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Ephesians 4:7–11 (NASB 95)
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says,
“WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES,
AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.”
9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
Examine / Explain
Jesus’s death on the cross and later resurrection were gifts in themselves. Through His sacrifice, He was able to give everyone eternal life. Grace was given to men. Not only grace but also supernatural abilities were given to us to advance the kingdom of God. In His power to not only lead us from the captivity of sin, but His power is also displayed through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
What’s the application?
I have learned that one of my spiritual gifts is teaching. I never thought I could teach anyone anything, and I still question my ability to do so. But in my questioning of what I can do, I know I am not trusting God. It means that I don’t believe God can use me in the way He has gifted me. Also, if you look up the Greek word for teacher listed here, used in the biblical sense, it means a teacher of theology. What do I know about theology? What does theology really mean? Maybe that’s why I question it: I don’t understand. My teacher’s brain has to immerse itself so deeply into a subject to understand it that I don’t truly understand what theology is. According to this search, theology studies God and His relationship to humanity. Aiming to understand God’s nature, His actions, and His will. Hmm. I may be better suited for this than I give myself credit for. Is there a hang-up that theology requires higher education? But why the apostles didn’t have a seminary? I love to seek understanding. What better subject to seek understanding about than God and His relationship to the world? My next question is natural ability versus supernatural gifting. Not all teachers have received the gift of teaching. But every teaching gift is a teacher. Does that work for every other gift? Do we as humans get confused when supernaturally using our natural abilities? Just because someone is a good speaker doesn’t mean they have the gift of evangelism or pastoring. Also, does having the gift of evangelism mean you have the natural ability to speak well? I don’t think it does. This would mean you could rely on your strength whenever they speak. Are we using our gifts? Are we using our abilities to the fullest? This leads me to question where we are not trusting God and where we lean too heavily on our flesh and understanding.
What is my response?
Dad, where am I not living up to my potential? Where am I actually doing well? Encouragement and criticism can send in good and bad directions. I pray that you give me what I need in the moment that I need it and that I stay humble in all of it. Through any encouragement, I don’t lift myself too high, and through any criticism, I don’t tear myself apart. Let me understand You and how we relate to each other. Help me to share that understanding with others so they can know You better. Use me to stir the souls of others and bring them to a place of curiosity about You and other people. Thank you for opening my eyes to what You have given me. Help me live up to the calling You have placed on me. Lead me to the purpose of my calling. Help me find my mission. Amen.
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