And He looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And He said,
“Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Luke 21:1-4
Gifts
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 091320
“And He looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And He said,
‘Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.’ ” Luke 21:1-4 (KJB)
Giving From Poverty
“And He looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said,
‘Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.’” Luke 21:1-4 (KJB)
It seems that the wealthy; many of them; like to make much to do about their giving. Though any giving to aid those who are less fortunate, or are experiencing difficult financial times is generous. Being noticed for it, or seeking applause from the populace is not applauded by God.
Jesus, in the verses of Luke above, was sitting near by where the giving box was located, and He must have heard the jingling of the coins as they went into the metal receiving. Those who were more able to give wanted it to sound as though they were giving much, and Jesus noticed a poor widow who put in all that she had.
When it comes to giving who gives more the man with a million dollars who only gives a tenth of his wealth? or the one who lives from week to week on wages, whose take home pay maybe 400 dollars, and he/she tithes from that? I will let you answer that.
A few years ago there was two very well known billionaires who made the announcement, and quite publicly that they were going to give half of their wealth to aid the poor. Now there is no doubt in my mind that that was a very noble act. Let us think about that for a moment. At that time the younger one of the two had a net worth of over 50 billion dollars. Now let us think of that. If he was giving half of that to aid the poverty stricken, he still has a net worth of 25 billion. There is absolutely no sacrifice in the giving.
These people that were putting their money in the box were giving from their wealth; that is what Jesus said. The widow was giving all she had, and Jesus applauded this woman for doing so.
At this time of year many people get generous with giving. Giving gifts to family, friends, work associates, etc. Organizations give food, clothing, and gifts because of the time of year it is. That is wonderful. Why do we not make it a year round policy to give sacrificially to others in need? One month in a year. That is good. Great giving would be doing it from January 1 through December 31.
Think of this. Genuine generous giving is when you give until it hurts; and you need to cut back on something for yourself to give.
Jesus Christ gave us all He had. He gave His life, dying on the cross for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again. In Him and through His is life everlasting.
The Pillar and Ground of Truth
“These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Timothy 3:14-16 (KJB)
I will give you some words for study and thought. It is a bit lengthy, but well worth reading. Be blessed.
From Matthew Henry’s commentary on 1 Timothy 3:14-16…
He concludes the chapter with a particular direction to Timothy. He hoped shortly to come to him, to give him further directions and assistance in his work, and to see that Christianity was well planted, and took root well, at Ephesus; he therefore wrote the more briefly to him. But he wrote lest he should tarry long, that Timothy might know how to behave himself in the house of God, how to conduct himself as became an evangelist, and the apostle’s substitute. Observe,
- Those who are employed in the house of God must see to it that they behave themselves well, lest they bring reproach upon the house of God, and that worthy name by which they are called. Ministers ought to behave themselves well, and to look not only to their praying and preaching, but to their behaviour: their office binds them to their good behaviour, for any behaviour will not do in this case. Timothy must know how to behave himself, not only in the particular church where he was now appointed to reside for some time, but being an evangelist, and the apostle’s substitute, he must learn how to behave himself in other churches, where he should in like manner be appointed to reside for some time; and therefore it is not the church of Ephesus, but the catholic church, which is here called the house of God, which is the church of the living God. Observe here, 1. God is the living God; he is the fountain of life, he is life in himself, and he gives life, breath, and all things to his creatures; in him we live, and move, and have our being, Act_17:25, Act_17:28. 2. The church is the house of God, he dwells there; the Lord has chosen Zion, to dwell there. “This is my rest, here will I dwell, for I have chosen it;” there may we see God’s power and glory, Psa_63:2.
- It is the great support of the church that it is the church of the living God, the true God in opposition to false gods, dumb and dead idols.
