In Ephesians 4 What Are The Specific Gifts That God Has Given To Me And How Can I Use Them For The Edification Of The Church?

Understanding the Gifts in Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4 provides a profound insight into how God gifts every believer for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. In this passage, the Apostle Paul encourages unity and spiritual maturity, emphasizing that God graciously supplies each member of the church with specific gifts. Let’s explore what these gifts are, their purpose, and how you can use them for the edification of the church.

The Source and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Paul begins Ephesians 4 by reminding believers of their shared calling and the need for unity. He then establishes that Christ Himself is the giver of spiritual gifts:

But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. - Ephesians 4:7 ASV

The “grace” here refers to the empowering presence of Christ, equipping every believer for service. These gifts are not for personal boasting but for the collective good:

for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ. - Ephesians 4:12 ASV

The Specific Gifts in Ephesians 4

Paul lists several key roles given by Christ to the church:

And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. - Ephesians 4:11 ASV

Apostles: Those sent out with a foundational, pioneering mission for the growth and establishment of the church. While the office of apostle (as the original witnesses of the resurrected Christ) is unique, the gifting of starting new ministries or missions continues.
Prophets: Individuals who proclaim God’s truth boldly and sometimes provide insight into God’s will for the church. Today, this gift is seen in those who speak God’s Word with clarity and conviction, always measured against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 ASV).
Evangelists: Those gifted in sharing the gospel, both locally and globally, with a passion for seeing people come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastors and Teachers: Shepherds who care for, guide, and instruct the flock, helping believers grow in maturity and understanding of God’s Word.

While these roles are highlighted in Ephesians 4, other passages (such as Romans 12:6-8 ASV and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 ASV) describe a wider variety of spiritual gifts, including service, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy, wisdom, and more.

How Can You Use Your Gifts for the Church?

God has uniquely equipped every believer with gifts tailored for His purposes. Here are some steps to discover and use your gifts:

Pray for Guidance: Ask God to reveal your gifts and how you can use them to serve others (James 1:5 ASV).
Study the Scriptures: Explore passages on spiritual gifts to understand how God equips His people (1 Peter 4:10 ASV).
Serve in Different Areas: Get involved in various ministries; God often clarifies your gifts as you serve.
Seek Input from Others: Mature believers can often affirm and encourage your gifts as they see you in action.
Use Your Gifts Humbly and Faithfully: Remember, gifts are for building up others, not for personal recognition (1 Corinthians 12:7 ASV).

As you use your gifts, the church grows in unity, maturity, and love, reflecting Christ to the world:

but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together... maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love. - Ephesians 4:15-16 ASV

Conclusion

Every believer is a vital part of the body of Christ. God has given you gifts to serve, encourage, and build up fellow believers. As you faithfully use what God has entrusted to you, you participate in His grand purpose for the church: to display His glory and share His love with the world.