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Recap of Ephesians 4:7:
1. The unity of the Body of Christ is preserved when each believer does his/her part by exercising their spiritual gift(s). The key to doctrinal and practical unity, stability, and spiritual growth is gifted saints using their gifts to build up the church. The result is that believers live out the character of Jesus Christ.
2. Every believer is given at least one spiritual gift at conversion (Ephesians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Spiritual gifts are given, not for private edification, but for the common good so that the body may be edified (built up). (1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:26; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Peter 4:10,11)
3. A spiritual gift is a “God-given ability for service” (Dr. Charles Ryrie). Warren Wiersbe defines a spiritual gift as “a God-given ability to serve God and other Christians in such a way that Christ is glorified and believers are edified.”
4. Since every believer is gifted each is responsible to use their gift(s) to serve the body, enabling it to reach out in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
5. Other passages dealing with spiritual gifts are: 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:4-6; and 1 Peter 4:10,11. Some gifts are temporary (given only in the first generation of the church, others are permanent given through-out the church age.
