It Starts Small

⁷ Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ For it says:

When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.

⁹ But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. ¹¹ And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 

Ephesians 4:7-11

Each one of us

Every believer is blessed beyond measure by God’s incredible grace through the outpouring of spiritual gifts! This truth is monumental! Each believer possesses at least one extraordinary gift. This isn’t reserved for a select few. Rather, it’s a divine promise for all! Our Lord Christ Himself bestows these gifts, tailoring them to fit each unique soul. Isn’t it awe-inspiring? Even when two individuals shine in the art of preaching, one may receive an even greater anointing! Let’s also pause to reflect on the essence of the word “gift.” It signifies that it’s given freely, without merit or earning—utterly undeserved. Truly, the generous giver is none other than Christ!

We must embrace a powerful and uplifting view of ourselves! We are created in God’s glorious image. We are redeemed and adopted as His beloved children. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit’s transformative gift! We have been entrusted with incredible spiritual gifts to build His magnificent church! Individuals who struggle with low self-esteem are missing the profound truth of these Biblical doctrines. As believers, we should carry ourselves with unwavering confidence. We walk boldly with our heads held high. This is not due to our own merits, but because we are deeply cherished by our Heavenly Father who loves and cares for us! That is where our true value lies; that is the source of our unshakeable confidence!

Verse 8 comes from Psalms 68:18 –

¹⁸ You ascended to the heights, taking away captives;
you received gifts from people,
even from the rebellious,
so that the Lord God might dwell there.

Psalm 68:16

Originally, it was a powerful victory hymn by David, celebrating the glorious triumph over the Jebusites in Jerusalem! Paul may be drawing a profound analogy to Christ, reflecting on the majestic act of His ascension. This stirring composition unfolds in three captivating parts.

he “ascension” symbolizes the triumphant return of Jesus to heaven. His “captives” represent the profound victory over Satan and death itself—two formidable foes now powerless and awaiting their ultimate destruction. The “gifts to men” are those precious spiritual gifts that Paul passionately refers to. Much like the glorious King David, Christ generously grants us transformative spiritual gifts. He bestows these upon us in His boundless love. These gifts revitalize our souls. They empower our lives with divine purpose. Descended refers to His incarnation. He came to the lower parts of the earth from the upper parts of heaven. Basically, he came down.

The gifts of administration are a divine orchestration! Five distinct, powerful gifts are bestowed upon us. They are apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Each plays a vital role in the vibrant life of the church. God, in His infinite wisdom, equips the church with what it needs to thrive and flourish, nurturing a harmonious community. But what sets each of these extraordinary roles apart? How can individuals with these diverse gifts unite their strengths? How can they uplift and empower the church? Doing so would create a bold testament to faith and love.

God performed a powerful act of divine grace. He bestowed remarkable individuals upon the church. These individuals were destined to fulfill the heartfelt spiritual needs of the community. He equipped them with extraordinary gifts. This enabled them to carry out their sacred mission. In a beautiful cycle of giving, they emerged as precious gifts to uplift others.

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Cross References:

• Psalms 68:18
• John 3:13
• John 6:33
• Romans 10:14-15
• Colossians 1:28-29
• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
• James 1:6

Reflective Questions:

• Who has been given a gift?
• Was this earned or deserved?
• Who is it from?
• Explain verse 8.
• What does it mean that Jesus descended to the lower parts of the earth?
• When did He ascend?
• What does it mean to fill all things?
• What does it mean “He gave some as apostles…”?
• Gave to who?

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