The Spirit-filled life requires continuous spiritual growth so we will not become spiritual pygmies. During our last lesson, we discovered after Christ’s triumphant ascension back into heaven as Victor over Satan, sin, and death, He gave gifts to men (4:8). These equipping, or spiritual, gifts are given to us with great expectations on Christ’s part. He expects us to use them to serve and build up other believers (1 Pet. 4:10). Now, Paul lists four spiritual gifts, but many more are mentioned in the New Testament (Rom. 12:6–8; 1 Cor. 12:8–10; 1 Pet. 4:9–11). The gifts listed here are the different kinds of speaking gifts Christ has given us for the building up, or spiritual growth, of the church. To grow spiritually, you must receive, achieve, and leave and cleave.
Receive instruction (4:11)
Paul writes that Christ gave some to be apostles … (4:11a). The first gift mentioned is apostles (apostolos, ah-pos′-tol-os), which means “one sent with a message” or an “ambassador.” The ultimate apostle is Jesus Christ because God sent Him to earth with a message. That’s why we find what description of Jesus in Hebrews 3:1d–e?