- As the church of God, it is the pillar and ground of truth; that is, either, (1.) The church itself is the pillar and ground of truth. Not that the authority of the scriptures depends upon that of the church, as the papists pretend, for truth is the pillar and ground of the church; but the church holds forth the scripture and the doctrine of Christ, as the pillar to which a proclamation is affixed holds forth the proclamation. Even to the principalities and powers in heavenly places is made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, Eph_3:10. (2.) Others understand it of Timothy. He, not he himself only, but he as an evangelist, he and other faithful ministers, are the pillars and ground of truth; it is their business to maintain, hold up, and publish, the truths of Christ in the church. It is said of the apostles that they seemed to be pillars, Gal_2:9. [1.] Let us be diligent and impartial in our own enquiries after truth; let us buy the truth at any rate, and not think much of any pains to discover it. [2.] Let us be careful to keep and preserve it. “Buy the truth, and sell it not (Pro_23:23), do not part with it on any consideration.” [3.] Let us take care to publish it, and to transmit it safe and uncorrupted unto posterity. [4.] When the church ceases to be the pillar and ground of truth, we may and ought to forsake her; for our regard to truth should be greater than our regard to the church; we are no longer obliged to continue in the church than she continues to be the pillar and ground of truth.
- But what is the truth which the churches and ministers are the pillars and grounds of? He tells us (1Ti_3:16) that without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. The learned Camero joins this with what goes before, and then it runs thus: “The pillar and ground of the truth, and without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.” He supposes this mystery to be the pillar, etc. Observe,
(1.) Christianity is a mystery, a mystery that could not have been found out by reason or the light of nature, and which cannot be comprehended by reason, because it is above reason, though not contrary thereto. It is a mystery, not of philosophy or speculation; but of godliness, designed to promote godliness; and herein it exceeds all the mysteries of the Gentiles. It is also a revealed mystery, not shut up and sealed; and it does not cease to be a mystery because now in part revealed. But,
(2.) What is the mystery of godliness? It is Christ; and here are six things concerning Christ, which make up the mystery of godliness. [1.] That he is God manifest in the flesh: God was manifest in the flesh. This proves that he is God, the eternal Word, that was made flesh and was manifest in the flesh. When God was to be manifested to man he was pleased to manifest himself in the incarnation of his own Son: The Word was made flesh, Joh_1:14. [2.] He is justified in the Spirit. Whereas he was reproached as a sinner, and put to death as a malefactor, he was raised again by the Spirit, and so was justified from all the calumnies with which he was loaded. He was made sin for us, and was delivered for our offences; but, being raised again, he was justified in the Spirit; that is, it was made to appear that his sacrifice was accepted, and so he rose again for our justification, as he was delivered for our offences, Rom_4:25. He was put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit, 1Pe_3:18. [3.] He was seen of angels. They worshipped him (Heb_1:6); they attended his incarnation, his temptation, his agony, his death, his resurrection, his ascension; this is much to his honour, and shows what a mighty interest he had in the upper world, that angels ministered to him, for he is the Lord of angels. [4.] He is preached unto the Gentiles. This is a great part of the mystery of godliness, that Christ was offered to the Gentiles a Redeemer and Saviour; that whereas, before, salvation was of the Jews, the partition-wall was now taken down, and the Gentiles were taken in. I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, Act_13:47. [5.] That he was believed on in the world, so that he was not preached in vain. Many of the Gentiles welcomed the gospel which the Jews rejected. Who would have thought that the world, which lay in wickedness, would believe in the Son of God, would take him to be their Saviour who was himself crucified at Jerusalem? But, notwithstanding all the prejudices they laboured under, he was believed on, etc. [6.] He was received up into glory, in his ascension. This indeed was before he was believed on in the world; but it is put last, because it was the crown of his exaltation, and because it is not only his ascension that is meant, but his sitting at the right hand of God, where he ever lives, making intercession, and has all power, both in heaven and earth, and because, in the apostasy of which he treats in the following chapter, his remaining in heaven would be denied by those who pretend to bring him down on their altars in the consecrated wafers. Observe, First, He who was manifest in flesh was God, really and truly God, God by nature, and not only so by office, for this makes it to be a mystery. Secondly, God was manifest in flesh, real flesh. Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, Heb_2:14. And, what is more amazing, he was manifest in the flesh after all flesh had corrupted his way, though he himself was holy from the womb. Thirdly, Godliness is a mystery in all its parts and branches, from the beginning to the end, from Christ’s incarnation to his ascension. Fourthly, It being a great mystery, we should rather humbly adore it, and piously believe it, than curiously pry into it, or be too positive in our explications of it and determinations about it, further than the holy scriptures have revealed it to us
The Church is a visable entity seen in the local assembly through the Biblical teaching of its pastor, teachers, each faithful individual; also the worship of each congregation in singing of hymns, songs, spiritual songs, and being stewards in giving of our time, and God given resources.
