Context: Ephesians 4: 1-32
Focus: Ephesians 4: 7-8
“That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people. However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.” Ephesians 4: 7-8
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49
When Christ ascended into the heavens upon defeating the works of the devil, He gave gifts out of His victory; plundering the enemy – those who led men into captivity. His bounty, booty, works in reverse to what the enemy had intended; division, strife, confusion and death. His gift to the church brings life, growth, maturity and oneness, unity and power to His Body, which He is the Head. Jesus captured and put into chains the very one who put mankind into bondage – Satan and his followers. Through the gift of His Holy Spirit we have all that we need to grow us -up in our salvation and defeat the enemy here on earth through our faith.
His Ascension
“When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” Luke 24: 50-53
Note: Whenever there was a victory over their enemies, the Israelites would capture them, and destroy them while plundering their camp – taking away their possessions.
The spoils are the gifts obtained from winning the victory. In some cases it was taking back what the enemy had stolen. ( 1 Samuel 30:1-26, John 10:10)
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15
More then at any other time in the history of the church, I believe, believers need to be cognizant of what Christ achieved. He descended upon the earth to lay down His life for the sinner, defeating all principalities and powers in the air and upon His ascension He displayed His victory. He has taken his place “triumphantly” at the right hand side of His Father’s throne in heaven where He intercedes. (Romans 8:34, 1 Corinthians 10:11)
What does this mean to the believer? There is therefore no longer any condemnation in Christ Jesus and the gifts He bestows upon us, equips us to live our life for Christ
(Romans 8:34). Every believer has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and a position in the Church- His Body for building – up one another in love and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Together we grow with one accord and one purpose, transforming into His likeness while becoming His light to the world. He establishes His leadership to mature the church so we have one mind concerning the truth, not giving into multiple doctrines.
(Ephesians 4: 11-13)
We need each other in the church. We cannot grow as one body without fellowship and service. This is how Christ defeats the enemy in our life- our love for one another.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Lord, draw us together to serve one another in the body so we can all grow together in perfect oneness and harmony, witnessing to the world, the victory Christ has won; our salvation- which is our testimony that – “We know Christ Jesus”.
(John 17: 20-23)
CR – Psalm 68:18, Colossians 2:15, Proverbs 30:4, 1 Samuel 30:26, John 15: 12,
Isaiah 53:12, Luke 11:22,
Resources: What does led captivity captive mean?
