his complete authority and sovereignty over every realm that exists in all of creation and in his place of authority and kingship he's fully qualified and fully capable of liberally bestowing gifts according to his will and to his ways. [00:27:59]
Here they're described as given by Jesus himself and these gifts as they're given become evident in certain believers who then serve so that the church may be built up and kept in unity now the first of those gifts as listed is apostles in the New Testament the twel apostles take on a very prominent role of course we read about them in what they're up to as we go through the New Testament afterwards Judas the one who betrayed Jesus and then went out and hung himself is replaced by Matias then later on Paul emerges onto the scene and is considered as another one of the apostles. [00:29:11]
To be understood that an apostle was one who had been with Jesus or one who had experienced Jesus directly and in person, we know that happened with Paul on the road to uh Damascus and then further as he is away for that period of time in the in the wilderness uh it appears as if as we read scripture that he is being taught by Jesus himself during that period and that's Paul had extraordinary influence and authority within that early church as a legitimate apostle and it's also understood that these men occupied the office of apostle but there's no scriptural evidence that the office of apostle remained after the New Testament era. [00:31:52]
However we may think of the gift of apostle as that one that still legitimately exists today as we take the meaning of apostle in Greek to mean one who has sent forth and then it describes those who with God-given influence and authority uh take the gospel out into new raw unevangelized or even under evangelized parts of the world through populations unreached with the gospel many Bible scholars comment that today's apostles include the domestic and foreign missionaries who dedicate their lives and calling to go into those unreached populations with the express intent of living amongst them learning their language and culture striving to evangelize and disciple them and to plant churches. [00:33:00]
As with the gift of apostle we may think of the gift of prophet as one that still legitimately exists today, that gift would be evident in those who boldly declare a timely and urgent word from the Lord calling believers especially to confession and repentance through their teaching and preaching, now folks unlike with many cultish and heretical groups today this kind of prophetic word has nothing to do with foretelling the future or adding any additional content to God's written word you will hear people today declaring themselves to be prophets and declaring themselves to have a word from God about perhaps the time of of say of Jesus return. [00:34:16]
There are those who will declare themselves as prophets who say we I or we have a word from the Lord and when you listen to what they say it's something that adds to scripture that's not already there or it's something that takes away from scripture something that is there and when that is the case because God's written word is a closed cannon there's nothing to be added to it nothing to be taken away from it when we hear something like that we are to turn away from that and have nothing to do with it. [00:36:28]
An evangelist is especially gifted by him to teach and to preach the gospel in such a way that people are compelled to listen and to respond in faith to the invitation to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, you know over the years gone to a lot of different uh conferences uh Christian conferences uh throughout the the country and uh sometimes there'll be a powerful speaker that will stand up and be be sharing a prominent uh leader in the Christian community and that person will talk about how on the flight to that conference they sat beside somebody struck up a conversation with within the aotted time of flight had won them to the Lord. [00:37:19]
I'm thankful for for people like that they seem to have a special gifting from the Lord to initiate those conversations and say the right things and and and and draw a response from people to receive Christ right then and there again I'm I'm thankful that there is that uh that gifting that we're all supposed to be sharing the gospel we're all supposed to be guess you could say small E evangelists but there are the large capital E evangelists who seem to have that special gifting. [00:38:31]
Finally the gift of shepherd or pastor and teacher now these aren't to be thought of as an office as such and folks probably I believe not even as two separate gifts that's why I'm saying there's there's really four gifts listed here not five because the they exist as as in tandem in the same person pastor teacher that man in particular has been gifted by Jesus to care for the needs of his congregation to lead them and protect them as a shepherd would a flock of sheep under his care and then in addition to build up and edify them by patiently teaching and preaching God's word the Bible in such a way that they're brought into maturity and more and more into conformity to the image of Jesus. [00:39:19]
Throughout history of the history of the church whom we may say had the gift of being an apostle, they may include in the New Testament of course Paul himself Silas Barnabas you know Paul takes Barnabas first and then he takes Silas and goes on his missionary journeys you four of them if we include the the trip to Rome and they go and they uh take the gospel message to places where it's never been before they go as missionaries to these raw regions and share Christ and establish churches and then uh write to those churches when those churches had issues or needs and then many cases revisited some of those churches. [00:40:19]
But beyond the New Testament they may also include men like William Kerry regarded as the father of the modern-day mission movement call it the modern day mission movement even though this like happened 300 years ago but went as a missionary to India and then there was Adnarum Judson who went as a missionary to Burma hudson Taylor who went as a missionary to China all these men going into all these places where the gospel had never been before these raw unevangelized regions countries going with the gift of apostle as as missionaries. [00:41:21]
Regarding the gift of evangelist we could cite men like John Wesley and his brother Charles who ministered all over England taking the gospel and seeing many come to Christ and then went to the southeastern United States and did the same thing there and George Whitfield preaching in England and the United States said in his lifetime he preached 18,000 itinerant sermons and under him many came to Christ now we can think of DL Moody great American evangelist billy Sunday who was a professional baseball player in the early 20th century and gave that all up to become an evangelist and then of course Billy Graham in our day and age. [00:44:53]
In all of these instances these are just a mere small handful of those who have over the centuries by been gifted by Jesus in these ways so what can we make of all this in a very practical sense let's first of all be reminded that the church any church all churches and this church Fellowship Baptist Church of Drumhiller Alberta are still being gifted that is being well equipped enabling to be and to do all that they need to be and to do for the honor and glory of God all of those gifts each of the 18 that we briefly reviewed described as being given by God through the Holy Spirit and particularly the four that we focused on today. [00:47:31]
They were described as given by Jesus himself apostle prophet evangelist and shepherd teacher are generously bestowed and need to be recognized by the church affirmed by the church and given the freedom by the church to be exercised with passion and power so that the church may be built up and kept in unity dean spoke Dean spoke this morning about a call a call to ministry don't think we preach that often enough in our churches and that call of course comes as men and women are gifted by the Lord to fill these roles and they do need to be recognized by the church affirmed by the church and empowered by the church to go forth and exercise those gifts with passion with power. [00:48:36]
So that the church may survive thrive be built up and be kept in unity and each of you be encouraged to yes seek after the Lord himself first and foremost that is our our primary to be our primary focus but also to seek after the gifts that you've been given for the sake of your church. [00:50:01]
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