2026-06-22 From Grace to Growth

(Eph 4:7-16)

A man went to Bunnings and bought an expensive toolbox filled with useful tools. Ten years later, every tool still looked brand new. Why? Because he never used them. Have you ever done something similar? Ephesians 4 teaches us that Jesus didn’t save us merely to sit in the toolbox. He gives us grace, gifts, and purpose. We’re called to use them well. So today, let’s look at Eph 4:7-16, 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

1, Christ gives ministry grace (v.7-10)

 v.7, But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. What come to mind when you hear the word “grace”? Yes, salvation. Earlier in Eph 2:8, Paul says, “For it is by grace you have been saved." This is saving grace. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, our sins are forgiven, we are adopted into God's family, and we receive eternal life. But here, Paul is speaking about another aspect of grace. In 1 Cor 3:10, Paul says, “By the grace given me I laid a foundation as a wise builder…” This grace enables him to do something. Romans 1:5, “Through him we received grace and apostleship…” Here grace refers to Paul's apostolic calling. God has given him grace - spiritual gifts to fulfil his calling. Grace is not only what Jesus has done for us. Grace is also what Jesus does through us.

Notice Paul does not say, "To each one a gift was given." He says, "To each one grace was given." Every believer has received grace to play a part and fulfil God's calling. The Great Commission is God’s calling to His church, “go, to make disciples of all nations…” This calling is for every believer, not just for pastors or church leaders. Paul says grace has been given to each one. Every believer has a role in God's Kingdom. This grace is not about natural ability. It’s Christ giving spiritual gifts so that we can work together to build up His church and advance the gospel.

21 years ago, God called me to start a home church and preach the gospel when I had been a believer for only thirty days, I was panic and prayed, “Lord, please choose another one. I'm not eloquent. I don't know how to do church ministry, but I can do business and make money for You.” But God said, “my grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor 12:9.” He’s been faithful. Over these 21 years, I’ve seen people saved, the sick healed, relationships restored, disciples and leaders raised up, and the Kingdom advanced. By His grace through faith in Him, He’s made the impossible possible. This grace given to us is not about “me” or “making me feel good.” V.12 says that grace is given to build up the body of Christ. It’s for the good of others and the growth of His church.

In v. 8–10, Paul quotes Psalm 68, "When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people."  Like a victorious king in the ancient world distributing the spoils of battle, Jesus defeated sin, death, and Satan, ascended to His throne, and now gives grace and gifts to His people. As we use these gifts in the power of the Holy Spirit, the church is built up, the Kingdom is advanced, and Christ's victory is displayed to the universe.

2, Christ gives gifts to equip us for His mission (v.11–13)

However, when we think about church ministry, we often think, "That's the pastors' and leaders' job, not mine." Pastors = ministers. Church members = spectators. But that is not what the Bible teaches. If a church operates that way, people's relationship with God remains shallow and they stay spiritually immature. Eph 4: 11-12, Christ gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teacher, to prepare God’s people for works of service. The word for “service” is often translated as “ministry”. Christ gave gifted leaders to equip His people for ministry. Who does the ministry? God’s people! All believers. The biblical pattern is: Church Leaders = equippers; Church members = ministers.  Church leaders are equipped by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, and they equip others through the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 2:9, " But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”  Under the Old Covenant, only priests ministered before God. But under the New Covenant, every believer is a royal priest. You are God’s minister. You have been chosen, gifted, and given an assignment in His Kingdom.

1 Cor 12 teaches that the church is one body with many parts. Not everyone has the same gift, but every believer has a function. A pastor may preach and train leaders. A small-group leader may disciple people. A prayer leader may train others to intercede. A worship leader may lead worship. A hospitality volunteer may welcome newcomers. A parent may disciple their children. A believer may share the gospel with a friend. Not everyone is a leader, but everyone is a minister. A healthy church is one where every believer plays their part.

Ten years ago, God called me through dreams and Scripture to start the 2pm Service. In the beginning, I did almost everything, preaching, teaching, discipleship, pastoral care, healing and deliverance ministry, leading worship, and training leaders. But that was only a season. God was teaching me that ministry isn’t built on natural ability, but on His grace. When we do our part, God does what we cannot.

