HE ASCENDED AND GAVE GIFTS

HE ASCENDED AND GAVE GIFTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:7-13

Key Verse: “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” — Ephesians 4:8 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Psalm 68:18; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:50-53; John 14:2-3; Acts 1:6-11; Acts 2:32-36; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 1:20-23; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 1:3-4.

Description: This message reveals the triumph of the risen Christ, His glorious ascension into heaven, and His provision of spiritual gifts to equip believers and build up His Church.

INTRODUCTION

The ascension of Jesus Christ is one of the foundational truths of the Christian faith. After His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to His disciples, gave them final instructions and ascended into heaven. His ascension was not a defeat or an escape from the world; it was the glorious return of the victorious Son of God to the Father's right hand, where He reigns with all authority and power.

In Ephesians 4:8-10, the Apostle Paul draws attention to the triumph of Christ, declaring that when He ascended on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. This passage draws on the language of Psalm 68:18 and presents Christ as the victorious King who has conquered His enemies and generously distributes gifts to His people. His victory has secured salvation for believers and made provision for the spiritual empowerment and maturity of the Church.

The ascended Christ has not abandoned His Church. He continues to work through the Holy Spirit, giving spiritual gifts and ministry offices to equip believers for service. Every Christian has a responsibility to recognise God's grace, develop the abilities He has entrusted to them and use them faithfully for His glory. Understanding the ascension helps us appreciate Christ's authority, celebrate His victory and embrace our responsibility in His kingdom.

1. JESUS CHRIST ASCENDED IN TRIUMPH

The ascension of Jesus Christ was the culmination of His earthly ministry and the public declaration of His victory over sin, death and the powers of darkness. Having risen from the dead, He returned to the Father and took His place at the right hand of divine majesty.

Christ did not ascend as a defeated victim but as the conquering Lord. His resurrection demonstrated that death could not hold Him, while His ascension revealed His exaltation and authority over all creation.

a) The Ascension Fulfilled the Purpose of His Mission (Acts 1:9-11)

The Bible declares that Jesus was taken up while His disciples watched, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. This event confirmed that His earthly mission had reached its appointed stage. He had accomplished redemption through His death and resurrection and was returning to the Father.

The ascension assures believers that Jesus is alive and reigning. Christianity is not built on the memory of a dead religious leader but on the living Lord who conquered the grave and reigns eternally. Our faith, worship and service rest on the finished work of Christ and His continuing authority.

b) He Was Exalted to the Right Hand of God (Ephesians 1:20-21)

God raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, power, might, dominion and every name that is named. This position signifies His supreme authority and honour.

No earthly ruler, spiritual power or human institution can rival the authority of Jesus Christ. Believers can therefore face opposition with confidence, knowing that their Lord reigns above every power. Our confidence is not in human strength but in the sovereign authority of the exalted Christ.

c) His Ascension Prepared the Way for His Continuing Ministry (Hebrews 7:25)

Jesus Christ lives eternally and makes intercession for those who come to God through Him. His ascension did not end His involvement in the lives of His people. He continues to intercede for believers and to sustain those who trust in Him.

This truth encourages us to approach God through Christ with confidence. When we feel weak, rejected or overwhelmed, we must remember that our Saviour lives and represents us before the Father. His continuing ministry gives us assurance that we are not abandoned.

d) He Promised to Return Again (John 14:2-3)

Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them and would come again to receive them unto Himself. His ascension therefore directs our attention not only to His present reign but also to His promised return.

The expectation of Christ's return should inspire holy living, faithful service and perseverance. We must not become so absorbed in earthly pursuits that we forget our eternal hope. Every believer should live ready for the coming of the Lord.

Biblical Example: The Disciples Witnessed His Ascension (Luke 24:50-53)

Jesus led His disciples to Bethany, blessed them and was carried up into heaven. They worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Their response demonstrates that the ascension is a reason for worship, confidence and joyful expectation.

2. HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE

Ephesians 4:8 declares that Christ ascended on high and led captivity captive. This expression portrays the triumph of a victorious King over His enemies. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin and death and secured freedom for those who believe in Him.