Just to point out one more thing. Each of the apostle Paul’s letters to churches – Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, and Thessalonica – were written to the local congregation of that city.
The Best Gifts
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 1Corinthians 12:31
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJB)
The Corinthian Church was laden with Christians who were competing for who they considered the best preacher, teacher, and the best spiritual gifts. One gift in particular was one that was causing the greatest stir.
Corinth was a troubled Church. The apostle Paul sent this letter, because he was not able to come and see them. The purpose of the letter is to address and endeavor to correct the problems of jealousy, envy, immoral conduct, and selfishness.
The apostle had dealt with the issue of tongues. It was a sign gift, probably for the unbelieving Jews to see the Old Testament fulfillment, but they would not understand (Isaiah 28:11; 1 Corinthians 14:22). Now that I have dealt with that let us consider the best gifts.
The best gifts are those that edifies the Church. They build up, they encourage, they motivate the Church; and lead the Church in building up the name of Jesus Christ.
The greatest thing to have is love; it is the “more excellent way” as Paul describes godly love in chapter 13. Many people, Christian and non-christian knows of 1 Corinthians 13, but know little or nothing of the chapters preceding it, or the three chapters following.
Spiritual gifts are good, even great; but if you do not have love you are empty. The love spoken of by the apostle is not the feel good love many think of. It is love that acts when a wrong is witnessed, or a need is seen as one drives by a neighbor’s home, and you stop to help. It is the love that acts without thought of recovering the cost of the effort.
There is also faith and hope and love, Paul says, “but the greatest of these is love”.
Father in Heaven fill me with Your Spirit so that I might love like You do. That I might love my neighbor as I love myself.
The Mind and Counsel of the Lord
“And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, ‘There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.’ As concerning the gospel, enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! ‘For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?’ For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:26-36 (KJB)
References: Psalm 14:7; Isaiah 27:9; Daniel 9:24; Numbers 23:19; Romans 3:9; Jeremiah 23:18; 1 Corinthians 8:6
A Merry Life
Having a Merry Heart – Proverbs 17:21-28
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding
Verses 21, 25, 28 – To beget a fool seems to be a doing of the father in the context of this verse. The NKJV refers to this son as a “Scoffer”; the Hebrew “kes-eel’
From (Strongs’ Concordance) H3688; properly fat, that is, (figuratively) stupid or silly: – fool (-ish).” No joy for the father of the fool.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Verses 22, 24, 27 – There are three things mentioned in these verses (20-22) which are devastating to a “Merry heart”: 1) A crooked and deceitful life; 2) A foolish son; and 3) Discouragement.
Having a “Merry heart” requires that one have these: 1) A sound and guiltless heart and mind; 2) Children growing and walking in the grace of God; and 3) Encouragement by the Spirit, the Word and others.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
Verses 23, 26 – These two verses speak of perversions of justice. Bribery is a culprit of an evil giver and an evil judge. It blinds what could have been righteous judgment. Bribes take place in many forms.
One could be a friendship with strings attached. Another could be a job which requires lying on forms of acquisition or payroll. Still another could be… ______________________ I will let you fill in the blank.
It is a grave and evil thing when evil judges and evil people call evil good. It is evil when good people are punished for what evil people have done. On this think of the only good man who ever lived. His name is Jesus. He went to the cross, suffering at the hands of evil men; and in His death He took the penalty for sin, bearing the wrath of God the Father, and was buried; then three days later arose from a borrowed grave justifying forever all who will believe.
The Gifted Believer
Every Believer Gifted
Romans 12:3-8
God has placed each believer in the church to serve Him and other believers. He has not done so, and left us without desires and gifts which enable us to serve.
These gifts are not given for any to boast superiority over another, as has so often been the case with the mystical gifts; such as healing, tongues, miracles; which were reserved for the apostles, as an evidence of their call and appointment by God. These gifts of the Spirit to which we are speaking of in this study are given for the Church to have balanced ministry. No one spiritual gift is of any greater importance than the other.
Since God is the Giver of these “Grace gifts”, there is really no way any one believer has the right to think more “Highly [of himself], than he ought to thing” (v. 3). We are each responsible for the use of the gift(s) God has given us. They are, however, to be used in conjunction with other’s gifts; not separate from them. When believers use their gifts without the balance of the other gifts you have unbalanced churches.
