Giftedness Underscores Unity…

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.”
Ephesians 4:7-8 [ESV]

This is such a cool passage to follow all of the ‘Ones’. Not only are we all connected through the 7 ‘ones’ mentioned yesterday, but today this reading shows that one of the dimensions of preserving unity is for each one of us to live out the giftedness each of us has received. We are tied to each other in part through the gifts God gives us to make the body function effectively. When we exercise those gifts, it allows the church to be what God designed it to be.

In my reading and study, Grace here means a gift freely given. Paul has already noted this context and meaning in Romans 12:3-8. All of us are gifted to serve the church in one way or another. These gifts have been given out according to Christ’s gifting. In Romans and 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us they are measured out by God and the Spirit as well. We are all equipped to serve others. None of us is an island in the church. We need the giftedness others possess and they need ours. Christ determines our roles, so as we serve, we honor him.

Paul pointing to Psalm 68:18 is the subject of a lot of theologians because Paul changes the typographical context of the verse. In the Psalms it reads that Jesus received gifts and here in Ephesians he says that He gave gifts. Rather than take you through all the arguments, the main point is that the reading of the verse Paul gives here captures the message of the entirety of Psalm 68 and other Jewish texts of the same passage do the same thing. The main takeaway of the verse is that on his ascension Christ won a victory, and the spoils, the gifts, went to those allied with him.

Application:

Tomorrow we will see some of the gifts that Paul is talking about, but for today it really comes down to recognizing through prayer and searching God’s Word how best to apply the gifts God has given me. Throughout my Christian Walk I can see God’s hand and fingers placing the gifts that He would have me bring into the ministries he has placed before me. Whether that is serving in the media ministry, leading a Life Group, or even being asked to be an elder as I am now; I am to prayerfully consider the roles God has called me to as a member in the greater body of Christ’s church. I am continuing to follow God’s call even now by training to be a Biblical Counselor. I feel so blessed and honored to blessed with the gifts He has given and then use those gifts in service to Him.

Today’s Psalm:

Let those who delight in my righteousness
shout for joy and be glad
and say evermore,
“Great is the LORD,
who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness
and of your praise all the day long.

Psalms 35:27-28 [ESV]

One Reply to “Giftedness Underscores Unity…”

  1. I love this!! I love how I’m reminded that I’m a servant to the Lord’s people and I am here humbled. And it is nice to search God so that I can best help others based on the gifts God has given me.

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