In the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, we find ourselves not merely as recipients of divine favor, but as active participants in an ongoing story of grace. The book of Ephesians paints a vivid picture of this reality, inviting us to consider how we should live in light of the extraordinary work Jesus has accomplished on our behalf.
As we transition from the theological foundations laid out in the first three chapters of Ephesians, we encounter a pivotal question: How do we respond to the immeasurable grace we've received? The answer lies in understanding the continuing work of grace in our lives and the spiritual gifts bestowed upon us.
Ephesians 4:7 reminds us that "to each one of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." This grace isn't just about our salvation; it's an ongoing empowerment for service within the body of Christ. The apostle Paul draws our attention to Psalm 68, a triumphant song celebrating God's victory over earthly and spiritual powers. In doing so, he reveals a profound truth: we, once captives, have been rescued and are now gifted back to God's people as instruments of His grace.
This imagery of captives becoming gifts echoes throughout Scripture. In Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and 1 Peter 4, we find extensive lists of spiritual gifts – from prophecy and teaching to acts of service and encouragement. These diverse gifts are not exhaustive, but they all share a common purpose: to build up the body of Christ and bring glory to God.
It's crucial to understand that these gifts are not meant for personal gain or pride. Rather, they are expressions of God's continuing grace, empowering us to play our unique roles in His redemptive mission. We are called to be faithful stewards of these gifts, using them to serve others and contribute to the maturity of the church.
The ultimate goal of these gifts is beautifully articulated in Ephesians 4:13: "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." This maturity is not about perfection, but about growing together as a community of believers, becoming less susceptible to deception and more firmly rooted in the truth of Christ.
As we consider our spiritual gifts, it's important to remember that Jesus is the source – the "head" or "kephale" in Greek – from which all these gifts flow. Our connection to Him is what empowers us to move in grace and extend that grace to others. This understanding should foster humility and love in how we exercise our gifts.
The phrase "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) takes on new meaning in this context. It's not just about confronting sin, although that may sometimes be necessary. Instead, it encompasses our entire approach to using our gifts – operating from a place of love, remembering our own rescue, and humbly acknowledging that all we have comes from Christ.
This continuing work of grace in our lives is a source of great encouragement. As Paul writes in Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." We are not saved by grace only to be left to our own devices. Instead, the same grace that saved us continues to transform us, empower us, and work through us for the benefit of others.
So how do we practically live out this reality of grace and spiritual gifts? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Recognize your starting point: Have you experienced the initial grace of salvation? If not, there's no better time than now to give your life to Jesus.
2. Embrace continuing grace: If you've been saved but feel stuck in trying to be "good enough," remember that growth comes through God's ongoing grace, not your own efforts.
3. Identify your gifts: Reflect on your natural talents and the things that stir your heart. These often point to the spiritual gifts God has given you.
4. Look for opportunities: Pay attention to the needs around you and the ways God might be calling you to use your gifts.
5. Act in love and humility: Remember that your gifts are for building up others and glorifying God, not for personal acclaim.
6. Stay connected to the source: Maintain a close relationship with Jesus, the head of the church and the wellspring of all spiritual gifts.
As we live out this grace-filled reality, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of the gospel. We move from being rescued infants to mature believers, each playing a vital role in the body of Christ. Our diverse gifts, when used in unity and love, create a beautiful symphony of grace that reflects the character of our Savior.
Let us, therefore, not neglect the gifts we've been given, nor take for granted the continuing grace that empowers us. Instead, let's embrace our role in God's ongoing mission, using our gifts to build up the church, reach the lost, and bring glory to the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
In doing so, we'll discover that the journey of faith is not about striving for perfection, but about growing in grace – grace upon grace, flowing from the boundless love of our Savior, transforming us and the world around us.