Churches cannot operate properly if everyone is a “Lone Ranger”. Where there is unity of purpose, yet understanding of diversity; with the proper use of spiritual gifts God gives a balanced healthy, growing church.
The gifts Paul mentions in Romans and the ones which are practical for everyday Christian living for today –
1. Prophecy – This is the “Speaking forth” of the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is its greatest meaning. In the Old Testament even, the prophet was a “Forth-teller” more than a forteller of the future. This gift is abused by taking on oneself more than God has spoken.
2. Ministry or Serving – This is a ministry given most of the time for deacons, for the deacons of the early church were servants and serving the widows of the church; but it includes being a servant where ever the servant sees the need. One with the servants heart is usually always looking for an opportunity to serve others. Often can become selfish and not letting others help out.
3. Teaching – This is teaching which goes beyond just a Sunday School teacher, but does include it. The one with this gift enjoys the study of God’s Word just as much or even more than presenting it to others, and is able to present it clearly and understandably to others. Can become full of his/her own knowledge, and become distant from others.
4. Exhortation – This gift is the gift that is able to show others in a step by step approach ways of correcting wrongs done, or encouragement in right things done, and to do right things. If not cautious can become a “Know it all” even correcting when others don’t want to hear it, nor need to hear it.
5. Giving – Most of the time people with this gift are usually gifted in making money too, and strongly desires to use their wealth for the glory of the Lord, and the growth of His kingdom. They are also concerned greatly with how God’s money is used or spent. If the heart is not right can become selfish with the wealth, begin to hoard it and not share it with others or give it to the Lord’s work.
6. Ruler or Leader – The ones with this gift is able to give direction for a group of people and set an example for others to follow. If not controlled by the Spirit of the Lord can become like a dictator rather than a leader pushing.
7. Mercy – The people with this gift are very kind, non-judgmental, always willing to accept others on their word and testimony, and they can be very gullible, and weak in the discipline department concerning sin.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Christmas Day Nineteen
What do I want for Christmas today?
Since this is the time of giving gifts, I always want to remember the One who gave the greatest gift; the gift of His Son, to die on the cross for the sins of the world, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave; and that He continues to give us Himself day after day, moment after moment.
“I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (KJV)
Irrevocable Promise
There are so many who are telling us that God is finished with Israel. That they are no longer God’s chosen people or nation. However, for someone to say that they are going against both the Old Testament prophecies, and the teachings of the New Testament as well.
Look at this prophecy through the prophet Ezekiel:
“Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are My people, saith the Lord GOD. And ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 34:30-31 (KJV)
Reading from verse 25 of the same chapter you will notice “My servant David”, and it is a reference to the Messiah of Israel, bringing them peace, and safety. Their Messiah is Jesus. Now I realize that they rejected Jesus when He came the first time, born as a baby in a manger; but that was for our benefit; for the whole earth’s benefit (Romans 11:11-15). “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” Romans 11:29.
One day the remnant of Israel will see Jesus, God will be with them; He will be their God, and they will be His people.
May God save the house of Israel, and all those of the earth who are perishing (2 Peter 3:9); through the sacrificial blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; the Messiah of Israel.
Greed is Not Good
In my way of thinking “Greed” is the unethical gain of power and wealth. Gain by unethical means is always evil. Unethical could be defined as taking from those who cannot afford the loss. Using words of malice to destroy another’s reputation, character, or taking life to gain their possessions or power.
The desire to earn for the purpose of caring for your family is a god-given desire; and even to better one’s own situation in life. The object is being content with what you are doing and your present situation. Content with God’s direction for your life is probably what is meant by being content.
The writer of Proverbs; probably Solomon says,
“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” Proverbs 15:27 (KJV)
This coming from a man who had more wealth than, Warren Buffet and Bill Gates combined, for the time he lived in.
It is implied by the latter part of the verse that this “greedy gain” has been gotten by the receipt of “gifts” or “bribes”. A bribe is given to get an individual or possibly a company, or someone in power to “look the other way” when an evil deed is taking place, is about to take place or will take place. A decision by a judge, law enforcement officer, or business associate, etc. Sometimes even a friendship can cause one to be “bought”; or even a family relationship.
