The Gift Of Grace

The Gift of Grace

Ephesians 4: 7-11

As we come to the text today, we must bear in mind the preceding verses. Paul has spoken at length regarding our unity in the Lord. We have been called to walk worthy of our calling, serving and loving one another, while endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit. Such an admonition is bound in the unity we share through salvation in Christ. While there are many members within the church, there is but one Body, one Spirit, one Hope, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, and one God and Father of all.

However, our text offers a contrast to the “oneness” we discovered in the preceding verses. In the midst of our unity, there is diversity. Within one body, there are many individual members with specific and unique gifts. Our diversity does not create division or discord; in fact, it adds to the beauty and harmony of the whole. Such diversity within the body is within the Lord’s sovereign design for His church. This diversity is actually a product of His amazing grace.

Our text offers insight regarding the varied facets of our diversity and the grace associated with such diverse harmony within the church. Let’s consider: The Gift of Grace.

I. The Presentation of Grace (7) – But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Paul spoke of the presentation of grace within the body. Consider:

A. The Delivery (7a) – But unto every one of us is given grace. Such grace is not reserved for a select few or limited within the body of Christ. Paul emphatically declares that every believer is a recipient of this grace. As grace, it is isn’t deserved; it isn’t earned or based on merit, and no amount of personal effort is required in order to receive this grace. It is a free gift, received by every believer at salvation. If you have received salvation in Christ, you possess this grace!

Such grace provides abundance for the believer. While we don’t have time to do an exhaustive study of such grace, in light of this passage, grace not only saves, it also enables the believer in service to Christ and Christian living. Rom.5:1-2 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

B. The Diversity (7b) – But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Paul reveals an interesting detail. Every believer is a recipient of grace, but each has received a unique measure of grace in Christ. This measure speaks of “a specific portion.” The grace we have received is determined according to the sovereign will of the Lord. He gifts us individually according to His divine plan for the church collectively and us individually. “Enabling grace is measured out to be consistent with what is necessary for the operation of Christ’s gift.”

One is right to discern the grace of which Paul speaks is directly related to the spiritual giftedness of individual believers. As we are called of Christ in salvation, expected to walk worthy of our calling, He gifts us with a measure of grace to enable our service and use the spiritual gifts received of the Spirit. All are uniquely gifted. The church needs the varied gifts of the individual members of the body for the good of the whole. While unity is expected, unity does not demand uniformity. Our diversity in grace is essential to the church and the fulfillment of her mission.

II. The Possession of Grace (8) – In the remaining verses of our text, Paul focused on the source of such grace – the Lord, Jesus Christ. Apart from His obedience to the Father, fulfilling redemption’s plan, none would enjoy such grace. These verses are believed to be Paul’s commentary on Psalm 68. He refers to:

A. The Lord’s Ascension (8a) – Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high…This is clearly a reference to the Lord’s ascension following His triumphant resurrection. Psalm 68 is a victory psalm; a hymn sang in praise to God for victory in battle. Following His death and resurrection, Jesus returned to the right hand of the Father, having obtained victory over sin, Satan, death, and hell. Apart from His triumphant victory, He would have been unable to provide for our redemption; we would yet be in our sin, without hope and apart from His good grace. He forever defeated the enemies of Satan and the effects of sin within humanity. Our Lord ascended victorious!

B. The Lord’s Liberation (8b) – Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. These final verses have been the source of debate and confusion, but if one will allow the text to speak, they are quite clear. As Christ ascended, having obtained victory, He led captivity captive, giving gifts to men. Let’s look at the text. He led captivity captive. Whom does Paul speak of being in captivity? Bear in mind, he is in the middle of a discourse on the gift of grace. Clearly, he is referring to those captive to sin, bound by their sin and dominated by the prince of this world. As Christ overcame the grave, rising in triumphant resurrection, He liberated those in captivity to sin, leading them captive unto Himself as He became the Captain of their salvation. His provision in salvation and the gifts of the Spirit is the gift of which Paul speaks.