Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION
7  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
8  Therefore He says:
“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive,And gave gifts to men.”

Ephesians 4:7-8

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. Grace

a) This is an important underlying principle
b) All gifts are given out of grace!

i) Not because we are good
ii) Not because we are smart

2. According to the measure of Christ’s gift

a) This is another underlying principle
b) It has to do with the Lord Jesus Christ (Christology)

i) Everything depends on the Lord Jesus
ii) It is up to Him to give as He wills

c) Measure

i) He can give one gift only
ii) He can give many gifts
iii) The measure of His gifts… it belongs to the Lord

3. When He ascended on high

a) This is a special way of describing victory
b) The Lord has conquered:

i) Sin
ii) The world
iii) Satan

c) His resurrection is proof of His victory

4. He gives as a Conquering King

a) It was customary for a king to give special gifts to his brave soldiers
b) To all who fought alongside, he would reward them
c) He gave gifts

i) This is applied to us
ii) All true believers are blessed with spiritual gifts

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. The Challenge

a) To discover our gifts
b) To develop them
c) To deploy them effectively

2. Let us seek

a) To discern our gifts
b) These are to be treasured as all Gifts ought to be treasured
c) The Church would be stronger when the gifts are utilized well

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan