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Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway. I'm your host, pastor Harry Behrens, and in this episode we're going to discuss Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 8-16. Who, or what, are the gifts to the church? Now, before we dive in, I want to invite you to share any questions or feedback you may have by using the Text Us link in the episode description, as your input is invaluable in shaping future episodes. Here at the Takeaway, we are committed to creating content that supports your spiritual growth, and we can only do that with your feedback, so please let us know your thoughts, as we would love to hear from you Now as we get started. In our previous episode, we discussed the unity we are to have in the body of Christ and the unique part we all play within that. There is no excuse for anyone to be sitting on the sidelines as we are called to action. The only question is what is that specifically for you? That could take longer for some than others to figure out, as it requires doing something. Start with basic service within your fellowship, go from there and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps as you move.

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In a conversation I once had with my pastor, he shared a powerful analogy about the importance of being in motion in the Christian journey. He likened a person who is open to change to a boat moving in the water, ready to be steered in the right direction. On the other hand, someone resistant to change is like a boat anchored in place no amount of steering will lead to movement. He underscored the importance of actively seeking guidance from those who are living out their faith. He urged people to move alongside individuals firmly rooted in their callings, as their experiences and actions would guide those seeking to discern their path. He pointed out that a common misconception among Christians is that an explicit invitation from God is necessary before they can begin serving. He challenged this mindset, encouraging active participation and learning through hands-on experience. He reiterated the concept that the Christian journey is about continual growth and service, rather than waiting for a grand revelation about one specific role. He stressed Now that presents us with a thought-provoking notion that those who are solely seeking personal fulfillment or entertainment in their faith may need to reevaluate their commitment. The Christian life is not just a passive pursuit, but about embracing every opportunity to serve and learn.

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Matthew 12, verse 30, whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Now, in this world, we are not to be passive Christians who simply warm the bench. If you find yourself in that category, it's likely that you are not truly for Christ, but rather against him. As God conveyed to Ezekiel, you may be one of those who only attend church simply for entertainment rather than for the purpose of worship. Ezekiel, chapter 33, verse 32, and behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs and with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it. So, as believers, we are called to do more than just listen. We are meant to be active followers of the teachings we hear, not just passive listeners. This is why God gifted us with special abilities and has appointed leaders to help us grow and develop, as we will learn from today's teaching. So let's get started.

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In Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 8 to 9. Therefore, it says when he ascended on high, he led a host of captives and he gave gifts to men. In saying he ascended, what does it mean? But that he had also descended into the lower regions of the earth. That quotation that Paul used is from Psalm 68, verse 18. Ascended refers to his ascending into the presence of God in heaven after his death and after he was risen Acts 1, verses 9-10. And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes and said Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven". In the Psalms it says the Lord received gifts and here it says he gave gifts. When Jesus gave his Holy Spirit, he took the gifts he had received by conquering death and then distributed them to his body, the church, starting with the apostles. Now the word descended points to him coming down from heaven to earth. In doing this, he left his throne in heaven to conquer death here on earth and to set captives free.

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Colossians, chapter 2, verses 14 to 15. By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands, this he set aside. Nailing it to the cross, he disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in him. So why the question mark at the end of verse 9? In saying he ascended, what does it mean? But that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth. It assumes that if he had ascended, he had obviously descended at some point prior. That he descended points to the cross, as that was his humility in taking the form of man.

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Philippians, chapter 2, verses 5 to 8. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men and being found in human form. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. Moving on to Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 10. Now, saying that he ascended back to his throne, paul is making the point that Jesus existed before coming in the flesh and that, after he completed his earthly ministry, he then ascended back to his throne, showing that he was indeed God. Philippians, chapter 2, verses 9 to 11,. Ephesians 4, verses 11-13,.

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So these verses emphasize the significance of the leaders within the church community. It stresses the idea that they have been appointed to equip and support the church. They are described as a gift to the church, conveying that their presence within the community is intended to benefit and empower us. The passage also arises thought-provoking questions about the perception and appreciation we have for these leaders within the church, prompting us to reflect on the weight of their responsibilities and whether their contributions are truly valued by us.

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Hebrews 13, verses 17. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls. As those who have to give an account, let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. And James, chapter 3, verse 1, says not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. Now, verse 13 says that until we all attain this, these leaders are there to help us mature in Christ. Their gifting is not to be seen as something we necessarily need to copy. Not all are called to be teachers, and that's okay. However, we are all called to ministry, which means service. We are all to serve. As I said before, we are first to serve each other in the body.

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Now, the writings of the apostles and prophets in the Bible are recognized as God's inspired word. Their unique spiritual gifts were instrumental in establishing the foundation of the church, but those gifts are not present today as they once were. Ephesians 2, verse 20,. Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, now Jesus handpicked the apostles to establish the church, and likewise he continues to select teachers, evangelists and pastors today. This selection is evident in their unique abilities and calling rather than in any formal certification or qualification. Galatians, chapter 1, verse 1,. Paul, an apostle, not from men nor through man, but through Jesus, christ and God, the Father, who raised him from the dead.