It should be the heart of the Righteous to hate “Gifts”; the giving or receiving of “bribes”. Bribery will destroy the giver and the receiver ultimately. It may line the pockets of the bank account temporarily; but it will also work as a cancer in the heart, and destroy that life and loved one’s lives.
The following is commentary from Matthew Henry of Proverbs 15:27,
Note, 1. Those that are covetous entail trouble upon their families: He that is greedy of gain, and therefore makes himself a slave to the world, rises up early, sits up late, and eats the bread of carefulness, in pursuit of it—he that hurries, and puts himself and all about him upon the stretch, in business, frets and vexes at every loss and disappointment, and quarrels with every body that stands in the way of his profit—he troubles his own house, is a burden and vexation to his children and servants. He that, in his greediness of gain, takes bribes, and uses unlawful ways of getting money, leaves a curse with what he gets to those that come after him, which sooner or later will bring trouble into the house, Hab. 2:9, 10. 2. Those that are generous as well as righteous entail a blessing upon their families: He that hates gifts, that shakes his hands from holding the bribes that are thrust into his hand to pervert justice and abhors all sinful indirect ways of getting money—that hates to be paltry and mercenary, and is willing, if there be occasion, to do good gratis—he shall live; he shall have the comfort of life, shall live in prosperity and reputation; his name and family shall live and continue.
FROM Matthew Henry Commentery; e-SWord edition
Even if someone has fallen for the lie and given in to the temptation of this greed, there is forgiveness and cleansing through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; His death, burial and resurrection. Be clean and go and sin no more in this evil.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Grace At Work
Ephesians 4:7-16
PURPOSE: To teach that those who are in the one Body [the Church] are recipients of grace, demonstrated and shown through ministry gifts, also of grace, for the purpose of bringing the total Body to the maturity of Jesus Christ.
Grace does not stop with our initial repentance, faith, and confession of Christ. Grace continues with every breath we breathe; every step we take; every morning we rise from our beds. Grace is the continuing work of God in the Christians life.
The following are some works of grace which God has bestowed upon us.
THE WORK OF GOD WHICH DELIVERED US FROM THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN AND DEATH (v. 7). Grace is the means by which we are delivered from the condemnation of sin and its death. It is provided for us through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is only the propitiation or appeasement; God judging our sin [all sin] by placing it on the sinless, guiltless Jesus Christ. Grace continues and becomes efficacious [effective] when we respond to His grace by faith in Him. That same grace provides not only salvation, but also gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit as He sees fit, for living by grace in His power.
“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” 1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV)
Just as every individual who is born again, by faith in Jesus, is in the one Body, so too, has everyone received a grace-gift(s) in which to serve the Body. There is no one who is in Christ who is not also gifted to live for and serve Him.
All this is the “gift of Christ”. We are brought into one Body by Christ; we are gifted by Him to serve in the Body as He [the Head] directs and leads by the person of the Holy Spirit.
THE WORK OF GOD ON THE CROSS WHICH DELIVERED US FROM CAPTIVITY (vv. 8-10). Because of the cross on which Jesus bled and died God the Father was and is able to deliver us from the captivity of sin. His resurrection gave us victory over hell and death.
If you watch people; as I have a tendency to do; you will see many enslaved by sin. Illegal and legal drugs, like cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs, etc., and you know what I mean. You see some captive by other things in their lives. Men and women, married and unmarried, are enslaved to their lustful desires; whether those desires are greed for wealth, or sex; makes little difference; they are none the less enslaved. Some are enslaved to their comforts and entertainments.
When Jesus arose from the grave He led those who were Old Testament saints out of captivity. I believe this is vividly illustrated in Matthew 27:51-53:
“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”
He then placed into captivity everything that places man in bondage – sin, hell, death, and Satan.
By ascending into heaven He opened the avenue for the Holy Spirit; in fact sent the Holy Spirit; to come and dwell within all who trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit would not have come to abide in all who know Jesus except He [Jesus] ascended into heaven first. By ascending He not only gave us the person of the Spirit, but He also gifted us; gave us tools for ministry, and the Holy Spirit is the power of the gifts.
His descension is His incarnation [Jesus coming as God in flesh]. Because of His death, burial and resurrection His mortal body was changed into an immortal body. The Scriptures declare that there is a man (in bodily form) in heaven:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” 1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)
Because of and by the ministry of the Holy Spirit the Church is the Body of Christ on earth. It is being made more and more into the image of Christ in heaven, in every individual who abides in His Body on earth. This by no means implies that individual’s in His Church are sinless, but contrary to that, His working in us shows that we are needy of Him.
