Grace Measured Out in Diversity
Grace Measured Out in Diversity
Wednesday
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
— Ephesians 4:7-11 (ESV)
— Ephesians 4:7-11 (ESV)
One of the most beautiful aspects of God's design for the church is how He accomplishes unity without requiring uniformity. Imagine if every member of the human body were an eye—we might have great vision, but we couldn't walk, eat, or function. Diversity isn't the enemy of unity; it's essential to it. Paul makes this clear: "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift."
The grace Paul references here isn't saving grace but enabling grace—the specific spiritual gifts Christ distributes to each believer for ministry. Every single Christian has at least one spiritual gift. Not some believers. Not just pastors or missionaries. Every. Single. One. And these gifts vary widely in type, intensity, and application. Christ measured them out sovereignly, according to His perfect wisdom.
Paul then quotes Psalm 68, applying it to Christ's ascension. The image is powerful: a conquering king returning from battle, leading captives in a victory parade, distributing the spoils of war to his people. Christ descended in the incarnation, conquered sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection, ascended to the Father's right hand, and from that position of supreme authority distributed gifts to His church.
Four specific leadership gifts are mentioned: apostles (foundational eyewitnesses of the resurrection), prophets (those who received and declared direct revelation), evangelists (those specially gifted in gospel proclamation), and pastor-teachers (shepherds who feed and protect the flock). These aren't honorary titles but functional descriptions. Not everyone has these roles, but everyone benefits from them because they equip all believers for ministry.
The grace Paul references here isn't saving grace but enabling grace—the specific spiritual gifts Christ distributes to each believer for ministry. Every single Christian has at least one spiritual gift. Not some believers. Not just pastors or missionaries. Every. Single. One. And these gifts vary widely in type, intensity, and application. Christ measured them out sovereignly, according to His perfect wisdom.
Paul then quotes Psalm 68, applying it to Christ's ascension. The image is powerful: a conquering king returning from battle, leading captives in a victory parade, distributing the spoils of war to his people. Christ descended in the incarnation, conquered sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection, ascended to the Father's right hand, and from that position of supreme authority distributed gifts to His church.
Four specific leadership gifts are mentioned: apostles (foundational eyewitnesses of the resurrection), prophets (those who received and declared direct revelation), evangelists (those specially gifted in gospel proclamation), and pastor-teachers (shepherds who feed and protect the flock). These aren't honorary titles but functional descriptions. Not everyone has these roles, but everyone benefits from them because they equip all believers for ministry.
1. Have you identified your spiritual gift(s)?
2. If not, what steps could you take to discover how God has equipped you?
3. If so, are you actively using your gifts to serve the body?
2. If not, what steps could you take to discover how God has equipped you?
3. If so, are you actively using your gifts to serve the body?
Jesus, thank You for ascending to the Father's right hand and distributing gifts to Your church. Help me to discover, develop, and deploy my spiritual gifts for Your glory and the edification of others. May I celebrate the diversity of gifts in the body rather than envying or despising them. Amen.
Posted in Walking Worthy - Ephesians 4:1-16
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Every Spiritual BlessingChosen Before Time BeganRedeemed By Precious BloodSealed By the SpiritEmpowered By Resurrection MightSaved From: The Reality of Our Former ConditionSaved To: The Mercy & Love of GodSaved To: A New Position & FutureSaved By: Grace Through FaithSaved For: Good Works Prepared in AdvanceRemember Where You WereThe Power of "But Now"He Himself is Our PeaceAccess to the FatherBuilt Together
February
Receivers of RevelationFellow Heirs TogetherThe Unsearchable RichesStrength for the Inner BeingMore Than We Ask or ThinkThe Therefore of Christian LivingMaintaining the Unity of the SpiritGrace Measured Out in DiversityEquipped for Ministry, Growing Toward MaturityThe Gospel Center of It AllThe New Self & Truthful CommunityThe New Self & Righteous AngerThe New Self & Honest LaborThe New Self & Edifying SpeechThe New Self & Gracious Forgiveness
No Comments