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Now it's important to note that there are people today claiming to be apostles or prophets, and churches that allow this should be approached with caution, as these claims do not align with the teachings of Scripture. The foundation of the early church was laid by the apostles appointed by Jesus, and the New Testament prophets confirmed their teachings and helped build the early church. Now that we have the complete canon of the New Testament through their letters, we no longer need to establish another foundation claiming something new or different. 1 Corinthians, 3, 10-15. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder, I laid a foundation According to the grace of God given to me like a skilled master builder. I laid a foundation and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now, if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw each one's work will become manifest, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only is through fire. So, as we see here, all we can do is build on the foundation that the apostles laid, and we cannot lay a foundation other than that it's already been put down.

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So why does a person need to be called an apostle or prophet today? Well, the answer is they don't, as it usually is a matter of pride and attempt to control or deceive. In the rare instance that's not the case, it could be that the individual is using the title of apostle, as defined, which means sent one, or one who is sent. They very well could be sent and doing the Lord's work, but I would say this adds a layer of confusion that isn't necessary in today's church. Ultimately, the title itself would most likely cause people to see these individuals as having authority, even if it's just being used for the meaning of sent one.

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Now, as far as pastors and evangelists, they have replaced the apostles, not to lay a new foundation, but to build upon and maintain it. Their job is to equip and help us understand the apostles' teachings, to firmly plant us on the foundation they've laid, which is Christ Jesus and Him crucified. The work of the ministry is what the saints are to go out and do, and that's what they are equipped for. It's not the pastor's job, it's yours. They equip you and you go. Or have you been taught that they do all the work while you do whatever you want? That is anything but Christ-like. Jesus gave the example of service when he washed the disciples' feet and said we are to do likewise to one another in John 13, verses 1 to 17. The question I have for you today is when was the last time you washed someone's feet? Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 14.

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So that we may no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness and deceitful schemes. We are expected to mature in our faith and not remain spiritual children. Staying immature reflects poorly on ourselves, the church body and our relationship with Jesus. It's unproductive for us to remain like children, as it burdens the spiritually mature to care for us. We shouldn't rely on others to perform basic spiritual tasks, such as evangelizing or serving, because of fear or laziness. Such behavior is similar to an immature child, easily swayed by every new idea and belief that comes their way. Now do you find yourself getting distracted by various things? Are you studying different religions or getting caught up in mindless television content? These distractions can leave you feeling uncertain and scattered, preventing you from fully committing yourself to Jesus and his teachings.

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What we should be doing is found in Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 15 to 16. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him, who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly. Makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. So let us strive to grow in every aspect and become more like Jesus. This is not just a suggestion, it is a command, as we are required to mature and develop fully with our focus on him. As a result, our lives should mirror the qualities of Jesus. Every decision and action we take should stem from this commitment.

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When we start introducing conflicting beliefs, we become divided and can no longer serve a single master. Matthew, chapter 6, verses 22 to 24. The eye is the lamp of the body, so if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If, then, the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness? No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money, so when we devote ourselves to anything other than serving God, we are essentially demonstrating our hostility towards Him.

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Through unity with Christ, we grow and function as a healthy body, seeking guidance solely from Him. Our head, a good leader, always directs us towards seeking Jesus ourselves, delving into the scriptures and praying as mature individuals who can also guide and support others, rather than relying solely on others for spiritual nourishment. This only occurs when we step out in faith and trust the Holy Spirit to equip us. We are not expected to be flawless, as perfection is unattainable, but we are called to be active in our faith and trust Him to do what he does best. This is where satisfaction in God is found, when he does what we are unable to do. It is our responsibility to step out into the unknown darkness, and in turn, he will reveal what is concealed within the darkness. When he sheds his light into the shadows that lie ahead, we come to realize that the frightening noises we heard were merely the sound of wind chimes swaying in the breeze.

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Romans 8, verses 31-39. What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who could be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all? How will he not also, with him, graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn Christ? Jesus is the one who died, more than that, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God. Who, indeed, is interceding for us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger or sword, as it is written for your sake, we are being killed all the day long. We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.

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Know, in all these things, we are more than conquerors, through him who loved us, for I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God and Christ Jesus, our Lord. Let's pray. Father, thank you for your word that you have given us through the apostles and prophets, for maintaining its accuracy and giving us teachers who have been gifted to help us understand it so that we can apply it to our lives. My prayer for us today is that you would awaken the hearts of our listeners and that they would engage in a local fellowship, using the gifts of the Spirit that you have so graciously given them to overcome the wickedness in this world. Father, we love you and we thank you In Jesus' name, amen. Now I want to thank you for joining us today, and I hope this message helped you take a step closer in your relationship with Jesus and that you have a better understanding of just how much God loves you and wants you to know him.

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In our upcoming episode, we're going to conclude chapter four. In that section, paul elaborates on the concept of maturity in faith and what it means for believers to live in the world without being consumed by its negative influences. We will explore the idea of remaining separate from the corrupt nature of the world while actively participating in it, as this is what we are being equipped for Now. Before we go, I want to encourage you to visit us at thetakeawayfaith and on our website. You can sign up to receive email notifications or send us a text message from the link provided in the description of this episode. We hope that you would use this podcast as a resource to help others and that you would send us a message, a word of encouragement or any questions or comments, as we would love to hear from you. God bless, and we'll see you next time on the Takeaway. Thank you.