Jesus’s desire, His heart is to be the FULNESS of everyone who will come to Him.
THE WORK OF GOD IN THE GIFTS WHICH HE GIVES US; CONTINUING THE WORK (vv. 11-12). God desires, and Jesus desires to continually be at work in us; fulfilling His will and glory. The reason for the gifts of the Spirit is His grace.
The gifts listed are not natural talents, but special gifts of the Spirit for glorifying Jesus in the ministry. The apostles and prophets are the one’s upon whom the church is built (2:20). There is no such thing as “apostolic succession”. At least not in the sense of the Roman Catholic religion. Apostles are not declared or made by a local congregation, but they are called out individually by God for the purpose of going to an unchurched, unevangelized area, and doing the ground work; preaching the word and the gospel of Christ to establish a local congregation. In the truest New Testament sense an apostle today could be a missionary. There can be no more apostles because the foundation has already been laid; there are no more eye witnesses of Jesus Christ risen from the grave; there are no more disciples who personally walked with Jesus in the land where He walked. Missionaries do the work that the original apostles did in going about, preaching the gospel to people groups who have not heard, and showing them the love of Jesus Christ.
The prophets were preachers who were gifted with a special understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures, and given the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit for the New Testament Church and Scriptures. They were and are those whom are sensitive about sin and its destruction in human life. They have a heart for hearing God and His Word. The Church is built on the apostles and prophets. The prophet today would probably be better known as “Preacher”. This is still how local churches begin. The local church is where the gifts and power of the Spirit are demonstrated. The Body of Christ is manifest in the local church.
Evangelists are gifted by God to seek out the lost and are particularly gifted at presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ in a clear and understandable way. They are also gifted to teach others how to be soul-winners.
Where the previous three are itinerant [traveling] messengers the pastor/teacher is one who sticks around awhile. He loves the people as his own family. He preaches the Word of God to them and teaches them how to apply the Word to their lives. He is one who is really more concerned about their spiritual walk, spiritual growth than numerical growth. The pastor will leave the numerical growth up to the Lord. The pastor simply sows the seed of the Word and the gospel and leaves the increase up to the Holy Spirit. He teaches by word and example.
In verse twelve we see a twofold purpose for these spiritual gifts;
1. The perfecting of the saints to do the work of the ministry;
2. Edifying the Body of Christ.
Number one, the ministry of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor/teacher is to equip the believers to do the work of the ministry. These four are the equipping/leadership gifts of the Spirit. There are other gifts listed in Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31; and here in Ephesians 4:11. Each of these gifts of the Spirit are needed in the local church to for the people to grow and be healthy and powerful for the glory of Jesus Christ. Number two, the equipped Body will be operating in the unity of the Spirit and truly “building up” the Body of Christ. When everyone “in Christ” recognize their place of service, then, the Church has been built up and is honoring and pleasing to Jesus.
THE WORK OF GOD AND THE FRUIT OF THAT WORK (vv. 13-16). When the Body of Christ is being equipped and built up there are four evidences of spiritual growth.
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We become more Christlike caring for the needs of others, experiencing others hurts and sorrows. We grow in knowledge of Him and His Word and work of His Spirit. We reach a place of maturity where we are not offended by truth; or the color of the carpet. This lever of maturity is still seeking the fullness of Christ.
- We begin developing a stability of faith. We begin to understand truth and are not tossed around by false doctrines and teachings. We are learning to test all teachings by the Word of God.
- We have a love for truth, coupled with a lover for people, the lost, and even backsliden When others are confronted with the truth love will not permit us to condemn, but we will admonish them by pointing to their real need; realizing from whence we have come.
- We realize that there must be a unified work. We have purpose through cooperation. By joining our hands, prayers, finances, families, ministries, and our hearts we are in cooperation with one another and ‘building up’ the Church. That means we would be the most powerful force on earth; through Jesus Christ.
When you have grace working in you through Jesus Christ you will be the better for it, and the world will benefit from it. Grace works everyday in the lives of those who follow Jesus Christ. Let each of us submit to the work of grace and the Spirit of God every day.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 