Ephesians 4:7-14New Living Translation (NLT)
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
Dear Father, Thank you for my spiritual gifts through the generosity of Christ. The entire universe is filled with you, Lord. May my gifts be used well and responsibly for your church. I am equipped to do the work you have given to me. The church will be built up which is the body of Christ. All will continue until there is unity in our faith and knowledge of Jesus. We will be mature in the Lord, the full and complete standard of Christ. I will no longer be immature. I will test everything by your Word. I will not be blown about at every new teaching. I will not be influenced when people try to trick or tell lies that sound like truth. Your Word is the Test. Your Word is your Bond. I trust your word. May I always use your Word to guide and test. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen.
