1. Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-13
Diversity Provides for Unity Diversity of Spiritual Gifts Provides for Unity and Growth in the Body of Christ
Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 4:1-13

2. Introduction (Eph 4:1-6) Review of the Unity of the Spirit
All NT believers have the same content of salvation and relationship to the Godhead regardless of race gender or social standing.
Every NT believer has one spiritual gift that may differ from another believer’s gift.
- These various gifts are designed for the spiritual health and maturity of the Body of Christ (also called the “New Man” – Eph 2:15)

3. Introduction (Eph 4:1-6) Review of the Unity of the Spirit
These spiritual gifts (Eph 4:8-11is looking at certain individuals who possess certain gifts from the Holy Spirit) were given:
After Christ ascended to the 3rd Heaven and
Took “captivity captive”
- cf Job 17:16 “bars” and Matt 16:18 “gates”

4. Two Different Concepts of Sheol
Spherical rings
Paradise
Lowest
Sheol
Stacked compartments
Abyss
Paradise
Tartarus
Tartarus
Abyss
Sides of the
Abyss
Lowest Sheol
Two Different Concepts of Sheol
*illustrations from Richard Steeg, Sheol-Hades

5. “The grave must never be confused with Sheol
“The grave must never be confused with Sheol. One is at the surface while the other is thousands of miles below in the center of the Earth.”*
grave
4000 miles
Sheol
*Richard Steeg
EARTH

6. Christ took Paradise up to the edge
The 3rd Heaven
Paradise
2nd heaven
1st heaven
Earth
Sheol
OT Sheol
Paradise
Tartarus
Abyss
Sides of the
Abyss
Eph 4:8
Lowest Sheol
Christ took Paradise up to the edge
of the 3rd Heaven at His resurrection

7. When Did This Ascension on High Take Place? (Eph 4: 9-10)
After Christ had first descended into the lower parts of the Earth (vs 9)
At His ascension far above all heavens (vs 10)

8. Four Instrumental Gifts (gifted individuals) that Established the Body of Christ (the Church) Eph 1:22,28
Apostles and prophets
Eph 2:20, 3:5, I Cor 14:3
Evangelists
Cf Acts 21:8
Pastors / Teachers
“Shepherd” who feed by their teaching ‘truth to be practiced’

9. The Purpose of Pastor / Teachers (Eph 4:12)
Adjusting the saints
Cf Mk 4: adjusting nets
Lk 6:40 adjust disciples
I Cor 1: adjusted in the same mind (opinion)
I Thess 3:10 adjusting the shortcomings of their faith
Adjusted unto a “work of ministry” (service)
Adjusted for the purpose of “edifying (building up) the Body of Christ”

10. The Purpose of This Adjustment (Eph 4:13)
The complete arrival of the Body
Until the unity of the faith
Until the full experiential knowledge of the Son of God
Cf Phil 3:8; I Cor 13:12
Until a perfect (complete) man
Cf Eph 2:15
Until the completion of “The Christ” (head and body)
The Rapture of the Church

11. CONCLUSION
Until then, the growth toward maturity will continue!