7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, —Ephesians 4:7-11

Every believer is empowered by the

I. Spiritual power for unity – Grace 4:7-10

• A. Distribution of grace 4:7
  
  1. ”But” = contrasting the unity of all (4:1-6) to the “each one”
  2. The focus is on church growth, not individual growth
  3. Growth of unity is empowered by grace
  4. This grace is distributed as Christ sees fit to accomplish His purposes – Romans 12, I Cor 12
     

• B. Authority to distribute 4:8-10

  1. Quotation of Ps. 68:18 4:8

     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. —Psalm 68:18

     a. This is a victory hymn of David to celebrate a conquest
     b. The victorious king brings home the spoils of battle
     c. The victorious king celebrates and distributes gifts

  2. Interpretive problems
     a. Is the quotation a direct prediction or borrowing of imagery
     b. What is meant by the descent into the lower parts
  3. Main point – Christ is the conqueror over sin and death and has the right to give the gifts

The growth and unity of the Church are not built through

II. Spiritual power for unity – Gifted men 4:11

• A. Itinerant - global
  
  1. Apostles
     a. Basic meaning = sent one
     b. Broader meaning could be missionaries
     c. Context = 12 apostles 2:20, 3:5
     

     built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, —Ephesians 2:20
     which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. —Ephesians 3:5
     

  2. Prophets
     a. Basic meaning = one who speaks forth
     b. Some conveyed new information/revelation
     c. 95% of prophecy in Scripture addressed the immediate situation, 3% was future to Israel at the time delivered, 2% is future to us today
     d. Context = a foundational role much like the Apostles 2:20, 3:5
     

  3. Evangelist
     a. Basic meaning = one who preached the Gospel at home and abroad
     b. Not labeled as foundational but essential to the birthing and growth of the Church
     c. Historically itinerant in nature but not localized
     

• B. Permanent - local
  
  1. Pastor = shepherd/emphasizing the care and protection
  2. Teacher = emphasizing the primary function of a pastor as teaching
  3. Grammar construction = most likely pastor-teacher
  4. Context = All pastors are to be teachers, but not all teachers are pastors

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

3. If every believer is empowered by grace to fulfill their responsibility in the growth and unity of the Church, why do you think there is often low participation?

4. Why do you think that positions and roles of responsibility in the Church can become more about power and control than growth and unity?

5. How can we maintain the biblical standard of grace empowered leadership and respect for those who are in those positions?