1. Studies in Ephesians (22) Gifts Ephesians 4:7-10

2. Gifts given to each of us To each of us grace was given – a general gift available to all, as opposed to spiritual gifts given at the Holy Spirit’s discretion (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 ) This “gift” is associated with God’s grace

3. Gifts given to each of us According to the measure of Christ’s gift Measure – the full extent or complete amount needed Given to each of us. Note we each do have individual abilities ( cf. Romans 12:3-8 ), but this was given to all of us. “Gift”, δωρεά (dōrea)

4. Gifts given to each of us “Christ’s gift” – what is it? Salvation – Titus 2:11, Rom. 5:15 Jesus offered Himself – John 3:16, 10:10-11, Rom. 5:8 Spiritual blessings in Him – Ephesians 1:3-12 Unity – Ephesians 4:1-6

5. Gifts given to each of us “Christ’s gift” – what is it? Godly knowledge of leaders – Ephesians 4:11-16 All the products of maturity Ephesians 4:16 ALL of these are true for Christians All of these have the ability to produce the unity God demands

6. Gifts given to each of us Therefore He says… Psalm 68:18, “You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the LORD God might dwell there.”

7. Gifts given to each of us Therefore He says… Psalm 68 A psalm of David praising God at Mt. Sinai – it celebrates His power over His enemies! None can stop Him! In conquering His enemies, He received gifts from men

8. Gifts given to each of us Therefore He says… Psalm 68:18 In Eph. 4:8, the victory of God celebrated at Sinai is compared to the victory of Christ over His enemies. Eph. 2:1-3, 11-15, 6:10-18, etc.

9. Gifts given to each other When He ascended on high (4:8) Christ has ascended to heaven Ephesians 1:20, Philippians 2:9 Colossians 3:1

10. Gifts given to each of us He led captivity captive (4:8) Christ has captured “captivity” – defeated Satan Hebrews 2:14-15 Luke 11:20-22 1 John 3:8 Colossians 2:15

11. Gifts given to each of us He gave gifts to men (4:8) Consider the “gifts” previously mentioned NOTE the difference between two texts:

12. Gifts given to each of us Psalm 68:18 “You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men,…” Ephesians 4:8 “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”

13. Gifts given to each of us He gave gifts to men (4:8) In Psalm 68:18, God received gifts – and He did! Today, we give “gifts” to Him – Romans 12:1-2, etc. In Eph. 4:8, He (God and Christ) gave gifts to us – and He has! Cf. 2 Corinthians 9:5

14. Gifts given to each of us Reconciling Psalm 68 & Eph. 4 Paul is taking an Old Testament truth and making a New Testament application (without diminishing the text) contrasting the differences. Thus, Eph. 4 perhaps is not a direct quote of Psalm 68, but a reference to it with application. Jesus gives us gifts – Romans 6:23

15. Gifts given to each of us Ephesians 4:9, elaboration and application of 4:8 “Now this, ‘He ascended’, what does it mean but that He also first descended…” Jesus left heaven for us – Philippians 2:5-8 Hebrews 2:17 The unity found in Jesus was made possible because He came to earth

16. Gifts given to each of us Ephesians 4:9, “…descended to the lower parts of the earth” A reference to this sin cursed world. Jesus did not come among the elites! Perhaps, ultimately fulfilled in His death and burial. He cares for us! 2 Corinthians 8:9, John 3:13

17. Gifts given to each of us Ephesians 4:10, “He who descended is also the One who ascended far above the heavens, that He might fill all things.” Jesus has completed His mission and is able to do ALL that we need of Him. Colossians 2:9-10, Hebrews 2:18, 4:14-16 Ephesians 1:3, He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Him

18. God has given us His grace through Christ Will you accept His gift?