Christ Gives Us

What We Need to Grow

Eph 4:11-13

I. Christ gives gifted people to the church

A. The giver and recipient explained

1. Christ - the giver

2. The Church - the recipient

B. The gifts that were given

1. Foundational people - Apostles and prophets

Acts 1:21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." NIV

2. Fundamental gifts to the church - evangelists, pastor teachers

2 Tim 4:5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (NIV)

II. Christ purpose in giving gifted people

A. Equip the saints

B. Edify the church

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. NIV

C. Enhance unity, maturity, and completeness

Eph 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. NASU

Eph 3:19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge‑that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV)