#1443. To each, grace-gifts have been given (2/2/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:7, let us be freshly encouraged that God has given grace-gifts to each one of us.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below: 

1. But to each one of us

Paul begins this new section with the word ‘but’  - in effect, ‘on the other hand.’ He does this to complement what he has already said about our unity in Christ.

In verses 1-6, Paul strongly emphasises our oneness - our shared unity in the Spirit. Now he turns to our difference - our diversity. Christians are united by the same Spirit, yet each believer is unique. God distributes different gifts so that we may serve Jesus and build up His church together.

Unity does not erase diversity; rather, diversity enriches our unity.

2. Grace has been given

Paul introduces spiritual gifts with this important phrase: ‘grace has been given.’ This reminds us that spiritual gifts are not earned or deserved; they are given freely by God’s grace.

While a life of deliberate sin and rebellion grieves the Spirit, those who walk in faith and humility are promised God’s gracious equipping. These gifts are expressions of God’s kindness, not rewards for spiritual performance.

The life of Paul himself powerfully illustrates this truth. Once a fierce opponent of Christ, he was nevertheless called and commissioned as an apostle. In fact, God had prepared him for this role even before his conversion:

Grace not only saves us - it gifts and sends us.

Response - Don’t disqualify yourself! 

Do you disqualify yourself? Do you believe you are useless or have nothing to offer God? That is a lie that must be rejected.

The same grace that saved you is the same grace that gifts you.

Today, receive this truth: to each one of us - including you - grace has been given, so that we may serve Christ and His church for His glory.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

This week is ’SIV Week’ (Serve, Invest and Invite) so we’ll focus more on our seeking to bring our community to Jesus. 

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

The message on Sunday was: Gifts Part 1. Gifts to Equip the Church 

We began the first part in this section on spiritual gifts - please do use the daily devotions to help you to reflect on this important subject. 

Please read Ephesians 4:1-13 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• What are spiritual gifts and what are they for? 

• How do we discover our spiritual gifts and what are yours?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How does a church that understands and uses their gifts become effective in mission? 

• When we think about our vision to plant a congregation into Roehampton, what are the gifts that are required for this?

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Let’s pray for our mission in SW London -  particularly to become better witnesses in Putney and Roehampton. 

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• Ask God to work through us by His power, so that others may come to know Christ.