In this study, Paul focuses on how the various members of the body have different gifts in order to serve our unity. As we exercise these gifts under the headship of Jesus Christ, the one body grows in maturity and strength. We glorify God and enjoy Him by living each day in submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ and by using the spiritual gifts that He has given to us to extend His kingdom. Our study follows the outline below:

1. To Whom Are Spiritual Gifts Given? (v.7)
2. From Whom Are Spiritual Gifts Given? (v.8-10)

“Grace was given to each one of us” (Eph. 4:7) indicates that every member of the body has a supernatural enabling that is important to a local congregation’s fulfillment of its calling. In verse 8 Paul quotes Psalm 68:18. Paul’s quotation of Psalm 68:18 connects the giving of gifts to Christ’s ascension. Christ gave gifts to every believer through the outpouring of the Spirit. He also gave gifts to the corporate body of believers in this same outpouring, to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” 

As we exercise the spiritual gifts that the ascended, victorious Savior has given to us, we help to extend His sovereign rule over all before He comes to reign supremely. As we live in submission to Jesus’ lordship, the world gets a glimpse of that future day when He will reign supreme. The world should see in the church a display of that yet future kingdom, when He will rule over all as King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:15-16). 

Getting Started                          

1. Newspapers and magazines often have Agony Aunt Columns, where readers can write to “Agony Aunt” for advice on personal problems. Have you ever written in? If not, what is the funniest or saddest question you have read in one of these columns? Share your story.

• Read Ephesians 4:7-10

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? 

Digging Deeper

3. On what authority does Christ have to give gifts to the church? (v.8-10)  

4. What is the significance of the ascension in empowering the church to fulfil the mandates of the gospel?  

5. Why do you think John MacArthur says that "Not to use our gift is an affront to God’s wisdom, a rebuff of His love and grace, and a loss to His church.”? 

   The Heart of the Matter

6. What are you doing to serve your Christian brothers and sister at New Life Church and to build them up?  

7. What would your answer be to this woman’s plea for advice? “For last 4yrs I'm sitting in one cabin for 12 hours and my duty is just to press button A&B. I already wasted my time too much. How I should make my time valuable and make some extra money? I feel I am wasting my life and purpose. Please Give me your valuable advice.”  

8. Only those who truly believe truly belong. Why does this matter?