Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

God's Gifts (Ephesians 4:7-16)

Bryan Schneider · May 9, 2020

Ephesians 4:7-16

sharonrpc.org/sermons/god-s-gifts-ephesians-4-7-16

Summary

The ascended Jesus Christ gives grace and varied gifts to every member of his church.
Spiritual gifts are entrusted for ministry, the building up of Christ's body, growth in truth, maturity, and love—not for private status or self-display.
Singleness, hospitality, generosity, administration, mercy, service, encouragement, prayer, singing, and other abilities can all become ministries to the church.
Apostles and prophets laid the church's once-for-all foundation, while pastors and teachers continue to build on their scriptural testimony.
Love is the governing purpose of every gift and the more excellent way in which gifts must be exercised.
Believers identify and cultivate gifts by noticing needs, asking how they can serve, seeking training, and ministering in word and deed.

Do I regard my abilities and circumstances as possessions for myself or gifts entrusted by Christ for ministry?
What needs has God placed directly in front of me?
How can I serve others in this present season with time, speech, work, resources, or prayer?
What specific ministry could I undertake in word or deed?
Which gift requires training, practice, or discipleship before it can be used well?
Am I neglecting an ordinary gift because it seems less visible than public ministry?
Does love, rather than recognition or personal preference, govern the way I exercise my gifts?

Gift of grace: An ability, opportunity, office, or form of service apportioned by the risen Christ for the good of his people.
Ministry: Service performed for others in response to Christ's call and with resources he supplies.
Edification: The building up of Christ's body toward unity, doctrinal stability, maturity, and love.
Apostolic foundation: The completed foundational testimony of Christ's apostles and prophets preserved for the church in Scripture.
Love: The governing end of Christian gifting, directing abilities away from self-display and toward another person's good.