Ephesians 4:1–7 (ESV)

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Sermon Summary

Discovering and walking in our Spiritual Gifts is the central message of the first half of Ephesians chapter four. Pastor Chris explains how the writer, the Apostle Paul, shifts the emphasis in his letter from positional to practical Christianity. We are urged to actually “walk in a manner worthy of our calling” to demonstrate unity in the body of Christ. Paul relays God’s purpose and provision for us to move in our God-given gifts!

Basic Truths About Spiritual Gifts:     

•       God determines a Christian’s spiritual gifts 

•       We will never be more alive when we are living in our spiritual gifts

•       We will be rewarded by the Lord for how we steward His spiritual gifts

•       We will be held accountable by the Lord for how we steward the gifts He gives us

1.      Every follower of Jesus has spiritual gifts. 

Spiritual gifts are supernatural empowerments given by the Holy Spirit to the followers of Christ.

“10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…” 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

2.      Spiritual gifts are for the building up the body of Christ, that is, the church, and extend the Kingdom of God throughout the world.

“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3)

“…try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12)

…All of these things must be done for the strengthening of the church (1 Corinthians 14:26)

3.      It is essential for believers to discover and move in their spiritual gifts.

“ 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.” 1 Timothy 4:14 (ESV)

“ 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,” 2 Timothy 1:6 (ESV)

“We are all striving for one or the other. You are either striving to bring God glory, or you are striving for your own glory. You are seeking to bring praise to God, or you are seeking to bring praise to yourself. For man is driven to worship and if I don’t worship God, I will worship myself. And my god will become a projection of myself.” -Pastor Chuck Smith

Discussion/Reflection Questions

1.      What acts of service have given you the deepest sense of satisfaction and joy? 

2.      To whom, or where, do you have a passion to serve? What is your burden? 

3.      What needs do you see in the church? 

4.      What do you find joy in doing for others? 

5.      What opportunities has God already provided for you to serve others? 

6.      What are you best at and have the most success in? 

7.      What have Godly people said what they see in you?