The Giver of Gifts

This sermon examines Ephesians 4, shifting focus from the unity of the Spirit to the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ. The central argument identifies the risen and ascended Jesus as the sole giver of New Testament church offices, grounding this authority in His victory over death and His fulfillment of Psalm 68. The exposition defines the specific word-based offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher, distinguishing them from non-word-based roles like deacon. It further argues that the extraordinary offices of apostle, prophet, and evangelist ceased with the close of the apostolic age and the completion of the canon, leaving pastor and teacher as the enduring means of grace. The tone is instructional and Reformed, emphasizing the sufficiency of Scripture and the sovereign grace of God in equipping His people for service.