Ephesians 4:11-13

11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.

Questions to consider:

• Which of the above mentioned gifts do you think you have been given?
• Why were these gifts given?
• What do you think "the full stature of Christ" is?
  

Possibilities for prayer:

What seems most striking about the various gifts that have been identified here is the fact they are not given for the person who has them, but rather to equip us for ministry that should lead to the building up of the church. Gifts as they are traditionally understood are generally for the exclusive benefit of the receiver, but again Christ turns the world's understanding upside down in a way. These gifts are to be used for the benefit of more than the one who receives them.

Let's take some time to pray through a couple of things today. First, ask God what gift or gifts you might have been given. Secondly, ask God to show you how you might use them to fulfill their purpose in ministry and the building up of the church.