Equipped Together: Andrew Wilson on Eph. 4:1–16 [TGC Podcast Ep. 395]

What a morning. The British are coming. What a morning. The British are coming. Sorry. Um, very I know that's bad news Sorry. Um, very I know that's bad news Sorry. Um, very I know that's bad news on this side of the Atlantic, isn't it? on this side of the Atlantic, isn't it? on this side of the Atlantic, isn't it? Um, do you want to turn in your Bibles Um, do you want to turn in your Bibles Um, do you want to turn in your Bibles to Ephesians chapter 4? Uh, we're going to Ephesians chapter 4? Uh, we're going to Ephesians chapter 4? Uh, we're going to be in Ephesians 4 1-16. Tragically to be in Ephesians 4 1-16. Tragically to be in Ephesians 4 1-16. Tragically having to skip the second half of having to skip the second half of having to skip the second half of chapter 3. Uh, but obviously the first chapter 3. Uh, but obviously the first chapter 3. Uh, but obviously the first half Alistair's opened up for us so half Alistair's opened up for us so half Alistair's opened up for us so beautifully beautifully beautifully earlier. We're going to read it in a earlier. We're going to read it in a earlier. We're going to read it in a moment, but I want to set the scene. moment, but I want to set the scene. moment, but I want to set the scene. Ephesians doesn't make sense without the Ephesians doesn't make sense without the Ephesians doesn't make sense without the ascension. ascension. ascension. it, which would sound odd to some of us it, which would sound odd to some of us it, which would sound odd to some of us because I think we would be used to because I think we would be used to because I think we would be used to thinking that of of the resurrection or thinking that of of the resurrection or thinking that of of the resurrection or the cross. If I said Ephesians makes no the cross. If I said Ephesians makes no the cross. If I said Ephesians makes no sense without the resurrection, everyone sense without the resurrection, everyone sense without the resurrection, everyone say, "Well, of course, because say, "Well, of course, because say, "Well, of course, because Christianity doesn't work without the Christianity doesn't work without the Christianity doesn't work without the resurrection. You can't. It's a resurrection. You can't. It's a resurrection. You can't. It's a loadbearing wall. You can't take it loadbearing wall. You can't take it loadbearing wall. You can't take it out." If I said Ephesians doesn't make out." If I said Ephesians doesn't make out." If I said Ephesians doesn't make sense without the cross, we'd all say, sense without the cross, we'd all say, sense without the cross, we'd all say, "Absolutely, because how could you have "Absolutely, because how could you have "Absolutely, because how could you have a gospel without a cross, as we've just a gospel without a cross, as we've just a gospel without a cross, as we've just been singing?" And if I said Ephesians been singing?" And if I said Ephesians been singing?" And if I said Ephesians doesn't make sense without the gift of doesn't make sense without the gift of doesn't make sense without the gift of the spirit, those of us who know the the spirit, those of us who know the the spirit, those of us who know the letter well would probably say again, of letter well would probably say again, of letter well would probably say again, of course, Ephesians, I did the nerdy stats course, Ephesians, I did the nerdy stats course, Ephesians, I did the nerdy stats on this, but Ephesians is on in crude on this, but Ephesians is on in crude on this, but Ephesians is on in crude percentage terms, is the most percentage terms, is the most percentage terms, is the most spiritfilled book in the Bible in terms spiritfilled book in the Bible in terms spiritfilled book in the Bible in terms of the number of times the word spirit of the number of times the word spirit of the number of times the word spirit appears. And so we might say, well, you appears. And so we might say, well, you appears. And so we might say, well, you can't take the the gift of the spirit can't take the the gift of the spirit can't take the the gift of the spirit out either. But if I said you you can't out either. But if I said you you can't out either. But if I said you you can't have Ephesians, and the argument doesn't have Ephesians, and the argument doesn't have Ephesians, and the argument doesn't hold, it doesn't wash if you don't have hold, it doesn't wash if you don't have hold, it doesn't wash if you don't have the ascension in it. Some of us might be the ascension in it. Some of us might be the ascension in it. Some of us might be tempted to ask why. The Ascension tempted to ask why. The Ascension tempted to ask why. The Ascension doesn't feel probably to some of us, our doesn't feel probably to some of us, our doesn't feel probably to some of us, our church traditions, the Ascension doesn't church traditions, the Ascension doesn't church traditions, the Ascension doesn't feel like a loadbearing wall. It feel like a loadbearing wall. It feel like a loadbearing wall. It probably feels like, do you call them probably feels like, do you call them probably feels like, do you call them stud walls here? You know, sort of the

stud walls here? You know, sort of the stud walls here? You know, sort of the wall that you can kind of like a wall that you can kind of like a wall that you can kind of like a bathroom wall where you sort of build it bathroom wall where you sort of build it bathroom wall where you sort of build it within a room and then create a new within a room and then create a new within a room and then create a new space. It feels like something you can space. It feels like something you can space. It feels like something you can stick up, take down, but you wouldn't stick up, take down, but you wouldn't stick up, take down, but you wouldn't lose the house if the ascension wasn't lose the house if the ascension wasn't lose the house if the ascension wasn't true. And I put it to you that in true. And I put it to you that in true. And I put it to you that in Ephesians, you absolutely would. Ephesians, you absolutely would. Ephesians, you absolutely would. Ephesians doesn't work without the Ephesians doesn't work without the Ephesians doesn't work without the ascension not only being true but ascension not only being true but ascension not only being true but actually being at the heart of the actually being at the heart of the actually being at the heart of the argument that Paul is making. So in argument that Paul is making. So in argument that Paul is making. So in chapter one the ascension is completely chapter one the ascension is completely chapter one the ascension is completely central to the chapter in a way that the central to the chapter in a way that the central to the chapter in a way that the resurrection actually isn't. I mean resurrection actually isn't. I mean resurrection actually isn't. I mean obviously if Jesus isn't alive then obviously if Jesus isn't alive then obviously if Jesus isn't alive then there's no ascension anyway but bear there's no ascension anyway but bear there's no ascension anyway but bear with me. The the resurrection is not with me. The the resurrection is not with me. The the resurrection is not integral to the argument of chapter 1 in integral to the argument of chapter 1 in integral to the argument of chapter 1 in the way that the ascension is when Paul the way that the ascension is when Paul the way that the ascension is when Paul says God raised Christ from the dead. says God raised Christ from the dead. says God raised Christ from the dead. Tick and seated him at the right hand in Tick and seated him at the right hand in Tick and seated him at the right hand in the heavenly places far above all rule the heavenly places far above all rule the heavenly places far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and and authority and power and dominion and and authority and power and dominion and above every name that's named not only above every name that's named not only above every name that's named not only in this age but the one to come. And he in this age but the one to come. And he in this age but the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave put all things under his feet and gave put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the him as head over all things to the him as head over all things to the church who is his body the fullness of church who is his body the fullness of church who is his body the fullness of him who fills all in all. And you think him who fills all in all. And you think him who fills all in all. And you think Paul is we're going to take the Paul is we're going to take the Paul is we're going to take the resurrection as read and then we're resurrection as read and then we're resurrection as read and then we're going to wax lyrical about the ascension going to wax lyrical about the ascension going to wax lyrical about the ascension as central to the argument which then as central to the argument which then as central to the argument which then grounds the argument of chapter 2 which grounds the argument of chapter 2 which grounds the argument of chapter 2 which as we heard the other day is we large as we heard the other day is we large as we heard the other day is we large part we are seated with Christ in part we are seated with Christ in part we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. You can't be seated heavenly places. You can't be seated heavenly places. You can't be seated with Christ in heavenly places if Christ with Christ in heavenly places if Christ with Christ in heavenly places if Christ hasn't been ascended to the heavenly hasn't been ascended to the heavenly hasn't been ascended to the heavenly places. And the ascension is also key places. And the ascension is also key places. And the ascension is also key later in the letter. is key to Paul's later in the letter. is key to Paul's later in the letter. is key to Paul's argument about marriage because the argument about marriage because the argument about marriage because the ascension establishes Christ as head