The victory of Christ is the foundation of our spiritual liberty. We do not struggle to make Jesus victorious; we stand in the victory He has already accomplished and learn to live according to the freedom He provides.

a) Christ Triumphed Over the Power of Sin (Romans 6:6-7)

The old man was crucified with Christ so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless and believers would no longer be enslaved to sin. Through His redemptive work, Jesus opened the way for a transformed life.

Sin may tempt and challenge believers, but it does not have to rule over them. Through faith in Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit and daily obedience to God's Word, we can resist sinful desires and live in righteousness. Our freedom must be expressed through a changed character and a life that honours God.

b) He Conquered Death Through His Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

Paul declares that death is swallowed up in victory and thanks God for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection demonstrated that death does not have the final word over those who belong to Christ.

This victory gives Christians hope in the face of suffering, bereavement and mortality. Although believers may experience physical death, they have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus. Therefore, we must serve the Lord faithfully, knowing that our labour in Him is not in vain.

c) He Disarmed the Powers of Darkness (Colossians 2:14-15)

Through the cross, Christ cancelled the record of debt that stood against us and triumphed over principalities and powers. His victory exposed the inability of the powers of darkness to overturn God's redemptive purpose.

Believers should not live in constant terror of spiritual opposition. We must stand firm in Christ, put on the whole armour of God and resist the devil through faith, prayer and obedience. Our confidence rests in the triumph of Jesus, not in superstition or human methods.

d) He Brings Freedom to Those Who Believe in Him (John 8:36)

Jesus declared, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” The freedom Christ gives reaches beyond outward circumstances to the heart, conscience and relationship with God.

Through Christ, people can be delivered from the guilt of sin, reconciled to God and empowered to break destructive patterns. We must receive His freedom by faith and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in a life of repentance, renewal and godliness.

Biblical Example: The Resurrection Declared Christ's Victory (Matthew 28:5-6)

The angel announced to the women at the tomb that Jesus had risen, just as He had said. The empty tomb was evidence that death could not retain Him. His resurrection confirms that the captivity of sin and death has been challenged by the victorious power of God.

3. THE ASCENDED CHRIST IS THE GIVER OF GIFTS

Ephesians 4:8 does not merely celebrate Christ's victory; it also reveals His generosity. The victorious King gives gifts to His people. These gifts are expressions of His grace and are intended to advance His kingdom and strengthen His Church.

God has not called believers to remain spiritually idle. He distributes abilities and ministries according to His wisdom so that each person can contribute to the work of the gospel. The right response to His gifts is gratitude, development and faithful service.

a) Every Gift Comes Through the Grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:7)

Paul states that grace was given to every believer according to the measure of Christ's gift. This reminds us that our abilities and ministry opportunities are not grounds for pride. They are gracious provisions entrusted to us by the Lord.

We should therefore avoid comparing ourselves with others or despising the gifts God has given us. One believer may be called to teach, another to encourage, another to lead and another to serve quietly. What matters is that each person faithfully uses the grace received from Christ.

b) Christ Gives Different Gifts to Different People (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

The Bible teaches that there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit, and different administrations, but the same Lord. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every person for the common good.

Differences in spiritual gifts should produce cooperation rather than competition. The Church needs a variety of gifts to fulfil its mission. We must honour the contributions of others and use our own abilities to serve the body of Christ in love.

c) Spiritual Gifts Must Be Used Faithfully (1 Peter 4:10)

Peter instructs every believer to minister their gift to others as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. A gift is a responsibility, not merely a personal possession. God expects us to use what He has entrusted to us for the blessing of others.

Neglecting a gift limits our usefulness, while faithful stewardship strengthens the Church. We must cultivate our abilities through prayer, learning, discipline, accountability and practical service. The goal is not personal fame but the glory of God.

d) The Gifts Are Intended to Build Up the Church (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry and the edifying of His body. Ministry gifts are therefore intended to prepare God's people for service, not to make the congregation permanently dependent on a few leaders.

Church leaders must equip others, and believers must accept their responsibility to serve. A healthy church develops mature disciples, raises faithful workers and extends the gospel into the community. Every gift must contribute to the spiritual growth and mission of the body of Christ.

