Church of Christ Sermons and Lessons for 2014 |
Speaker |
Sermon/Lesson Title |
Audio
Video
Text
MS
Word
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Category |
Date Added |
Lesson |
Bobby Stafford |
Spiritual Gifts (Ephesians 4:7-16) |
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Ephesians /
Spiritual Gifts |
June 15, 2014 |
Sunday AM Sermon |
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Spiritual Gifts
Part
Two
Text:
Ephesians 4:7-16
Body:
I.
The One Who Gave the Gifts
(Verses
7-10)
II.
The One Who Received the Gifts
(Verse
11)
Verse 11 These offices or works were filled by
Christians who possessed spiritual gifts. These were
necessary for building and continuing the Lord’s church
since the New Testament had not been revealed and written. (Acts
8:14-18)
a.
Apostles
were those [ambassadors] selected by Christ and who received
the Holy Spirit baptism. They were all eyewitnesses of the
risen Savior. There are no apostles since the first century.
b.
Prophets,
the New Testament ones, were spokesmen for God. They were
“forth tellers” who were inspired by God to reveal His
Word. After the New Testament was revealed and
recorded, this office ceased. (I
Corinthians 13:8)
c.
Evangelists
possessed spiritual gifts in the first century. [Timothy and
Philip] There was no written New Testament then, so they
needed super natural means to preach the gospel. Preachers
today are not inspired; they must study the Word to obtain
knowledge to proclaim the good news.
d.
Pastors and Teachers
Since pastors [elders] are also to be teachers, this may be
referring to the same office or work. Elders in the first
century were endowed with miraculous gifts to perform their
work of shepherding. This is possibly the meaning of
James 5:14-15.
III.
The Purpose for the Spiritual Gifts
(Verse
12)
Verse 12 “Equip the saints” was to make fit, to
prepare fully. Since the early church did not have a copy of
the complete Word of God, those with spiritual gifts
were to instruct Christians [saints] concerning how they
were to carry out their duties as Christians. This
would profit the whole church by equipping them for service.
(I
Corinthians 12:7)
In particular, two areas are listed: work of ministry and
edifying of the body. This would include helping those in
need, teaching the lost, and strengthening the church.
Miraculous gifts are not needed today because the gospel
instructs, equips, and motivates us to carry out our
responsibilities. (Acts
20:32)
IV.
The Duration of the Spiritual Gifts
(Verse
13)
Verse 13 “Till” is an adverb of time that sets limit
on how long these gifts would be available. That was until
the faith was completed; until it was fully revealed.
(Jude
3)
Once it was revealed and those possessing these gifts died,
miraculous gifts ceased. (I
Corinthians 13:8-10)
When the faith was fully revealed, all the knowledge
about Christ that we need was given to man. (II
Peter 1:2-3)
We attained unity of the faith when the gospel was revealed
and recorded. Having this full knowledge of Christ enables
us to reach perfection [maturity] in a spiritual since.
During the time when spiritual gifts were needed, the church
was considered an infant, immature. But with the completed
revelation, the church is considered to be a full-grown man.
Now we can reach the stage that Christ intended the church
to reach. These gifts were never meant to be permanent. (I
Corinthians 13:11-12)
Consider the condition of a congregation in the first
century. Certain members would have particular spiritual
gifts. (I
Corinthians 14)
If a gift was not present [gift of interpretations] the
church had to do without what that gift supplied. But now,
with the completed revelation, every member has access to
the whole faith. We can read and study it and grow as
God would have us to do. The church can have unity because
all have the Word to follow.
Invitation:
Jesus conquered death and His victory insures our ultimate
triumph. For when we trust and obey, we can have the
assurance and confidence that a home in heaven will be ours.
Are you ready to accept Christ’s invitation?
Bobby Stafford
June 22, 2014