ascension establishes Christ as head ascension establishes Christ as head over the church which means that the the over the church which means that the the over the church which means that the the head body analogy the Christ church head body analogy the Christ church head body analogy the Christ church analogy doesn't work and therefore the analogy doesn't work and therefore the analogy doesn't work and therefore the husband wife analogy doesn't work if husband wife analogy doesn't work if husband wife analogy doesn't work if Christ isn't ascended in that sense it's Christ isn't ascended in that sense it's Christ isn't ascended in that sense it's central to Paul's argument about slavery central to Paul's argument about slavery central to Paul's argument about slavery the reason why masters need to serve the reason why masters need to serve the reason why masters need to serve slaves just as slaves serves masters is slaves just as slaves serves masters is slaves just as slaves serves masters is because they both have a master in because they both have a master in because they both have a master in heaven and he's up there not down here heaven and he's up there not down here heaven and he's up there not down here so so many features of this better fall so so many features of this better fall so so many features of this better fall apart if we don't have the ascension in apart if we don't have the ascension in apart if we don't have the ascension in the middle and the ascension is the middle and the ascension is the middle and the ascension is literally central to Ephesians chapter literally central to Ephesians chapter literally central to Ephesians chapter 4:es 1-16 which is mainly about we would 4:es 1-16 which is mainly about we would 4:es 1-16 which is mainly about we would say about the unity and maturity of the say about the unity and maturity of the say about the unity and maturity of the church but the passage is mountain church but the passage is mountain church but the passage is mountain shaped if I can put it like that um so shaped if I can put it like that um so shaped if I can put it like that um so you might have a graphic here to you might have a graphic here to you might have a graphic here to illustrate the way in which Ephesians 4 illustrate the way in which Ephesians 4 illustrate the way in which Ephesians 4 1-16 is mountainshaped and it's got the 1-16 is mountainshaped and it's got the 1-16 is mountainshaped and it's got the ascension in the middle we don't have a ascension in the middle we don't have a ascension in the middle we don't have a graphic here don't let's take my word graphic here don't let's take my word graphic here don't let's take my word for it right it's a lot of us would talk for it right it's a lot of us would talk for it right it's a lot of us would talk about a keym the idea that you got to at about a keym the idea that you got to at about a keym the idea that you got to at the very center of the keyasm is this the very center of the keyasm is this the very center of the keyasm is this particular high point still not particular high point still not particular high point still not here I feel like okay that's fine we here I feel like okay that's fine we here I feel like okay that's fine we we'll work with me okay I've I've um we'll work with me okay I've I've um we'll work with me okay I've I've um I've I thought this might happen so I've I've I thought this might happen so I've I've I thought this might happen so I've sketched it out on a on a little on a sketched it out on a on a little on a sketched it out on a on a little on a little sheet but you you end up with if little sheet but you you end up with if little sheet but you you end up with if you think the structure of Ephesians 4 you think the structure of Ephesians 4 you think the structure of Ephesians 4 1-16 begins and ends in the same way and 1-16 begins and ends in the same way and 1-16 begins and ends in the same way and then it basically builds up to a peak in then it basically builds up to a peak in then it basically builds up to a peak in the middle so you have it begins with the middle so you have it begins with the middle so you have it begins with walk in verse one and walk in verse 17 walk in verse one and walk in verse 17 walk in verse one and walk in verse 17 and then you have love in verse two and and then you have love in verse two and and then you have love in verse two and love in 15 and 16 and then unity and love in 15 and 16 and then unity and love in 15 and 16 and then unity and unity body gifts gifts ascension at the unity body gifts gifts ascension at the unity body gifts gifts ascension at the top. It's at the very heart of the top. It's at the very heart of the top. It's at the very heart of the kaism. And you could say, well, that's

kaism. And you could say, well, that's kaism. And you could say, well, that's just that's just a normal kayazm. And I just that's just a normal kayazm. And I just that's just a normal kayazm. And I say, yeah, but in my church, if I say say, yeah, but in my church, if I say say, yeah, but in my church, if I say kayazm, everyone goes, but if I say kayazm, everyone goes, but if I say kayazm, everyone goes, but if I say mountain shaped, everybody goes, oo, mountain shaped, everybody goes, oo, mountain shaped, everybody goes, oo, tell me more about this mountain. So tell me more about this mountain. So tell me more about this mountain. So that's what I mean. But like the idea that's what I mean. But like the idea that's what I mean. But like the idea that the ascension is at the very middle that the ascension is at the very middle that the ascension is at the very middle of the chapter and at the heart of that of the chapter and at the heart of that of the chapter and at the heart of that uh that beautiful section. And so we're uh that beautiful section. And so we're uh that beautiful section. And so we're going to read it and hopefully you'll going to read it and hopefully you'll going to read it and hopefully you'll see that it it begins and ends with see that it it begins and ends with see that it it begins and ends with walking and then love, body, gifts all walking and then love, body, gifts all walking and then love, body, gifts all the way up. And so we're going to read the way up. And so we're going to read the way up. And so we're going to read Ephesians chapter 4 and beginning at Ephesians chapter 4 and beginning at Ephesians chapter 4 and beginning at verse one. verse one. verse one. I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of urge you to walk in a manner worthy of urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been the calling to which you have been the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and called, with all humility and called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with gentleness, with patience, bearing with gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain one another in love, eager to maintain one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of the unity of the spirit in the bond of the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, peace. There is one body and one spirit, peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope just as you were called to the one hope just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call. One Lord, one that belongs to your call. One Lord, one that belongs to your call. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father faith, one baptism, one God and Father faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all of all, who is over all and through all of all, who is over all and through all and in and in and in all. But grace was given to each one of all. But grace was given to each one of all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's us according to the measure of Christ's us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore, it says when he gift. Therefore, it says when he gift. Therefore, it says when he ascended on high, he led a host of ascended on high, he led a host of ascended on high, he led a host of captives and he gave gifts to men.

captives and he gave gifts to men. captives and he gave gifts to men. In saying he ascended, what does it In saying he ascended, what does it In saying he ascended, what does it mean? But that he'd also descended into mean? But that he'd also descended into mean? But that he'd also descended into the lower regions, the earth. He who the lower regions, the earth. He who the lower regions, the earth. He who descended is the one who also ascended descended is the one who also ascended descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens that he might far above all the heavens that he might far above all the heavens that he might fill all things. fill all things. fill all things. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, And he gave the apostles, the prophets, And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and the evangelists, the shepherds and the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the teachers to equip the saints for the teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the work of ministry, for building up the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to body of Christ, until we all attain to body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the the unity of the faith and of the the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature knowledge of the Son of God, to mature knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature manhood, to the measure of the stature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we of the fullness of Christ, so that we of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children tossed to and may no longer be children tossed to and may no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by fro by the waves and carried about by fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human every wind of doctrine, by human every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness and deceitful cunning, by craftiness and deceitful cunning, by craftiness and deceitful deems rather speaking the truth in love. deems rather speaking the truth in love. deems rather speaking the truth in love. We are to grow up in every way into him We are to grow up in every way into him We are to grow up in every way into him who's the head into Christ from whom the who's the head into Christ from whom the who's the head into Christ from whom the whole body joined and held together by whole body joined and held together by whole body joined and held together by every joint with which it's equipped every joint with which it's equipped every joint with which it's equipped when each part's working properly makes when each part's working properly makes when each part's working properly makes the body grow so that it builds itself the body grow so that it builds itself the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. This is the word of God.

up in love. This is the word of God. up in love. This is the word of God. Amen. So now you can see my mountain. Amen. So now you can see my mountain. Amen. So now you can see my mountain. Okay, this is great. It's to be honest Okay, this is great. It's to be honest Okay, this is great. It's to be honest things like this better late than never things like this better late than never things like this better late than never and I'm very grateful for it because act and I'm very grateful for it because act and I'm very grateful for it because act you can see the shape right so this is a you can see the shape right so this is a you can see the shape right so this is a beginning and end with walk and then you beginning and end with walk and then you beginning and end with walk and then you have love unity body gifts and then the have love unity body gifts and then the have love unity body gifts and then the ascension at the very heart of the ascension at the very heart of the ascension at the very heart of the passage and we're going to come back to passage and we're going to come back to passage and we're going to come back to why that's so critical later on in in why that's so critical later on in in why that's so critical later on in in the in the message and just trying to the in the message and just trying to the in the message and just trying to understand why that's true but in many understand why that's true but in many understand why that's true but in many ways that is actually quite a simple ways that is actually quite a simple ways that is actually quite a simple passage quite a it's quite a it's one of passage quite a it's quite a it's one of passage quite a it's quite a it's one of those ones where if I said to summarize those ones where if I said to summarize those ones where if I said to summarize it you could do that pretty easily you'd it you could do that pretty easily you'd it you could do that pretty easily you'd say well Ephesians 4 1-16 is And u Paul say well Ephesians 4 1-16 is And u Paul say well Ephesians 4 1-16 is And u Paul is urging the Ephesians towards unity in is urging the Ephesians towards unity in is urging the Ephesians towards unity in verses 1-6 and maturity in verses 13- verses 1-6 and maturity in verses 13- verses 1-6 and maturity in verses 13- 16. And in the middle he's grounding 16. And in the middle he's grounding 16. And in the middle he's grounding that unity and maturity in the gifts of that unity and maturity in the gifts of that unity and maturity in the gifts of the ascended Christ to the church in the ascended Christ to the church in the ascended Christ to the church in verses 7 to 12. It's quite an easy thing verses 7 to 12. It's quite an easy thing verses 7 to 12. It's quite an easy thing to you do structural summaries. That's to you do structural summaries. That's to you do structural summaries. That's what happens. Focus on unity, the gifts what happens. Focus on unity, the gifts what happens. Focus on unity, the gifts of Christ to the church, focus on of Christ to the church, focus on of Christ to the church, focus on maturity. And it's in that sense quite a maturity. And it's in that sense quite a maturity. And it's in that sense quite a simple passage. And depending on your simple passage. And depending on your simple passage. And depending on your tradition, you zero in on different tradition, you zero in on different tradition, you zero in on different bits. So, Catholic-minded, bits. So, Catholic-minded, bits. So, Catholic-minded, ecumenical-minded Christians love the ecumenical-minded Christians love the ecumenical-minded Christians love the first bit because it's all about the first bit because it's all about the first bit because it's all about the absolutely indiscoluble unity of the absolutely indiscoluble unity of the absolutely indiscoluble unity of the church. One body, one hope, one faith, church. One body, one hope, one faith, church. One body, one hope, one faith, one baptism, one God in three persons one baptism, one God in three persons one baptism, one God in three persons and a church that's eager to maintain and a church that's eager to maintain and a church that's eager to maintain that unity. So, if we're ecumenically that unity. So, if we're ecumenically that unity. So, if we're ecumenically minded, Catholically minded people, minded, Catholically minded people, minded, Catholically minded people, we'll zero in on that first bit. I'm we'll zero in on that first bit. I'm we'll zero in on that first bit. I'm from a Pentecostal charismatic from a Pentecostal charismatic from a Pentecostal charismatic background. I'm part from a New background. I'm part from a New background. I'm part from a New Frontiers church. We love the middle