Biblical Example: The Early Church Ministered Through Spiritual Gifts (Acts 13:1-3)

The church at Antioch had prophets and teachers who ministered to the Lord and fasted. The Holy Spirit directed the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. This account illustrates how spiritual gifts and leadership operate within a praying, worshipping and obedient community.

4. HE WHO DESCENDED ALSO ASCENDED FAR ABOVE ALL HEAVENS

Ephesians 4:9-10 explains that the One who ascended is also the One who descended into the lower parts of the earth, and that the same Christ ascended far above all heavens to fill all things. This passage emphasises the movement of Christ from His humiliation to His exaltation.

The eternal Son of God entered our world, humbled Himself, suffered and died for our redemption. He then rose from the dead and ascended in glory. The One who came down in humility is now exalted above all, and His authority extends throughout creation.

a) Christ Humiliated Himself to Redeem Humanity (Philippians 2:6-8)

Although Christ existed in the form of God, He took the form of a servant and humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. His descent reveals the depth of divine love and the cost of our redemption.

The humility of Christ challenges pride, self-promotion and selfish ambition. If our Lord was willing to humble Himself to save us, we must also learn to serve others with compassion and obedience. Christian greatness is measured by faithfulness to God, not by the pursuit of personal status.

b) His Suffering Was Followed by Glory (Luke 24:26)

Jesus asked whether it was not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into His glory. The cross was not the end of His story. Suffering and humiliation were followed by resurrection and exaltation according to God's redemptive plan.

This does not mean every painful experience will immediately end in earthly success. It does mean that suffering cannot defeat God's ultimate purpose for those who belong to Him. We should remain faithful in trials, trusting God's wisdom and looking forward to the glory He has promised.

c) Christ Ascended Above All Heavens (Ephesians 4:10)

Paul declares that Christ ascended far above all heavens. This language emphasises the supremacy of the risen Lord. No created power stands above Him, and no part of creation lies outside His sovereign authority.

Believers can take comfort in the fact that their Saviour is supreme. When earthly circumstances appear threatening, we must remember that Christ's authority is greater than every opposition. We should pray with faith, obey His Word and entrust our lives to His sovereign care.

d) Christ's Authority Extends to All Things (Matthew 28:18)

Before commissioning His disciples, Jesus declared that all power in heaven and on earth had been given unto Him. His authority is the foundation of the Great Commission and the confidence of every servant of God.

The Church's mission does not depend merely on human resources, influence or eloquence. We go in the authority of Christ, proclaiming His gospel and making disciples of all nations. His authority does not remove our responsibility to act wisely; rather, it empowers us to obey faithfully.

Biblical Example: God Highly Exalted Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11)

Because Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. His exaltation confirms that the path of faithful obedience is never wasted in God's eternal purpose.

5. THE ASCENDED CHRIST EMPOWERS HIS CHURCH FOR KINGDOM PURPOSES

The ascension of Jesus Christ is closely connected to the mission and growth of His Church. He reigns in heaven and works through the Holy Spirit to equip believers, raise ministry leaders and advance the gospel throughout the world.

The Church must therefore recognise that spiritual gifts are given for service and maturity. We are not called merely to gather, listen and depart; we are called to become disciples who serve faithfully, minister to others and help fulfil the purposes of God.

a) Christ Gives Ministry Leaders to Equip the Saints (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Christ gave different ministry gifts to equip God's people for the work of ministry and the building up of His body. These leaders are called to teach the truth, shepherd believers, develop spiritual maturity and prepare others to serve.

Pastors and other ministry leaders must take seriously their responsibility to train and equip the congregation. Believers, in turn, must be willing to learn, grow and participate in the work of the kingdom. The effectiveness of a church is seen not only in its attendance but also in the maturity and service of its members.

b) The Church Must Grow into Spiritual Maturity (Ephesians 4:13)

Paul describes the goal as unity in the faith, knowledge of the Son of God and maturity measured by the fullness of Christ. Spiritual growth is not simply the accumulation of information; it is the development of Christlike character and understanding.

Every believer must pursue maturity through the Word of God, prayer, fellowship, obedience and the work of the Holy Spirit. A mature Christian is increasingly stable in doctrine, loving in relationships and faithful in service. The Church grows stronger when its members grow deeper in Christ.

c) Every Member Must Contribute to the Growth of the Body (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Paul teaches that the whole body is joined and held together, and that each part contributes to its growth in love. The Church is a living body in which every member has a place and a responsibility.

