#1448. Spiritual gifts mature and protect us in the battle (9/2/26)

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 4:14, we see that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts so that the church may become mature and able to stand firm in the spiritual battles we face.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. The Spiritual gifts mature the church

Most of us can look back on our childhood and teenage years and remember how confident we felt in our own wisdom and strength. At the time, we often thought we knew best and were slow to receive advice. Only later did we realise how immature and vulnerable we really were.

In many ways, the same is true spiritually. No matter our age, experience, or qualifications, we all remain dependent on God for growth and strength. We are still learners. We are still being shaped.

Paul tells us that as we receive and use the gifts of the Spirit, ‘we will no longer be infants.’ God uses the various gifts within the church to help us grow in understanding, character, and faith. It is humbling to admit that we still need help - but it is also freeing. God has not left us to grow alone. He has given us one another.

2. The Spiritual gifts protect us in the spiritual battle 

We are not only growing - we are also fighting. The Bible is clear that we are engaged in a spiritual battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. False ideas, harmful influences, and subtle temptations constantly surround us.

How do we remain strong and faithful?

Paul tells us that through the ministry of spiritual gifts we are protected from being,

God gives wisdom and discernment through the gifts - especially through pastors, teachers, and others who faithfully teach His Word.

The Spirit’s gifts enable us to discern the good and bad in the ‘every wind of teaching’ that is blowing around. This wisdom helps us to recognise truth from error. In an age of endless opinions, social media voices, podcasts, and self-help advice, we need sound biblical teaching more than ever. We need to learn how to think biblically and test everything against Scripture.

Wisdom, along with good teaching, enables us to weigh the ‘schemes’ of people - ideas and advice that may sound attractive but ultimately lead us away from Christ. Whether it is about success, relationships, wellbeing, parenting, or identity, God equips His church to choose wisdom over deception.

Response

The Spirit gives spiritual gifts so that the church may become mature and able to stand firm in spiritual battle.

• Do we recognise that we are still weak and in need of God’s help, or have we become self-reliant?

• Do we value the gifts God has placed in others for our growth and protection?

• Are we open to learning, being taught, and being shaped through the church community?

How can we, personally and as a church, grow in valuing and encouraging the full range of spiritual gifts?

Jesus loves His church. He has not left us defenceless. He gives us His gifts to strengthen, mature, and protect us. So let us be prayerful, humble, and receptive to all the good gifts He provides.

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

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

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

The summary of our message was:  As each part does its work - as each uses spiritual gifts in love - we are able to stand and serve in the storms of life. 

Please read Ephesians 4:14-16 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?

• If we remain infantile, what are the dangers we face?

• From these verses, what is a vital key to our growth?

• Take a moment to encourage one another by describing the different spiritual gifts that we see in one another. 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From our text, why is using our spiritual gifts vital to our effectively reaching our community with the gospel? 

• 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.

• 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.