Frontiers church. We love the middle Frontiers church. We love the middle bit. So, we're like Ephesians 4:7-12. bit. So, we're like Ephesians 4:7-12. bit. So, we're like Ephesians 4:7-12. We're all about the the gifts of the We're all about the the gifts of the We're all about the the gifts of the ascended Christ to the church. We always ascended Christ to the church. We always ascended Christ to the church. We always go on about those. So, there's something go on about those. So, there's something go on about those. So, there's something there for us. And then if you're a more there for us. And then if you're a more there for us. And then if you're a more reformed gospel- centered, which I like reformed gospel- centered, which I like reformed gospel- centered, which I like to think I am a bit as well, but we we to think I am a bit as well, but we we to think I am a bit as well, but we we are mostly here. We zero in on the last are mostly here. We zero in on the last are mostly here. We zero in on the last bit, which is about the way that the bit, which is about the way that the bit, which is about the way that the church is preserved from immaturity and church is preserved from immaturity and church is preserved from immaturity and foolishness by being grounded in the foolishness by being grounded in the foolishness by being grounded in the truth and being well taught and truth and being well taught and truth and being well taught and understanding. And so, in other words, understanding. And so, in other words, understanding. And so, in other words, whoever you are in the worldwide church, whoever you are in the worldwide church, whoever you are in the worldwide church, there's something here for you. It's there's something here for you. It's there's something here for you. It's kind of a nice bit where you zero in on kind of a nice bit where you zero in on kind of a nice bit where you zero in on your bit and go that well that's that's your bit and go that well that's that's your bit and go that well that's that's true that's true that's true but I true that's true that's true but I true that's true that's true but I really love this bit or I love that bit really love this bit or I love that bit really love this bit or I love that bit that's the way in some ways the passage that's the way in some ways the passage that's the way in some ways the passage works and it's a beautiful invitation works and it's a beautiful invitation works and it's a beautiful invitation for us to consider the the wonder of the for us to consider the the wonder of the for us to consider the the wonder of the church and at the heart of it the church and at the heart of it the church and at the heart of it the ascended Christ uniting the church and ascended Christ uniting the church and ascended Christ uniting the church and gifting and maturing his body as we all gifting and maturing his body as we all gifting and maturing his body as we all grow up into our head. So in some ways grow up into our head. So in some ways grow up into our head. So in some ways it's quite it's quite it's quite simple but in other ways the chapter is simple but in other ways the chapter is simple but in other ways the chapter is very puzzling and I think is more very puzzling and I think is more very puzzling and I think is more puzzling than most other passages in puzzling than most other passages in puzzling than most other passages in Ephesians or most other passages in Paul Ephesians or most other passages in Paul Ephesians or most other passages in Paul actually. There are some very strange actually. There are some very strange actually. There are some very strange elements to this chapter that those of elements to this chapter that those of elements to this chapter that those of us who've had to do deep study on a deep us who've had to do deep study on a deep us who've had to do deep study on a deep dives to preach it well we'll probably dives to preach it well we'll probably dives to preach it well we'll probably have noticed think this is not easy have noticed think this is not easy have noticed think this is not easy because there are some mysteries or some because there are some mysteries or some because there are some mysteries or some puzzles some tensions in here that are a puzzles some tensions in here that are a puzzles some tensions in here that are a bit bit bit surprising. So one is why is are three surprising. So one is why is are three surprising. So one is why is are three that jump out to me by the way. The the that jump out to me by the way. The the that jump out to me by the way. The the first one is why is there a why is there first one is why is there a why is there first one is why is there a why is there a tension here about unity which seems a tension here about unity which seems a tension here about unity which seems to be the main point of the text but why to be the main point of the text but why to be the main point of the text but why is that tension here and by the way you is that tension here and by the way you is that tension here and by the way you can you can remove the image now I don't can you can remove the image now I don't can you can remove the image now I don't think we need it any any longer but um

think we need it any any longer but um think we need it any any longer but um you get the idea. So why the tension you get the idea. So why the tension you get the idea. So why the tension Paul talks about unity as something to Paul talks about unity as something to Paul talks about unity as something to maintain because as if we have it maintain because as if we have it maintain because as if we have it already but he also talks about it as already but he also talks about it as already but he also talks about it as something that we need to attain in the something that we need to attain in the something that we need to attain in the future as if we don't have it already. future as if we don't have it already. future as if we don't have it already. And that's quite an important tension in And that's quite an important tension in And that's quite an important tension in a chapter that's largely about unity. a chapter that's largely about unity. a chapter that's largely about unity. Why does Paul do that? Why does he say Why does Paul do that? Why does he say Why does Paul do that? Why does he say you got to maintain the spirit, the you got to maintain the spirit, the you got to maintain the spirit, the unity of the spirit, and you've got to unity of the spirit, and you've got to unity of the spirit, and you've got to attain to it as if it's something far attain to it as if it's something far attain to it as if it's something far off that we don't currently have. And it off that we don't currently have. And it off that we don't currently have. And it could leave a lot of us thinking, would could leave a lot of us thinking, would could leave a lot of us thinking, would do we is the church united or not? Or is do we is the church united or not? Or is do we is the church united or not? Or is it united in one sense and not in it united in one sense and not in it united in one sense and not in another sense? What's going why does another sense? What's going why does another sense? What's going why does Paul do that with such a central idea in Paul do that with such a central idea in Paul do that with such a central idea in the text? Why the tension? the text? Why the tension? the text? Why the tension? The second puzzle for me is why the The second puzzle for me is why the The second puzzle for me is why the quotation? Why? Of all of the passages quotation? Why? Of all of the passages quotation? Why? Of all of the passages Paul could have chosen in the Old Paul could have chosen in the Old Paul could have chosen in the Old Testament about Testament about Testament about giftgiving, why did he There's loads of giftgiving, why did he There's loads of giftgiving, why did he There's loads of them he could have chosen from. So why them he could have chosen from. So why them he could have chosen from. So why did he pick one that required him to did he pick one that required him to did he pick one that required him to change the text from received gifts change the text from received gifts change the text from received gifts among to gave gifts to, which is what among to gave gifts to, which is what among to gave gifts to, which is what Paul does if you know that bit and you Paul does if you know that bit and you Paul does if you know that bit and you we're going to turn to Psalm 68 later.

we're going to turn to Psalm 68 later. we're going to turn to Psalm 68 later. You'll see for yourself. It's a strange You'll see for yourself. It's a strange You'll see for yourself. It's a strange thing that Paul of all of the options thing that Paul of all of the options thing that Paul of all of the options open to him picked a passage that open to him picked a passage that open to him picked a passage that required him to tweak the what the text required him to tweak the what the text required him to tweak the what the text actually said in his quotation of it. actually said in his quotation of it. actually said in his quotation of it. That's a why did he do that? And what do That's a why did he do that? And what do That's a why did he do that? And what do we do with it as those who have a very we do with it as those who have a very we do with it as those who have a very high view of scripture? How do we handle high view of scripture? How do we handle high view of scripture? How do we handle the fact Paul did that and why we think the fact Paul did that and why we think the fact Paul did that and why we think why do we think he did it at all? So why why do we think he did it at all? So why why do we think he did it at all? So why the tension? Why the quotation and why the tension? Why the quotation and why the tension? Why the quotation and why the ascension? the ascension? the ascension? as we've already seen in the conference as we've already seen in the conference as we've already seen in the conference like our unity is secure in the cross like our unity is secure in the cross like our unity is secure in the cross and in the resurrection and in the gift and in the resurrection and in the gift and in the resurrection and in the gift of the spirit. So why here does Paul go of the spirit. So why here does Paul go of the spirit. So why here does Paul go for the ascension as as if that's the for the ascension as as if that's the for the ascension as as if that's the thing he's hanging his hat on for the thing he's hanging his hat on for the thing he's hanging his hat on for the for the unity of the church. Why what do for the unity of the church. Why what do for the unity of the church. Why what do we miss if we neglect the ascension as we miss if we neglect the ascension as we miss if we neglect the ascension as my guess is some of us in our church my guess is some of us in our church my guess is some of us in our church backgrounds probably do including mine. backgrounds probably do including mine. backgrounds probably do including mine. So why is the ascension so important So why is the ascension so important So why is the ascension so important here? So we got three puzzles for me. here? So we got three puzzles for me. here? So we got three puzzles for me. one. The last one's more of a one. The last one's more of a one. The last one's more of a theological puzzle, but the a couple of theological puzzle, but the a couple of theological puzzle, but the a couple of them are just obvious like exodical like them are just obvious like exodical like them are just obvious like exodical like what are we doing here? Why has Paul what are we doing here? Why has Paul what are we doing here? Why has Paul created a tension he didn't need to and created a tension he didn't need to and created a tension he didn't need to and why has he quoted a passage that why has he quoted a passage that why has he quoted a passage that required him to change it? He could have required him to change it? He could have required him to change it? He could have done something else surely. So there's done something else surely. So there's done something else surely. So there's some puzzles here to look at and I want some puzzles here to look at and I want some puzzles here to look at and I want to start by looking at the tension and to start by looking at the tension and to start by looking at the tension and then we'll look at the quotation and then we'll look at the quotation and then we'll look at the quotation and finish with the ascension. That's where finish with the ascension. That's where finish with the ascension. That's where we're we're we're going. So the unity at the church is at going. So the unity at the church is at going. So the unity at the church is at the heart of the passage. The fact that the heart of the passage. The fact that the heart of the passage. The fact that there is one church and that we are there is one church and that we are there is one church and that we are intended to seek unity. Great. But why intended to seek unity. Great. But why intended to seek unity. Great. But why then does Paul establish unity as then does Paul establish unity as then does Paul establish unity as something that it seems like we something that it seems like we something that it seems like we simultaneously have and do not have?

