Gifts & Growth: Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:1 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 5:8 You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.

Receive God’s gifts

Ephesians 4:7 Christ has generously given out his gifts to us.

Receive God’s gifts Romans 12:6 God has also given each of us different gifts to use. Prophesy... serving... teaching... encouraging... giving... leading... showing mercy.

Receive God’s gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7 The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. Words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, healing the sick or miracles. Prophecy, discerning spirits, speaking in tongues & interpretation of tongues.

Receive God’s gifts 1 Corinthians 12:28 God chose some people to be apostles and prophets and teachers for the church. But he also chose some to work miracles or heal the sick or help others or be leaders or speak in tongues.

Receive God’s gifts Hebrews 11:6 God rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Embrace 5,000-fold ministry! Ephesians 4:11 Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong.

Embrace 5,000-fold ministry! Apostles: Greek - someone who is sent with a purpose. 2 Corinthians 12:12 The things that mark an apostle - signs, wonders and miracles - were done among you with great perseverance.

Embrace 5,000-fold ministry! Prophets: people who hear a message from the heart of God & deliver it as directed by God Evangelists: Greek - euaggelistas - someone who brings good news

Embrace 5,000-fold ministry! Pastors: Greek - shepherd Word can mean a shepherd, to protect, a presiding officer, manager or director Teachers: someone who teaches the Bible

Grow by serving Ephesians 4:11 Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong.

Grow by serving Mark 10:42 Jesus called the disciples together and said: “You know that those foreigners who call themselves kings like to order their people around. And their great leaders have full power over the people they rule. But don't act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want to be first, you must be everyone's slave. The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”