Gifts with Purpose
Ephesians 4:7-14
God, The Giver of Heavenly Gifts on Earth:
1. Is the Origin of Every Good Gift. (Vs. 7-10, Neh 9:6, John 3:12-13)
a. Nehemiah 9:6, “You, Lord, are the only God. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their stars, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them, and all the stars of heaven worship you.”
b. John 3:12-13, “If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven—the Son of Man.”
2. Appoints with Purpose Personally. (Vs. 11-14, James 1:6b, 1 Pet 5:8-9a, 1 Cor 12:4-7)
a. James 1:6b, “For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”
b. 1 Peter 5:8-9a, “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith…”
c. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, “Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.”
3. Epitomizes the Truth We Proclaim and Grow Into. (Vs. 15, John 14:6-7, 2 Tim 3:16-17)
a. John 14:6-7, “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.””
b. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
4. Makes the Body Work Properly. (Vs. 16, Col 3:23-24)
a. Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”