simultaneously have and do not have? simultaneously have and do not have? Right? So in the first paragraph in Right? So in the first paragraph in Right? So in the first paragraph in verses 1 to six, if you look there, Paul verses 1 to six, if you look there, Paul verses 1 to six, if you look there, Paul calls for seven unifying virtues or calls for seven unifying virtues or calls for seven unifying virtues or habits grounded in seven unifying habits grounded in seven unifying habits grounded in seven unifying realities. That's what he's doing in realities. That's what he's doing in realities. That's what he's doing in those opening six verses. the seven those opening six verses. the seven those opening six verses. the seven realities, the the foundation for unity realities, the the foundation for unity realities, the the foundation for unity is really well known. One body, spirit, is really well known. One body, spirit, is really well known. One body, spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, father. So, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, father. So, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, father. So, we got the seven. We know that those we got the seven. We know that those we got the seven. We know that those things we're one in all of those ways. things we're one in all of those ways. things we're one in all of those ways. And on the back of that, Paul then calls And on the back of that, Paul then calls And on the back of that, Paul then calls for seven virtues or habits of for seven virtues or habits of for seven virtues or habits of maintaining unity. Humility, gentleness, maintaining unity. Humility, gentleness, maintaining unity. Humility, gentleness, patience, endurance, that's the word, patience, endurance, that's the word, patience, endurance, that's the word, bearing with love, unity, peace. So I bearing with love, unity, peace. So I bearing with love, unity, peace. So I want you to seek these seven things on want you to seek these seven things on want you to seek these seven things on the basis of these seven grounding the basis of these seven grounding the basis of these seven grounding realities. One body, one church, one realities. One body, one church, one realities. One body, one church, one spirit, etc. And and in that sense, I spirit, etc. And and in that sense, I spirit, etc. And and in that sense, I want you to seek unity and seek to want you to seek unity and seek to want you to seek unity and seek to maintain it. But the point for Paul is maintain it. But the point for Paul is maintain it. But the point for Paul is that unity is something that you already that unity is something that you already that unity is something that you already have and you need to work really hard to have and you need to work really hard to have and you need to work really hard to try and try and try and maintain. The puzzle is that later in maintain. The puzzle is that later in maintain. The puzzle is that later in the chapter, he talks about unity as the chapter, he talks about unity as the chapter, he talks about unity as something that you need to attain or something that you need to attain or something that you need to attain or reach for as if it clearly is not reach for as if it clearly is not reach for as if it clearly is not something that you have now. And that's something that you have now. And that's something that you have now. And that's in fact why we need the gifts of the in fact why we need the gifts of the in fact why we need the gifts of the ascended Christ. the apostles, prophets, ascended Christ. the apostles, prophets, ascended Christ. the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers are evangelists, shepherds, teachers are evangelists, shepherds, teachers are given to the church to build us up so given to the church to build us up so given to the church to build us up so that we might attain unity. And the that we might attain unity. And the that we might attain unity. And the implication there is unity is not implication there is unity is not implication there is unity is not something you yet have. You're kind of something you yet have. You're kind of something you yet have. You're kind of reaching for it and trying to get it.

reaching for it and trying to get it. reaching for it and trying to get it. Meanwhile, in the beginning bit of the Meanwhile, in the beginning bit of the Meanwhile, in the beginning bit of the chapter, he said the unity is something chapter, he said the unity is something chapter, he said the unity is something you have and so you need to maintain it you have and so you need to maintain it you have and so you need to maintain it and be very careful to that the word and be very careful to that the word and be very careful to that the word there is to guard it or to keep it to there is to guard it or to keep it to there is to guard it or to keep it to look after it. So what are we doing? Are look after it. So what are we doing? Are look after it. So what are we doing? Are we guarding a unity we have or are we we guarding a unity we have or are we we guarding a unity we have or are we seeking a unity we don't have? It can seeking a unity we don't have? It can seeking a unity we don't have? It can seem like a puzzle. Is the church seem like a puzzle. Is the church seem like a puzzle. Is the church something that's vulnerable and something that's vulnerable and something that's vulnerable and fractured and in need of knitting fractured and in need of knitting fractured and in need of knitting together? Or is it something that is together? Or is it something that is together? Or is it something that is pristine and whole and needing to be pristine and whole and needing to be pristine and whole and needing to be kept as it kept as it kept as it is? It's my uh trusty Easter egg. Is the is? It's my uh trusty Easter egg. Is the is? It's my uh trusty Easter egg. Is the church a whole, united, beautiful egg church a whole, united, beautiful egg church a whole, united, beautiful egg that needs to be preserved in its that needs to be preserved in its that needs to be preserved in its pristine condition and protected from pristine condition and protected from pristine condition and protected from anything that might nibble away at it in anything that might nibble away at it in anything that might nibble away at it in small pieces? Or is the church small pieces? Or is the church small pieces? Or is the church a fractured shattered a fractured shattered a fractured shattered mess that is in hundreds of little mess that is in hundreds of little mess that is in hundreds of little pieces that we now need to maintain and pieces that we now need to maintain and pieces that we now need to maintain and it's not rather to attain unity and go it's not rather to attain unity and go it's not rather to attain unity and go how are we going to put that's the how are we going to put that's the how are we going to put that's the Pentecostals in there and the Pentecostals in there and the Pentecostals in there and the Presbyterians there and the Baptist Presbyterians there and the Baptist Presbyterians there and the Baptist there it's like but and we got to yes there it's like but and we got to yes there it's like but and we got to yes you yeah the Catholics and the Orthodox you yeah the Catholics and the Orthodox you yeah the Catholics and the Orthodox many of them as well okay how we got many of them as well okay how we got many of them as well okay how we got it's just a bit of a jumble so which is it's just a bit of a jumble so which is it's just a bit of a jumble so which is it and that's in some ways the question it and that's in some ways the question it and that's in some ways the question is it are we meant to be preserving and is it are we meant to be preserving and is it are we meant to be preserving and maintaining unity because it already maintaining unity because it already maintaining unity because it already exists or are we intended to be reaching exists or are we intended to be reaching exists or are we intended to be reaching for something that we don't currently for something that we don't currently for something that we don't currently have? And of course, the answer, you have? And of course, the answer, you have? And of course, the answer, you know, because Paul says they're both know, because Paul says they're both know, because Paul says they're both true. The answer is yes. You are true. The answer is yes. You are true. The answer is yes. You are simultaneously meant to be maintaining

simultaneously meant to be maintaining simultaneously meant to be maintaining unity and attaining unity in we have the unity and attaining unity in we have the unity and attaining unity in we have the unity of the spirit and the bond of unity of the spirit and the bond of unity of the spirit and the bond of peace and which we must guard and we peace and which we must guard and we peace and which we must guard and we must also continually strive to attain must also continually strive to attain must also continually strive to attain unity through the ministry of the saints unity through the ministry of the saints unity through the ministry of the saints equipped by the gifts of the risen equipped by the gifts of the risen equipped by the gifts of the risen Christ. And the reason why we struggle Christ. And the reason why we struggle Christ. And the reason why we struggle to hold those ideas together in our to hold those ideas together in our to hold those ideas together in our minds is because we picture the church minds is because we picture the church minds is because we picture the church in a static way as if it's like an in a static way as if it's like an in a static way as if it's like an Easter egg. And so we think the church Easter egg. And so we think the church Easter egg. And so we think the church is basically a thing that isn't growing is basically a thing that isn't growing is basically a thing that isn't growing or moving or changing. It's just an or moving or changing. It's just an or moving or changing. It's just an object that you can either maintain. You object that you can either maintain. You object that you can either maintain. You it's either whole or it's broken. But it's either whole or it's broken. But it's either whole or it's broken. But that's not what living organisms are that's not what living organisms are that's not what living organisms are like. So I now want you to imagine said like. So I now want you to imagine said like. So I now want you to imagine said forget say forget the Easter egg. The forget say forget the Easter egg. The forget say forget the Easter egg. The church is no longer like an Easter egg. church is no longer like an Easter egg. church is no longer like an Easter egg. And I want you to imagine the Wow, some And I want you to imagine the Wow, some And I want you to imagine the Wow, some pieces of this chocolate have gone a pieces of this chocolate have gone a pieces of this chocolate have gone a long way. I'm quite impressed with that long way. I'm quite impressed with that long way. I'm quite impressed with that actually. Um, this is what you came for, actually. Um, this is what you came for, actually. Um, this is what you came for, isn't it? Um, so the some of these the isn't it? Um, so the some of these the isn't it? Um, so the some of these the church, forget for a moment, the church church, forget for a moment, the church church, forget for a moment, the church is not not like that. In fact, that's is not not like that. In fact, that's is not not like that. In fact, that's often how we might picture it as like an often how we might picture it as like an often how we might picture it as like an object that can either be broken or object that can either be broken or object that can either be broken or whole. But now I want you to imagine the whole. But now I want you to imagine the whole. But now I want you to imagine the church is like a human pyramid that is church is like a human pyramid that is church is like a human pyramid that is continually growing and being expanded.

