This sermon explains that Jesus gives every believer spiritual gifts through His finished work on the cross, resurrection, and ascension . In Ephesians 4:11–16, four foundational gifts—apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers—are highlighted as people given to the church to equip believers. Apostles establish and build churches, prophets proclaim God’s truth to strengthen and encourage, evangelists share the gospel with the lost, and pastor-teachers shepherd and instruct believers. These gifts are not meant to do all ministry but to prepare every Christian for service. As believers are equipped, the church grows in unity, maturity, and truth, becoming stable in faith and actively living out God’s Word in love as the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4 marks a shift from what believers are in Christ to how they should live. Paul calls the church to unity marked by humility, patience, and love, reminding us that every believer has a place in Christ’s body. Yet within this unity, each person is uniquely gifted. Jesus gives spiritual gifts to every believer according to His wisdom and purpose. These gifts are connected to Christ’s victory—through His death, resurrection, and ascension, He conquered sin, death, and Satan. As the victorious King who ascended on high, Jesus distributes gifts to His people so they can serve and build up the church. Because we share in His victory, we are called to faithfully use our gifts for His glory.

This sermon from 1 Corinthians teaches that spiritual gifts reveal God’s purpose for believers and build up the church. Gifts like wisdom and knowledge help Christians understand and apply God’s Word, while faith inspires confident trust in His plans. Discernment enables believers to distinguish truth from error in a world of deception. The message also explains that miraculous gifts—such as healing, miracles, and tongues—served a specific purpose in the early church: to authenticate the Gospel and its messengers. Ultimately, every gift points believers toward obedience, unity, and glorifying God.