Reading Plan:
Ephesians 4:7-10

Our Thoughts:
As you read through Ephesians chapter 4, you might notice a transition happens at verse 7. Paul has been urging his readers to work as one, with unity, but here he turns his attention to the reality of diversity within Christian unity. In particular, Paul focuses on the idea that Christ uniquely gifts believers for the collective purpose of the unified church.
He goes into more detail on this topic in 1 Corinthians 12 where he refers to the church as the "body" of Christ. Maybe you have heard that phrasing used in church before. Paul uses this symbolism to express that the church, just like a physical body, is made up of many members or parts that operate in unique ways but for one common goal. Your arms do not function in the same way that your heart does, but both play an important role in the operation of your body. Within the church, each person is gifted uniquely but equally important.
Here in his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul chooses to focus on the source of the gifts, not the way in which they work. Each person is uniquely gifted for a common purpose as a part of the church. However, no person is gifted because of their own merit or ability. Your gifting is a result of Christ's work and grace in you.
"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." Ephesians 4:9-10
Jesus Christ, the second person of the trinity, who knew the fullness of eternal perfection and joy, left the throne of heaven and descended into the flesh and bone of mankind. He willingly traded perfection for the pain, sorrow, grief, hunger, sadness, and suffering that is the human experience, from Heavenly King to Humble Savior so that He could serve as the eternal mediator between you and God. He sacrificed everything in the descent, but that was not the end of His story.
Jesus lowered Himself from Heaven to earth and then descended into the grave as a willing sacrifice to pay the debts caused by our sins. However, like no one before or since the "lower regions of earth" could not hold him captive. Three days after being buried, His tomb sat empty and He ascended back to the throne of Heaven - from Heavenly King to Humble Savior to Risen Lord.
The descending meant that Jesus was willing to take on sin and death on your behalf. The ascending means He won the victory over the grave. From His seat of victory, Paul says that Jesus "fills all things" - namely you with His presence. In John 16:7, Jesus Himself said that it was better for Him to no longer be present in this world because His leaving meant the coming of God's presence through the Holy Spirit. It's hard to imagine that is true, that things are better without the physical presence of Jesus. He was teaching that through Him God dwelt AMONG mankind in the flesh. Now by the Holy Spirit, God dwells IN the hearts of all His people. The only hindrance in experiencing God in any moment and His work in you is your willingness. He is present and working, but are you watching and following?

More Questions:
Have you ever experienced God in unique ways, places, or times?
How are you using your gifts or passions to pursue the purpose of His body?

Prayer:
Lord thank you that you choose to use us in your work to change lives. You have gifted me in your unique ways and I want to use those gifts and passions for your Kingdom. Show me how to serve you best today as a part of your body.

Author: Kyle Warren