continually growing and being expanded. continually growing and being expanded. So in a human pyramid, you start with So in a human pyramid, you start with So in a human pyramid, you start with three people in a triangle, maybe, three people in a triangle, maybe, three people in a triangle, maybe, right? I'm not a cheerleader, as you can right? I'm not a cheerleader, as you can right? I'm not a cheerleader, as you can tell. We don't do cheerleading in tell. We don't do cheerleading in tell. We don't do cheerleading in England. Um, our sports are exciting England. Um, our sports are exciting England. Um, our sports are exciting enough for people to cheer at the sport. That's a very dangerous joke to sport. That's a very dangerous joke to make in this company. Um, thank you for make in this company. Um, thank you for make in this company. Um, thank you for being gracious with me. Um, so you you being gracious with me. Um, so you you being gracious with me. Um, so you you start with you've got three of you in a start with you've got three of you in a start with you've got three of you in a say in a little human pyramid. And say in a little human pyramid. And say in a little human pyramid. And again, bear with me here, but I know again, bear with me here, but I know again, bear with me here, but I know this is not how it goes, but um, so you this is not how it goes, but um, so you this is not how it goes, but um, so you got three of them. You got somebody here got three of them. You got somebody here got three of them. You got somebody here like this, and it's got the leg out like like this, and it's got the leg out like like this, and it's got the leg out like that. You got somebody here doing the that. You got somebody here doing the that. You got somebody here doing the mirror image of that. And then you got mirror image of that. And then you got mirror image of that. And then you got someone in the middle standing on both someone in the middle standing on both someone in the middle standing on both of them, right? And so you have like a a of them, right? And so you have like a a of them, right? And so you have like a a pyramid to maintain unity in. But then pyramid to maintain unity in. But then pyramid to maintain unity in. But then other people start getting added to the other people start getting added to the other people start getting added to the pyramid. And so now you've got to you've pyramid. And so now you've got to you've pyramid. And so now you've got to you've got to maintain the unity you already got to maintain the unity you already got to maintain the unity you already had, but you've also got to attain to had, but you've also got to attain to had, but you've also got to attain to unity with these new people. So now unity with these new people. So now unity with these new people. So now instead of three, you've got six. So the instead of three, you've got six. So the instead of three, you've got six. So the guy in the middle who was previously had guy in the middle who was previously had guy in the middle who was previously had a simple job has now got a more complex a simple job has now got a more complex a simple job has now got a more complex job because he's holding or she is job because he's holding or she is job because he's holding or she is holding two two people, one on each side holding two two people, one on each side holding two two people, one on each side and you've got six. And then you maybe and you've got six. And then you maybe and you've got six. And then you maybe get another layer and then it starts get another layer and then it starts get another layer and then it starts getting larger. Maybe there's 10 or 20 getting larger. Maybe there's 10 or 20 getting larger. Maybe there's 10 or 20 or 30. And the church begins like that.

or 30. And the church begins like that. or 30. And the church begins like that. And the church starts with a human And the church starts with a human And the church starts with a human pyramid if you like of 120. And they pyramid if you like of 120. And they pyramid if you like of 120. And they kind of know what they're doing and it's kind of know what they're doing and it's kind of know what they're doing and it's like set and they're established and like set and they're established and like set and they're established and they're like it's it's there's the they're like it's it's there's the they're like it's it's there's the foundation down here, the guys on the foundation down here, the guys on the foundation down here, the guys on the bottom row, the apostles are holding the bottom row, the apostles are holding the bottom row, the apostles are holding the the loadbearing, you know, foundations the loadbearing, you know, foundations the loadbearing, you know, foundations and that sort of thing as we know. and that sort of thing as we know. and that sort of thing as we know. They're holding it up. But actually more They're holding it up. But actually more They're holding it up. But actually more and more, you know, the 120 are kind of and more, you know, the 120 are kind of and more, you know, the 120 are kind of fairly solid. But then crisis, loads of fairly solid. But then crisis, loads of fairly solid. But then crisis, loads of people start to get added to the church. people start to get added to the church. people start to get added to the church. In fact, 3,000 people in one day do. And In fact, 3,000 people in one day do. And In fact, 3,000 people in one day do. And as a result, this human pyramid is like, as a result, this human pyramid is like, as a result, this human pyramid is like, whoa, we we've got to strive for unity whoa, we we've got to strive for unity whoa, we we've got to strive for unity between ourselves to maintain the unity between ourselves to maintain the unity between ourselves to maintain the unity we already have while also striving to we already have while also striving to we already have while also striving to attain unity with all of these new attain unity with all of these new attain unity with all of these new people who've made this pyramid much people who've made this pyramid much people who've made this pyramid much larger and more complex. And then larger and more complex. And then larger and more complex. And then priests start getting added to the priests start getting added to the priests start getting added to the faith. You think, what are they doing faith. You think, what are they doing faith. You think, what are they doing here? How am I going to work that in? here? How am I going to work that in? here? How am I going to work that in? And so the church has now grown to And so the church has now grown to And so the church has now grown to 5,000. You think, this is quite a growth 5,000. You think, this is quite a growth 5,000. You think, this is quite a growth spot. And again, the apostles spot. And again, the apostles spot. And again, the apostles maintaining unity, but reaching for maintaining unity, but reaching for maintaining unity, but reaching for unity with the new guys. And then the unity with the new guys. And then the unity with the new guys. And then the Samaritans join in and he's like the Samaritans join in and he's like the Samaritans join in and he's like the bottom go guys on the bottom row going bottom go guys on the bottom row going bottom go guys on the bottom row going this this pyramid is getting a little this this pyramid is getting a little this this pyramid is getting a little unwieldy. Could somebody check that unwieldy. Could somebody check that unwieldy. Could somebody check that those guys have been filled with the those guys have been filled with the those guys have been filled with the spirit? Yes, I think it's okay. We'll spirit? Yes, I think it's okay. We'll spirit? Yes, I think it's okay. We'll send Peter. You're going to have to send Peter. You're going to have to send Peter. You're going to have to move. Okay. Right. We're going to have move. Okay. Right. We're going to have move. Okay. Right. We're going to have to effectively maintain unity with each to effectively maintain unity with each to effectively maintain unity with each other while reaching to attain unity other while reaching to attain unity other while reaching to attain unity with others. And then even worse, with others. And then even worse, with others. And then even worse, Gentiles come pouring in. And now the Gentiles come pouring in. And now the Gentiles come pouring in. And now the human pyramid is multiple tens of human pyramid is multiple tens of human pyramid is multiple tens of thousands strong. And Gentiles are thousands strong. And Gentiles are thousands strong. And Gentiles are pouring in. And the Jewish guys who pouring in. And the Jewish guys who pouring in. And the Jewish guys who started it are having to negotiate with started it are having to negotiate with started it are having to negotiate with each other. and said, "There's loads of each other. and said, "There's loads of each other. and said, "There's loads of Gentiles coming here, but what are we Gentiles coming here, but what are we Gentiles coming here, but what are we going to do about them?" Well, we're going to do about them?" Well, we're going to do about them?" Well, we're going to have to maintain our unity.

going to have to maintain our unity. going to have to maintain our unity. Meanwhile, we're going to reach for Meanwhile, we're going to reach for Meanwhile, we're going to reach for unity with the new guys. And someone up unity with the new guys. And someone up unity with the new guys. And someone up the top of the pyramid is saying, the top of the pyramid is saying, the top of the pyramid is saying, "Gentiles here. That's great." Yeah, but "Gentiles here. That's great." Yeah, but "Gentiles here. That's great." Yeah, but they want to know if they need to get they want to know if they need to get they want to know if they need to get circumcised. What? They want to know if circumcised. What? They want to know if circumcised. What? They want to know if they need to get circumcised. Uh I I No, they need to get circumcised. Uh I I No, they need to get circumcised. Uh I I No, I don't think they do, but it kind of I don't think they do, but it kind of I don't think they do, but it kind of depends on whether they're eating with depends on whether they're eating with depends on whether they're eating with other No. No, it doesn't. They other No. No, it doesn't. They other No. No, it doesn't. They definitely don't have to. Are you sure? definitely don't have to. Are you sure? definitely don't have to. Are you sure? Right. So they're having to negotiate Right. So they're having to negotiate Right. So they're having to negotiate maintaining unity and attaining unity as maintaining unity and attaining unity as maintaining unity and attaining unity as the church keeps growing. And then it the church keeps growing. And then it the church keeps growing. And then it reaches Ethiopia and then it reaches reaches Ethiopia and then it reaches reaches Ethiopia and then it reaches Rome and then it reaches Britain and Rome and then it reaches Britain and Rome and then it reaches Britain and Kenya and Korea and God help us America. Kenya and Korea and God help us America. Kenya and Korea and God help us America. And as the church continues to expand, And as the church continues to expand, And as the church continues to expand, more and more people and every new more and more people and every new more and more people and every new addition of people means that the church addition of people means that the church addition of people means that the church as she currently is has to maintain the as she currently is has to maintain the as she currently is has to maintain the unity of the spirit and the bond of unity of the spirit and the bond of unity of the spirit and the bond of peace. All the while looking to grow and peace. All the while looking to grow and peace. All the while looking to grow and to attain unity with these glorious new to attain unity with these glorious new to attain unity with these glorious new people that God is adding to the family people that God is adding to the family people that God is adding to the family of of of God. Maintaining unity is very easy if God. Maintaining unity is very easy if God. Maintaining unity is very easy if you're not growing. you're not growing. you're not growing. There's no arguments in a morg. But if you are morg. But if you are alive and if the glorious human pyramid alive and if the glorious human pyramid alive and if the glorious human pyramid of God's church is continually of God's church is continually of God's church is continually expanding, we have to maintain unity and expanding, we have to maintain unity and expanding, we have to maintain unity and attain unity at the same time. And attain unity at the same time. And attain unity at the same time. And that's why we need the gifts of the that's why we need the gifts of the that's why we need the gifts of the ascended ascended ascended Christ. So the first puzzle is why the Christ. So the first puzzle is why the Christ. So the first puzzle is why the tension. The second puzzle is of all the tension. The second puzzle is of all the tension. The second puzzle is of all the gift passages in the Old Testament, why gift passages in the Old Testament, why gift passages in the Old Testament, why does Paul quote one that requires does Paul quote one that requires does Paul quote one that requires changing the key

