Message Notes

(I) THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE IN EPHESIANS

1. With reference to Salvation

It is the basis of our salvation!

2. With reference to Ministry

It is the basis of ministry!

(II) THE GRACE-GIFTS OF GOD

1. Related to the Triumph of Christ

a) Prophetic (Messianic Psalm)

“You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men…” Psalm 68:18

b) Fulfillment of this prophecy

“He who descended is also the One who ascended far above the heavens, that He might fill all things.” Ephesians 4:10

2. Gifts of Grace

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7

a) Not just for salvation

b) For Life

c) For Ministry

(III) THE MANY GIFTS OF CHRIST TO THE CHURCH

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:11-12

1. The Gifts of servants of God

a) Apostles (foundations)

b) Prophets (foundations)

c) Evangelists (on-going)

d) Pastors – Teachers (on-going)

2. The Purpose of these Gifts

a) To equip the saints

b) For the work of the ministry

c) For the edifying of the body of Christ

(IV) OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACT-GIFTS

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head- Christ- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16

1. Let us be conscious that we are joined and knit together in Christ

2. Let us seek to be do our part effectively

3. Let us seek to cause good growth to the Body of Christ

4. Let us seek to edify the Body of Christ in love