“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, ‘When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.’ (In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”
“…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” – Ephesians 4:7–16 (ESV)
🎁 Grace Gifts for Every Believer
Paul begins this section with a shift from corporate unity to individual contribution: “But grace was given to each one of us…”
Unity is not uniformity. Every believer is uniquely gifted by Christ Himself. “The measure of Christ’s gift” refers to Jesus distributing specific graces to each person according to His perfect design and purpose.
This isn’t saving grace—it’s serving grace. These are spiritual abilities empowered by God for ministry and maturity within the Church.
⛅ From Descent to Dominion
Paul quotes Psalm 68 to show that Christ is the triumphant King. He “descended”—referring to His incarnation and possibly His burial—and then “ascended far above all the heavens.”
As the victorious risen Lord, Christ has every right to distribute gifts. He conquered death, led captives free, and now fills His Church with power and purpose.
👥 Leaders Who Equip, Not Entertain
Jesus gave five foundational leadership roles to the Church (verse 11):
- Apostles – messengers sent with authority, especially foundational in the early Church
- Prophets – those who spoke the revealed word of God with insight and clarity
- Evangelists – proclaimers of the gospel to the lost
- Shepherds (pastors) – spiritual caretakers of the flock
- Teachers – instructors in sound doctrine and Christian living
Their purpose? “To equip the saints for the work of ministry.” The goal is not spiritual spectatorship, but active service. Every believer is called to ministry, and leaders are called to train them for it.
🏗️ Building Up the Body of Christ
When the saints are equipped, the Body is built up. Paul highlights four goals of healthy church growth:
- Unity of the faith – shared truth and trust in Christ
- Knowledge of the Son of God – relational intimacy and doctrinal clarity
- Spiritual maturity – growing in Christlikeness
- Stability and discernment – no longer tossed by false teaching
Paul wants believers to move from spiritual childhood to Christlike maturity, avoiding deception and confusion by being grounded in truth.
🗣️ Speaking the Truth in Love
The antidote to deception isn’t just truth—it’s truth wrapped in love. Mature believers are not harsh or silent; they speak truthfully and tenderly.
In doing so, “we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head—into Christ.” Jesus is not only our source—He is our standard. Growth isn’t about being better than others. It’s about becoming more like Him.
🪢 Every Part Doing Its Part
Paul ends with a powerful picture of how the Church grows: “From whom the whole body… when each part is working properly, makes the body grow…”
Every part matters. Every believer has a role. When each member functions faithfully, the body builds itself up in love.
📣 What This Means for Us Today
1. You Have a Gift—Use It
God has given you a unique grace to serve in the Body. You may not have a title, but you have a function. Don’t bury your gift—build with it.
2. Leaders Are Meant to Equip, Not Entertain
The Church isn’t a performance stage. It’s a training ground. Seek out leaders who equip you to grow and serve, and thank God for them.
3. Maturity Is the Mission
The goal isn’t crowds—it’s Christlikeness. Speak the truth. Grow in love. Serve with purpose. You’re part of something eternal and beautiful.
📣 Reflection and Application
- 🛠️ What is the specific grace-gift God has placed in your life?
- 📚 Am I being equipped—and equipping others—for the work of ministry?
- 🌱 How can I help my church grow in love, maturity, and truth?
🛐 Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of grace You’ve given to me. Help me discover and use it for the good of others and the glory of Christ. Strengthen our leaders to equip the saints. Let every part of the Body, including mine, work properly—so that Your Church grows strong in love and truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
📌 Coming Up Next
Ephesians 4:17–24 — A New Mind for a New Life
In the next section, Paul shows what it looks like to leave behind the old self and embrace the new life we have in Christ. We’ll explore how transformation starts in the mind and leads to a changed walk.
