Bible Passage: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-32
This following list of gifts is typically called “The Five-Fold Gifts”; these are not just functional gifts to bless others but also leadership gifts meant, as the passage says, to equip and build up the Body of Christ for works of service. Men who walk in these giftings don’t just serve others with them but also show others how to use them and thus raise up others in the same gifting to go and do the same things.
Apostles: The gifting to give oversight at large, pioneer new works, and lay foundations that can be built upon. Not all agree that this gift still functions today, and those who do should acknowledge that no one walks in this gift to the level of the original apostles. Men gifted this way are typically action-oriented leaders, excited by challenges and opportunities, and good at rallying others to the cause.
Prophets: The gifting to determine what the Holy Spirit is saying and sharing it with others for edification, encouragement, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Men gifted this way are spiritually sensitive and have the boldness to share.
Evangelists: The gifting to make the Gospel clear and inspiring for the unbeliever. Men gifted this way are always looking for ways to connect with people and have a knack for steering conversations toward spiritual things.
Pastors: The gifting to lead, feed, protect, and care for God’s people (the image is that of a shepherd over a flock). Men gifted this way can practice this in various roles (not just as professional ministers) and are motivated to see others grow and thrive.
Teachers: The gifting to make God’s Word understandable and applicable for the listener. Men gifted this way have a way with words and the ability to make the text of Scripture come to life.
These gifts glorify God and bless the members of the Church by equipping others and setting an example for how these gifts work. Men gifted in these areas can build up the Church by faithfully executing what God has given them.
Prayer: Father, thank You for these gifts that You have given to equip Your Church and build us up into maturity. Please use these leaders to direct Your Church in the way she should go. Amen.
Reflection: Do you see yourself in any of these gifts? If so, how does this gifting manifest in your life? If not, where have you seen these gifts manifest through others in your life?
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