Ephesians 4:11-16 - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.


Ephesians 4:7-8 – However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”

I. EQUIPPING THE CHURCH TO DO HIS WORK Verse 11-12

1. The five-fold ministry of the church.

Verse 11 - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

II Chronicles 15:3 – For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them.

Jeremiah 3:15 – And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

2. The different gifts that God gives.

Romans 12:6-8 – In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

II. EQUIPPING OTHERS TO DO THEIR PART

Verse 12-13, 16 - Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ...16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Matthew 5:18 – But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NLT)

1. All the body fits together.

2. Each part does its special work.

Here are a few ways for you to discern if God is calling you in a certain area:

* You feel a burning in your heart for something
* Pray about it…alot
* Seek wisdom from other believers.
* Ask God to confirm it in the Bible.
* Watch for open doors.
* Step out in faith and see what God does.