changing the key changing the key verb? And this is I'm sure this has verb? And this is I'm sure this has verb? And this is I'm sure this has puzzled many of us who've read this puzzled many of us who've read this puzzled many of us who've read this letter carefully and those who have some letter carefully and those who have some letter carefully and those who have some of us it's puzzling us right now for the of us it's puzzling us right now for the of us it's puzzling us right now for the first time, but it's uh it is odd. So first time, but it's uh it is odd. So first time, but it's uh it is odd. So Psalm let's you're going to need your Psalm let's you're going to need your Psalm let's you're going to need your finger in two two places here. Okay. So, finger in two two places here. Okay. So, finger in two two places here. Okay. So, Psalm 68:18. Psalm 68:18. Psalm 68:18. You ascended on high, leading a 68:18. You ascended on high, leading a 68:18. You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and host of captives in your train and host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among receiving gifts among men, even among receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may the rebellious, that the Lord God may the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell dwell dwell there. Ephesians 4:8 says, "When he there. Ephesians 4:8 says, "When he there. Ephesians 4:8 says, "When he ascended on high, he led a host of ascended on high, he led a host of ascended on high, he led a host of captives and gave gifts to men." captives and gave gifts to men." captives and gave gifts to men." So the key verb in the psalm is So the key verb in the psalm is So the key verb in the psalm is receiving gifts from or among men. The receiving gifts from or among men. The receiving gifts from or among men. The key gift in in Ephesians 4 is he gave key gift in in Ephesians 4 is he gave key gift in in Ephesians 4 is he gave gifts to men. Why does Paul do that? And gifts to men. Why does Paul do that? And gifts to men. Why does Paul do that? And that challenges actually for some of us that challenges actually for some of us that challenges actually for some of us this has probably been a challenge in this has probably been a challenge in this has probably been a challenge in our understanding of inherency. We go I our understanding of inherency. We go I our understanding of inherency. We go I don't understand how do I make sense of don't understand how do I make sense of don't understand how do I make sense of the fact that Paul seems to be fiddling the fact that Paul seems to be fiddling the fact that Paul seems to be fiddling around with the Old Testament text in around with the Old Testament text in around with the Old Testament text in order to make the point he wants to order to make the point he wants to order to make the point he wants to make. So how is he okay to do that? And make. So how is he okay to do that? And make. So how is he okay to do that? And more importantly, why has he done more importantly, why has he done more importantly, why has he done it? Well, there are at least two it? Well, there are at least two it? Well, there are at least two contexts in ordinary life. So, step contexts in ordinary life. So, step contexts in ordinary life. So, step aside from the world of the scriptures aside from the world of the scriptures aside from the world of the scriptures for a moment. There are two contexts in for a moment. There are two contexts in for a moment. There are two contexts in ordinary life in which giving and ordinary life in which giving and ordinary life in which giving and receiving a gift amount to the same receiving a gift amount to the same receiving a gift amount to the same thing. One of them is when you receive a thing. One of them is when you receive a thing. One of them is when you receive a gift which is immediately intended to be gift which is immediately intended to be gift which is immediately intended to be given to someone else. So, this is my given to someone else. So, this is my given to someone else. So, this is my nine-year-old son Sam on Easter day on nine-year-old son Sam on Easter day on nine-year-old son Sam on Easter day on Christmas day where he serves as like a

Christmas day where he serves as like a Christmas day where he serves as like a Christmas elf. He's like the gopher who Christmas elf. He's like the gopher who Christmas elf. He's like the gopher who has to take the presents and we give you has to take the presents and we give you has to take the presents and we give you give him the present and he then has to give him the present and he then has to give him the present and he then has to go and give it to someone else. So he is go and give it to someone else. So he is go and give it to someone else. So he is simultaneously receiving a gift with a simultaneously receiving a gift with a simultaneously receiving a gift with a view to instantly giving. So receiving view to instantly giving. So receiving view to instantly giving. So receiving and giving a gift is basically the same and giving a gift is basically the same and giving a gift is basically the same thing. Alistister highlighted it so thing. Alistister highlighted it so thing. Alistister highlighted it so beautifully in the previous session. The beautifully in the previous session. The beautifully in the previous session. The grace that is given to me for you. grace that is given to me for you. grace that is given to me for you. Right? So there's a lot of dynamics like Right? So there's a lot of dynamics like Right? So there's a lot of dynamics like that in actually you do that in normal that in actually you do that in normal that in actually you do that in normal life. This gift has been given to me for life. This gift has been given to me for life. This gift has been given to me for you. You're a courier. You're a a means you. You're a courier. You're a a means you. You're a courier. You're a a means of transfer from that person to that of transfer from that person to that of transfer from that person to that person. So that's one context in which person. So that's one context in which person. So that's one context in which to give and to receive are the to give and to receive are the to give and to receive are the same. Another context is if I give you a same. Another context is if I give you a same. Another context is if I give you a gift which you would immediately turn gift which you would immediately turn gift which you would immediately turn into a gift for me. into a gift for me. into a gift for me. So we had cheese fondue with our friends So we had cheese fondue with our friends So we had cheese fondue with our friends the other day and you bring round cheese the other day and you bring round cheese the other day and you bring round cheese and you bring round like you kind of try and you bring round like you kind of try and you bring round like you kind of try and get nice cheese and you bring it and get nice cheese and you bring it and get nice cheese and you bring it round and they then take it they put it round and they then take it they put it round and they then take it they put it and they melt it in the fondue and then and they melt it in the fondue and then and they melt it in the fondue and then they give it back to you and you're like they give it back to you and you're like they give it back to you and you're like thank you so much for this amazing thank you so much for this amazing thank you so much for this amazing cheese fondue and they say well you kind cheese fondue and they say well you kind cheese fondue and they say well you kind of brought the cheese because in a sense of brought the cheese because in a sense of brought the cheese because in a sense us giving a gift and receiving a gift us giving a gift and receiving a gift us giving a gift and receiving a gift have become the same thing. Right? This have become the same thing. Right? This have become the same thing. Right? This happens you know if you go around to happens you know if you go around to happens you know if you go around to someone's house you take anything that someone's house you take anything that someone's house you take anything that they then serve back to you if you take they then serve back to you if you take they then serve back to you if you take a bottle of wine and they then give you a bottle of wine and they then give you a bottle of wine and they then give you some back or whatever it might be. So some back or whatever it might be. So some back or whatever it might be. So actually in ordinary life there are a actually in ordinary life there are a actually in ordinary life there are a couple of ways in which to give and to couple of ways in which to give and to couple of ways in which to give and to receive in some situations are the receive in some situations are the receive in some situations are the identical things. And the interesting identical things. And the interesting identical things. And the interesting thing about Paul's use of Psalm 68 here thing about Paul's use of Psalm 68 here thing about Paul's use of Psalm 68 here is that both of those things are going is that both of those things are going is that both of those things are going on in Psalm 68.