If you wanna live in God's blessings, be a blessing to others, and become more like Christ, you need to do your part. We've seen small-group leaders and many others serving in different areas. But God's heart is for every believer to be a minister—rooted in His Word and using their gifts to play their part. Today, I've printed out some sign-up sheets. If you'd like to join a small group, be discipled, or learn to disciple others, please put your name down. We'll contact you about the next step. This helps us stay connected, discover our gifts, and grow together in Christ.

3, Christ grows us into maturity. (v.13-16)

V.13 tells us that the goal is not simply serving. The goal is maturity. Christ gives grace, gifts, and leaders to equip His people, so that we may become more like Him in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and righteousness. That is the ultimate goal. Through serving, we learn to lay down our own interests, forgive, love, and follow the Spirit of truth. Then, the Spirit of God grows us to be more like Christ. Ephesians 4 teaches us that spiritual babies are vulnerable, like real babies who cannot feed or protect themselves. Spiritual infants are easily discouraged, offended, or influenced by worldly thinking, circumstances, negative feelings, and lies. Jesus loves us, but how do we remain in His love?

As we obey His Word, love God, and love and serve people, we grow in His love. Love is produced as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not just received. Paul then gives a beautiful picture in verse 16: "From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Many years ago, someone asked me, "How can I become mature in Christ?" Ephesians 4 gives us the answer. God's pathway for every believer is:

Grace → Gifts → Service → Maturity → Christlikeness

Grace leads to discovering and using your spiritual gifts. Gifts lead to serving others. Through yielding to the Holy Spirit in our service, we grow in maturity. Maturity leads to Christlikeness. And Christlikeness is God's goal for every believer. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to reflect the character of Jesus and shine as children of light in this dark world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace You have given us through Jesus Christ. Thank You that You have not only saved us, but also called us, gifted us, and given us a place to serve in Your Kingdom.

Brothers and sisters, today, if you want to say, "Lord, I want to grow. I don't want to remain a spiritual infant, tossed back and forth by circumstances, fears, emotions, or feelings. I want to become mature in Christ,"

Or if you sense God calling you to disciple others, but you feel inadequate and need His grace.  Or if you want to join a small group, learn to discover the gifts God has given you, and to serve with others. Or if you simply want more of God's grace to fulfil His calling on your life, you can say a pray with me:

“Father, I thank You for Your grace. Thank You that You have saved me, called me, and gifted me. Thank You that I belong to You. Help me to discover the gifts You have given me and use them for the good of others and the building up of Your church.

Today, I lay down all selfishness at the foot of the cross, my plans, my time, my energy, my comfort, my ambitions, and my fears. Jesus, You died on the cross to redeem me and bring me back to the Father. My life is not my own; I belong to You. Life in my own hands becomes a burden, filled with anxiety, disappointment, striving and broken relationships. Life in Your hands becomes peace, purpose, freedom, and blessing.

Holy Spirit, come. Fire of the Holy Spirit, come and burn away every fear, every insecurity, every lie, and everything that hinders me from following You wholeheartedly. Fill me afresh with Your presence, Your power, and Your love.

Today, I recommit my life to You. Your Word says that to each one of us grace has been given. Thank You that You have given me sufficient grace for Your purpose and calling. Holy Spirit, teach me to rely on Your grace and not on my own strength. Guide me to call upon Your name in every circumstance, that my life may bring glory to You, build up Your church, advance Your Kingdom, and point others to Christ. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Small Group Discussion:

1, What stood out to you most from Ephesians 4:7–16, and why?
2, Paul says that grace has been given to each believer. What gifts, opportunities, or areas of service do you think God may have given you?
3, Why do you think many Christians see ministry as the job of pastors and leaders rather than the responsibility of every believer?
4, How does serving others help us grow in our relationship with God and mature in Christ?
5, What is one practical step you can take this week to 'do your part' in building up the body of Christ?