1. Ephesians Lesson 7

2. Ephesians 4:7-16 Contrast: But All believers, now “individually” Grace to each believer Gifts to each “Gift” – doreas: a free gift, hence, not acquired by merit or “entitlement”. Expresses a brand of giving that highlights the beneficent desire of the giver. John 7:37-79 AFTER Jesus was glorified, the Holy Spirit came to permanently live in every believer I Cor. 12:4-11 Holy Spirit gives the gifts for the common good

3. Ephesians 4:8-10 “He ascended” “He descended” Ps. 68 “You have ascended on high, You have led captives. Military term: The Captor brings back the spoils Eph. 4:8 He gave gifts to men Hades: Act 2:22-36 Jesus was not abandoned I Pet. 3:18-22 Put to death in the body, made alive by the Spirit. Preached to those in prison I Pet. 4:6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

4. Hades Hades: the unseen world – referring to the invisible realm in which all the departed – dead- reside Matt. 16:18 The gates of Hades will not overpower the church Luke 16:23 Seems to be a place for the unrighteous dead Rev. 1:18 Jesus has the keys of death and Hades Rev. 20:13-14 It will be thrown into the Lake of Fire – the second death – at the Final Judgment

5. Gifts He gave some as: Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors/Shepherds and Teachers Why? Ephesians 4:12-15 To equip the saints for the work of service To build up the body of Christ So that we are no longer children, tossed about by every wind of doctrine So that we GROW UP in all aspects

6. Gifts Apostle: apostolous – a divinely appointed representative, one who is sent with a commission Prophet: propheteia – the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God Evangelist: evangelistes – a messenger of the good news Pastor/Teacher: Poimen – not only a teacher of God’s word, but also a shepherd of the flock he teaches. “The Word is the staff that guides and disciplines the sheep” W. Weirsbe

7. I Cor., Romans and I Peter Every believer has a spiritual gift All believers do not have the same gift, nor do they have all the gifts All gifts are needed All gifts are for the common good of the body Two categories: Speaking and Serving Eph. 4:12-16 Equipping: katartismon – a bringing to a condition of fitness, perfecting. To make fully ready Mature: teleion – having reached its end, wanting in nothing, full.

8. Maturity Trickery: kubeia – dice playing, gaming, implies the use of trickery and cheating. ONLY in Eph. 4:14 Men’s trickery leads the immature to false doctrine Instructions in verse 15 Speak the truth in love Grow up Speaking the truth of God’s Word to one another in love leads to maturity

9. The Body Colossians 2:18-19 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.