on in Psalm 68. on in Psalm 68. So if you keep your finger in Psalm 68, So if you keep your finger in Psalm 68, So if you keep your finger in Psalm 68, on the one hand, the psalm is evoking a on the one hand, the psalm is evoking a on the one hand, the psalm is evoking a plunder scene at the end of a great plunder scene at the end of a great plunder scene at the end of a great battle. The Lord has conquered. He's battle. The Lord has conquered. He's battle. The Lord has conquered. He's taken captives. He's got spoil, which is taken captives. He's got spoil, which is taken captives. He's got spoil, which is why it says leading a host of captives why it says leading a host of captives why it says leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among in your train and receiving gifts among in your train and receiving gifts among men. And then what happens is that God men. And then what happens is that God men. And then what happens is that God is effectively dividing that spoil that is effectively dividing that spoil that is effectively dividing that spoil that he's just one among all of his warriors he's just one among all of his warriors he's just one among all of his warriors and his friends like David did after the and his friends like David did after the and his friends like David did after the war with Amalecch. you know, we've we've war with Amalecch. you know, we've we've war with Amalecch. you know, we've we've won and now everyone's going to get the won and now everyone's going to get the won and now everyone's going to get the same share. Whatever they did in the same share. Whatever they did in the same share. Whatever they did in the fight, we will now aortion the plunder fight, we will now aortion the plunder fight, we will now aortion the plunder so that effectively the king is both so that effectively the king is both so that effectively the king is both receiving gifts from the dead people and receiving gifts from the dead people and receiving gifts from the dead people and giving gifts to his warriors at one in giving gifts to his warriors at one in giving gifts to his warriors at one in the same the same the same time. And because that is what is time. And because that is what is time. And because that is what is happening in the psalm for Paul to draw happening in the psalm for Paul to draw happening in the psalm for Paul to draw out the give the giving part rather than out the give the giving part rather than out the give the giving part rather than the receiving part doesn't actually the receiving part doesn't actually the receiving part doesn't actually change the text in that sense. It draws change the text in that sense. It draws change the text in that sense. It draws out the meaning of out the meaning of out the meaning of it more subtly. But the second thing it more subtly. But the second thing it more subtly. But the second thing that's going on in Psalm 68, which is that's going on in Psalm 68, which is that's going on in Psalm 68, which is more subtle but equally crucial, is that more subtle but equally crucial, is that more subtle but equally crucial, is that Psalm 68 is Psalm 68 is Psalm 68 is also evoking the contributions being also evoking the contributions being also evoking the contributions being made for the Jerusalem made for the Jerusalem made for the Jerusalem temple. So you go back to Psalm 68. The temple. So you go back to Psalm 68. The temple. So you go back to Psalm 68. The focus of verse 16 is the mount that God focus of verse 16 is the mount that God focus of verse 16 is the mount that God desired for his abode. Yes, where the desired for his abode. Yes, where the desired for his abode. Yes, where the Lord will dwell forever. Verse 17 Lord will dwell forever. Verse 17 Lord will dwell forever. Verse 17 declares, "Sinai is now in the declares, "Sinai is now in the declares, "Sinai is now in the sanctuary." So we're talking about the sanctuary." So we're talking about the sanctuary." So we're talking about the dwelling place of God. Then verse 18 dwelling place of God. Then verse 18 dwelling place of God. Then verse 18 says he was receiving gifts among men says he was receiving gifts among men says he was receiving gifts among men even among the rebellious so that Yahweh even among the rebellious so that Yahweh even among the rebellious so that Yahweh Elohim so that the Lord God may dwell Elohim so that the Lord God may dwell Elohim so that the Lord God may dwell there. So this is all about the gifts

there. So this is all about the gifts there. So this is all about the gifts are being given in order to make a are being given in order to make a are being given in order to make a dwelling place for God. That is God is dwelling place for God. That is God is dwelling place for God. That is God is receiving gifts among men in order that receiving gifts among men in order that receiving gifts among men in order that he may then turn them incorporate them he may then turn them incorporate them he may then turn them incorporate them into his temple like my friends making into his temple like my friends making into his temple like my friends making me a cheese fondue with cheese that I've me a cheese fondue with cheese that I've me a cheese fondue with cheese that I've just given them. The people of God come just given them. The people of God come just given them. The people of God come and they give gifts to God. And God then and they give gifts to God. And God then and they give gifts to God. And God then turns those gifts into the temple and turns those gifts into the temple and turns those gifts into the temple and then says here a temple at which in then says here a temple at which in then says here a temple at which in which through which you may find the which through which you may find the which through which you may find the presence of God. You may find blessing presence of God. You may find blessing presence of God. You may find blessing and life. You may find answers to prayer and life. You may find answers to prayer and life. You may find answers to prayer and abundance, the joy of the whole and abundance, the joy of the whole and abundance, the joy of the whole earth. earth. earth. So the dynamic in the psalm that Paul is So the dynamic in the psalm that Paul is So the dynamic in the psalm that Paul is quoting. So I know because we got to do quoting. So I know because we got to do quoting. So I know because we got to do two different layers of exposition here, two different layers of exposition here, two different layers of exposition here, but looking at the Ephesians as it but looking at the Ephesians as it but looking at the Ephesians as it quotes the psalm, but the dynamic in the quotes the psalm, but the dynamic in the quotes the psalm, but the dynamic in the psalm is there's a battlefield image in psalm is there's a battlefield image in psalm is there's a battlefield image in which gifts are being taken from the which gifts are being taken from the which gifts are being taken from the plundered soldiers and distributed among plundered soldiers and distributed among plundered soldiers and distributed among the his friends. And then we got a the his friends. And then we got a the his friends. And then we got a temple dynamic in which at the same time temple dynamic in which at the same time temple dynamic in which at the same time the people of God are giving gifts that the people of God are giving gifts that the people of God are giving gifts that God is taking to build his temple and God is taking to build his temple and God is taking to build his temple and then giving straight back to them. then giving straight back to them. then giving straight back to them. And because both of those things are And because both of those things are And because both of those things are taking place, giving and receiving in taking place, giving and receiving in taking place, giving and receiving in that sense are indistinguishable. That that sense are indistinguishable. That that sense are indistinguishable. That when God receives gifts from his church, when God receives gifts from his church, when God receives gifts from his church, he is in the same breath giving those he is in the same breath giving those he is in the same breath giving those same gifts to his church. He is taking same gifts to his church. He is taking same gifts to his church. He is taking things from his people who come willing.

things from his people who come willing. things from his people who come willing. Your people offer themselves freely in Your people offer themselves freely in Your people offer themselves freely in the day of your power. They come. We the day of your power. They come. We the day of your power. They come. We come and say, "Here Lord, take all of come and say, "Here Lord, take all of come and say, "Here Lord, take all of me." And he says, "Okay, I will. I will me." And he says, "Okay, I will. I will me." And he says, "Okay, I will. I will build them into a beautiful temple build them into a beautiful temple build them into a beautiful temple called the church and I will give them called the church and I will give them called the church and I will give them right back to you." as my people so that right back to you." as my people so that right back to you." as my people so that you may hear find blessing and hope and you may hear find blessing and hope and you may hear find blessing and hope and joy and abundance and answers to prayer joy and abundance and answers to prayer joy and abundance and answers to prayer and community and all the and community and all the and community and all the rest because for God in that text to rest because for God in that text to rest because for God in that text to give and receive are one and the same give and receive are one and the same give and receive are one and the same thing. So that's how Paul I think is thing. So that's how Paul I think is thing. So that's how Paul I think is able to tweak the words of the psalm to able to tweak the words of the psalm to able to tweak the words of the psalm to draw out its meaning rather than to draw out its meaning rather than to draw out its meaning rather than to change its meaning. change its meaning. change its meaning. And it's also part of the reason why And it's also part of the reason why And it's also part of the reason why Paul has chosen this particular psalm to Paul has chosen this particular psalm to Paul has chosen this particular psalm to this particular passage to describe this particular passage to describe this particular passage to describe God's gifts to the church because in one God's gifts to the church because in one God's gifts to the church because in one sense the gifts that God gives to the sense the gifts that God gives to the sense the gifts that God gives to the church are spoils of battle. He has church are spoils of battle. He has church are spoils of battle. He has conquered. He dies on the cross. He conquered. He dies on the cross. He conquered. He dies on the cross. He destroys the power of death. He rises destroys the power of death. He rises destroys the power of death. He rises again. He ascends in glory and conquest. again. He ascends in glory and conquest. again. He ascends in glory and conquest. And as a result, he is entitled to give And as a result, he is entitled to give And as a result, he is entitled to give his church, his bride, his body, his church, his bride, his body, his church, his bride, his body, anything he chooses. And now he freely anything he chooses. And now he freely anything he chooses. And now he freely bestows the plunder he has taken upon bestows the plunder he has taken upon bestows the plunder he has taken upon his friends and gives gifts freely and his friends and gives gifts freely and his friends and gives gifts freely and without without without measure. But in another sense, his gifts measure. But in another sense, his gifts measure. But in another sense, his gifts are contributions taken from the church are contributions taken from the church are contributions taken from the church for the building of the temple. They're for the building of the temple. They're for the building of the temple. They're given willingly by his people and given willingly by his people and given willingly by his people and they're used for the building of his they're used for the building of his they're used for the building of his house that the Lord God may dwell house that the Lord God may dwell house that the Lord God may dwell there. You see in verses 7 to 8, if you there. You see in verses 7 to 8, if you there. You see in verses 7 to 8, if you look, Paul is not yet talking about the look, Paul is not yet talking about the look, Paul is not yet talking about the gifts as in the apostles, prophets, gifts as in the apostles, prophets, gifts as in the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers. He's evangelists, shepherds, teachers. He's evangelists, shepherds, teachers. He's talking about the grace given to each talking about the grace given to each talking about the grace given to each one of us according to the measure of

one of us according to the measure of one of us according to the measure of Christ's Christ's Christ's gift. So he's saying Christ is entitled gift. So he's saying Christ is entitled gift. So he's saying Christ is entitled to give you gifts on account of his to give you gifts on account of his to give you gifts on account of his victory and the purpose of those gifts victory and the purpose of those gifts victory and the purpose of those gifts of the mercy gift you have of the of the mercy gift you have of the of the mercy gift you have of the generosity gift you have of the prophecy generosity gift you have of the prophecy generosity gift you have of the prophecy or the teaching or the evangelism or the or the teaching or the evangelism or the or the teaching or the evangelism or the shephering or whatever it may be the shephering or whatever it may be the shephering or whatever it may be the purpose of all of those gifts is the purpose of all of those gifts is the purpose of all of those gifts is the building up of God's church the building up of God's church the building up of God's church the temple. And so Paul is is using a text, temple. And so Paul is is using a text, temple. And so Paul is is using a text, one of the only texts he could have one of the only texts he could have one of the only texts he could have found in which the church is described found in which the church is described found in which the church is described as a product of both tribute and as a product of both tribute and as a product of both tribute and triumph. Right? This the gifts being triumph. Right? This the gifts being triumph. Right? This the gifts being discussed here are both a moment of discussed here are both a moment of discussed here are both a moment of triumph. God has conquered and he's triumph. God has conquered and he's triumph. God has conquered and he's given you the fruit of his of his given you the fruit of his of his given you the fruit of his of his battle, but they're also a result of battle, but they're also a result of battle, but they're also a result of tribute in which the people of God come tribute in which the people of God come tribute in which the people of God come and offer gifts to him for the building and offer gifts to him for the building and offer gifts to him for the building up of the temple, the church. And I up of the temple, the church. And I up of the temple, the church. And I think Paul has chosen this otherwise think Paul has chosen this otherwise think Paul has chosen this otherwise quite puzzling quotation to get us to quite puzzling quotation to get us to quite puzzling quotation to get us to see that the church is the result the see that the church is the result the see that the church is the result the the giftedness of the church is the the giftedness of the church is the the giftedness of the church is the result both of his triumph and of our result both of his triumph and of our result both of his triumph and of our tributes at the same time in which tributes at the same time in which tributes at the same time in which giving and receiving become one and the giving and receiving become one and the giving and receiving become one and the same thing for almighty same thing for almighty same thing for almighty God. And I think Paul has probably also God. And I think Paul has probably also God. And I think Paul has probably also got his eye on the fact that that got his eye on the fact that that got his eye on the fact that that beautiful word ascended is here.

