First Ref0rmed Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Lord’s Day, September 22, 2002 Anno Domini

Ephesians 4:7-10

Christ’s Heavenly Gift to Each Christian

To each of us, Christ has given a gift designed to stimulate love and the edification of the church.

                    I.  God’s purpose is to gather together all things in
Christ.
     

Ephesians 1:9-10.

      A.  The reality that affects us, and the responsibility that concerns
you.
      B.  We = the church; apostles, saints, Jews, Gentiles, one body of
Christ.
        

Eph 1:3 "we/our" We through 1:12. You in 1:13, become included in “We.”

Eph 3:20 "power that works in us"

      C.  You = the church being edified–built up.
        

Eph 4:1 "you walk worthy" Eph 4:4 "your calling" Eph 4:6 “in you all”

Eph 4:17 "you should no longer walk" 4:20, 22, 23, 26, 29, 31, 32

      D.  Now that we are brought into communion with God (Eph 2:18), we
must live to accomplish God’s purposes.
         1.  Don’t return to your old life of sin, Eph 2:1 & 4:17.
         2.  Do live out your life in Christian love and obedience.
         3.  Do use the gift given to you by Christ for the edification of
his body.
        

  II.  Christ gives a diversity of gifts to accomplish his purposes.
      A.  Gifts differ according to the grace that is given to us.
             

Romans 12:6; 1Corinthians 12:4

      B.  The church is united in Christ and is to be built up in Christ :
        

Eph 1:22; 2:19; 2:22; 4:5; 4:16.

      C.  The church is given gifts by her victorious head, v.8.
        

Paul’s exposition of Psalm 68:18.

Hebrews 2:14; Colossians 2:15; Luke 11:21. Judges 5:12; Psalm 110:3

   III. The Person and power of Jesus render our gifts effective.
      A.  He descended and he ascended on high
        

John 3:13; 16:28.

      B.  He ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all
things.
        

Ephesians 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:14 & 7:26

Jeremiah 23:24; Ephesians 1:23; Matthew 28:18.

      C.  Because of who Jesus is, we can be what he calls us to be.
             

Philippians 4:13; Philippians 2:3; Ephesians 2:10.

Pastor Christian Adjemian, Dipl.Div., Ph.D.

phone: 617.864.3185