7 But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he says, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. 9 Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.

Grace given by God's allotment to NT believers at time of conversion

Grace = the coin of the realm of heaven (power to do business in the spiritual realm...bestowal of the Holy Spirit)

Not an pre-conversion ability, nor something to be discovered or developed

1Pe 4:10 As every man has received the gift, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Ro 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, according to the measure of faith;

Intent= exert Christ's control over the Church by empowering believers to serve the Body

1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for profit of all.

Function

1) Knowing Christ's will for His Body: apostles, prophets, word of wisdom/knowledge, discering of spirits

2) Confirming/Authenticating His spokesmen: miracles, healing, tongues/interpretation, faith

3) Applying/Enforcing His will: teaching (pastoring/shepherding), exhortation, ruling/guiding/steering, exhortation, giving, serving/ministering, showing mercy, helps

Power/Miracles Heb 2:4 God bearing witness, both with signs & wonders, and with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit..

2Co 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

2Co 12:9...My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...that the power of Christ may rest upon me

Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, to all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Teaching Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need of one to teach you again which [are] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food.

Jas 3:1 My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment.

1Ti 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Serving/Ministry 1Co 16:15 house of Stephanas...have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

2Co 8:4 Begging us...that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

Re 2:19 I know thy works, and love, and ministry/service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works...more than the first.

Mr 10:43 But so it shall not be among you: but whoever would be great among you, shall be your minister/servant:

Ro 16:1 I commend to you Phebe our sister, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

1Ti 3:8 Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money;

Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Exhortation

Temporary for the stabilization of the infant church, supplanted by maturity.

Ministry of the gifted men taken over by the body (Eph 4:11-16)

Stewardship (Accountability) Required

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. What kinds of things build up the body? What has built you up personally?