No believer should regard themselves as useless or assume that the work belongs only to pastors and prominent ministers. Through prayer, evangelism, hospitality, giving, teaching, practical assistance and many other forms of service, believers can strengthen the Church. Every contribution offered faithfully to God has value.

d) The Gifts Must Advance the Gospel and Glorify God (1 Peter 4:11)

Peter teaches that those who speak should speak as the oracles of God, and those who minister should do so with the ability God supplies, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The ultimate purpose of ministry is the glory of God.

Spiritual gifts must never become instruments of manipulation, pride or personal exploitation. They must be exercised in accordance with Scripture, guided by love and directed towards the honour of Christ. When gifts are used properly, the Church is strengthened, people are served and the gospel is advanced.

Biblical Example: The Church Grew as Believers Served Together (Acts 6:1-7)

When a practical need arose in the early Church, the apostles helped appoint qualified men to oversee the distribution of food. This enabled the apostles to continue in prayer and the ministry of the Word, while the needs of the congregation were addressed. As a result, the Word of God spread and the number of disciples increased. This demonstrates the importance of recognising gifts, sharing responsibility and serving together.

CONCLUSION

The ascension of Jesus Christ declares that our Saviour has triumphed over sin and death, reigns above every power and continues to work for His people. He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men, providing His Church with the spiritual resources needed to fulfil its mission. His victory gives us confidence, His grace gives us gifts, and His authority gives us courage to serve.

Therefore, let every believer recognise the grace received from Christ and use it faithfully for the good of others and the glory of God. Do not bury your gift, despise your calling or compete with other members of the body. Grow in spiritual maturity, support the work of the Church and participate actively in the mission of the gospel. The ascended Christ is still building His Church, and He calls you to be a faithful instrument in His hands.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death and the powers of darkness; help me to walk continually in the freedom He has secured for me in Jesus name.

2. Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith in Your supreme authority and help me to overcome fear, discouragement and every opposition through Your grace in Jesus name.

3. Father, reveal the gifts and abilities You have entrusted to me, and help me to develop and use them faithfully for Your glory in Jesus name.

4. Holy Spirit, empower me to serve with humility, love, wisdom and spiritual discipline wherever You have placed me in Jesus name.

5. Lord, deliver me from pride, jealousy, competition and every attitude that hinders unity and cooperation in the body of Christ in Jesus name.

6. Father, raise faithful and spiritually mature leaders in Your Church who will equip believers and advance the work of the kingdom in Jesus name.

7. Lord Jesus, help me to grow in the knowledge of Your Word, the strength of my character and the maturity of my Christian life in Jesus name.

8. Father, make me a useful instrument for evangelism, discipleship, encouragement and practical service in my church and community in Jesus name.

9. Lord, let every gift You have placed in me produce good fruit, bless other people and bring honour to Your holy name in Jesus name.

10. Father, help Your Church to walk in unity, exercise spiritual gifts responsibly and fulfil the Great Commission under the authority of the ascended Christ in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You will walk in the victory of Jesus Christ, and sin, fear and condemnation will not have the final word over your life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. You will grow in the knowledge of Christ and understand more clearly the authority and power of your risen and ascended Lord, in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. You will recognise, develop and faithfully use the gifts God has entrusted to you, and your life will become a blessing to many people, in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. You will not bury your talent, neglect your calling or allow fear to silence the contribution God has enabled you to make, in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You will walk in humility, love and unity with other believers, and your service will strengthen the body of Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. You will receive grace to endure challenges, overcome discouragement and remain faithful to the assignment God has placed in your hands, in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. You will grow in spiritual maturity, become firmly established in the truth and refuse to be carried away by every wind of doctrine, in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. You will become a fruitful instrument in the hands of God, contributing to the growth of His Church and the advancement of the gospel, in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. You will serve with integrity and wisdom, and your gifts will bring encouragement, healing, edification and spiritual growth to those around you, in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You will remain faithful to Christ, the ascended and reigning Lord, until the end of your journey, and your life will bring glory to God, in the mighty name of Jesus.