beautiful word ascended is here. beautiful word ascended is here. Actually the Old Testament very very Actually the Old Testament very very Actually the Old Testament very very rarely talks about God ascending. talks rarely talks about God ascending. talks rarely talks about God ascending. talks about God going up or rising, but about God going up or rising, but about God going up or rising, but doesn't very often use the word doesn't very often use the word doesn't very often use the word ascension or ascending. That's normally ascension or ascending. That's normally ascension or ascending. That's normally used for burnt offerings. But what's used for burnt offerings. But what's used for burnt offerings. But what's happening is that Paul has got multiple happening is that Paul has got multiple happening is that Paul has got multiple different he's got lots of different different he's got lots of different different he's got lots of different things going on here about the rising up things going on here about the rising up things going on here about the rising up of God and what it means for the of God and what it means for the of God and what it means for the triumphant future of the church because triumphant future of the church because triumphant future of the church because he's got a you know Russian dolls. Do he's got a you know Russian dolls. Do he's got a you know Russian dolls. Do you know what I mean by you know the you know what I mean by you know the you know what I mean by you know the sort of the ones where you have the big sort of the ones where you have the big sort of the ones where you have the big doll out the and the smaller one inside doll out the and the smaller one inside doll out the and the smaller one inside and little one inside. So Ephesians 4:8 and little one inside. So Ephesians 4:8 and little one inside. So Ephesians 4:8 is like the sort of outer the big is like the sort of outer the big is like the sort of outer the big Russian doll the outside. It says the Russian doll the outside. It says the Russian doll the outside. It says the ascension of Christ is connected to the ascension of Christ is connected to the ascension of Christ is connected to the gifts that he gives to build up the gifts that he gives to build up the gifts that he gives to build up the church. And then inside Ephesians 4, church. And then inside Ephesians 4, church. And then inside Ephesians 4, there's another little Russian doll there's another little Russian doll there's another little Russian doll which is Psalm 68 which connects God's which is Psalm 68 which connects God's which is Psalm 68 which connects God's ascension into the battle and the temple ascension into the battle and the temple ascension into the battle and the temple building as we've just seen. But then if building as we've just seen. But then if building as we've just seen. But then if you look in Psalm 68, you'll find an you look in Psalm 68, you'll find an you look in Psalm 68, you'll find an even smaller one which is that Psalm 68 even smaller one which is that Psalm 68 even smaller one which is that Psalm 68 is itself a little got a Russian doll is itself a little got a Russian doll is itself a little got a Russian doll living inside it which is this beautiful living inside it which is this beautiful living inside it which is this beautiful idea in the opening passage number from idea in the opening passage number from idea in the opening passage number from Numbers 10. God shall arise and his Numbers 10. God shall arise and his Numbers 10. God shall arise and his enemies shall be scattered and that his enemies shall be scattered and that his enemies shall be scattered and that his enemies will quake before him. And so enemies will quake before him. And so enemies will quake before him. And so have this lovely idea that Paul is have this lovely idea that Paul is have this lovely idea that Paul is writing Ephesians inside which he's writing Ephesians inside which he's writing Ephesians inside which he's embedded Psalm 68 inside which is embedded Psalm 68 inside which is embedded Psalm 68 inside which is Numbers 10. This amazing call to God is Numbers 10. This amazing call to God is Numbers 10. This amazing call to God is going to go up. He's going to rise up going to go up. He's going to rise up going to go up. He's going to rise up and as he does the the enemies of God and as he does the the enemies of God and as he does the the enemies of God are going to be scattered and his people are going to be scattered and his people are going to be scattered and his people are going to be gathered. And Paul's are going to be gathered. And Paul's are going to be gathered. And Paul's saying all three of those things are saying all three of those things are saying all three of those things are simultaneously happening with and simultaneously happening with and simultaneously happening with and through the ascension of Christ, which through the ascension of Christ, which through the ascension of Christ, which like the rising up of the cloud in the like the rising up of the cloud in the like the rising up of the cloud in the wilderness is a call to God's people to

wilderness is a call to God's people to wilderness is a call to God's people to say, "Right, God has risen. He's given say, "Right, God has risen. He's given say, "Right, God has risen. He's given you the gifts you need. You have offered you the gifts you need. You have offered you the gifts you need. You have offered your tribute to him. He has triumphed your tribute to him. He has triumphed your tribute to him. He has triumphed over your enemies. And now it's time to over your enemies. And now it's time to over your enemies. And now it's time to go. And so you are both a temple and a go. And so you are both a temple and a go. And so you are both a temple and a battlefield unit as you go out into the battlefield unit as you go out into the battlefield unit as you go out into the world. And as you do, your enemies will world. And as you do, your enemies will world. And as you do, your enemies will flee from you because God has risen. God flee from you because God has risen. God flee from you because God has risen. God has gone up. And as God has ascended, has gone up. And as God has ascended, has gone up. And as God has ascended, you guys are going to experience victory you guys are going to experience victory you guys are going to experience victory everywhere you go. And the church is a missionary go. And the church is a missionary battlefield temple moving after the Lord battlefield temple moving after the Lord battlefield temple moving after the Lord equipped with gifts by the ascended equipped with gifts by the ascended equipped with gifts by the ascended Christ. both to drive out the enemy, Christ. both to drive out the enemy, Christ. both to drive out the enemy, praise God, but also to establish a praise God, but also to establish a praise God, but also to establish a sanctuary, a place of worship where sanctuary, a place of worship where sanctuary, a place of worship where God's name can be known and his God's name can be known and his God's name can be known and his experience, his presence can be experience, his presence can be experience, his presence can be experienced. So, there's a there's a lot experienced. So, there's a there's a lot experienced. So, there's a there's a lot going on with this quotation. It's a going on with this quotation. It's a going on with this quotation. It's a funny quotation and it's a puzzle, isn't funny quotation and it's a puzzle, isn't funny quotation and it's a puzzle, isn't it? As you read passages like that, you it? As you read passages like that, you it? As you read passages like that, you think, why has he done this? But I think think, why has he done this? But I think think, why has he done this? But I think he's done it because he wants to see he's done it because he wants to see he's done it because he wants to see there is more to the church than you there is more to the church than you there is more to the church than you realize. There's more to the ascension realize. There's more to the ascension realize. There's more to the ascension of Christ than you realize. And so of Christ than you realize. And so of Christ than you realize. And so finally I want to conclude by looking at finally I want to conclude by looking at finally I want to conclude by looking at why why is the ascension then so why why is the ascension then so why why is the ascension then so central. So we looked at why is that central. So we looked at why is that central. So we looked at why is that tension there about unity. We looked at tension there about unity. We looked at tension there about unity. We looked at why the quotation and then finally why why the quotation and then finally why why the quotation and then finally why does Paul center his call to unity on does Paul center his call to unity on does Paul center his call to unity on the ascension of all the ascension of all the ascension of all things. Now partly I think it's because things. Now partly I think it's because things. Now partly I think it's because of the point I've just been making which of the point I've just been making which of the point I've just been making which is that he Paul wants us to see the is that he Paul wants us to see the is that he Paul wants us to see the church as a demonstration of the tribute church as a demonstration of the tribute church as a demonstration of the tribute and triumph. the idea that the gifts are and triumph. the idea that the gifts are and triumph. the idea that the gifts are both taken from the enemy and they are

both taken from the enemy and they are both taken from the enemy and they are also willingly offered by his people. also willingly offered by his people. also willingly offered by his people. But it's also partly because of a term But it's also partly because of a term But it's also partly because of a term that Paul introduced in chapter 1, which that Paul introduced in chapter 1, which that Paul introduced in chapter 1, which I don't think we would have got to cover I don't think we would have got to cover I don't think we would have got to cover yesterday because it's in the sort of yesterday because it's in the sort of yesterday because it's in the sort of the bit of Ephesians 1 that we didn't the bit of Ephesians 1 that we didn't the bit of Ephesians 1 that we didn't get to read, but it's such a key word to get to read, but it's such a key word to get to read, but it's such a key word to the argument of Paul in this letter and the argument of Paul in this letter and the argument of Paul in this letter and in this passage in particular. And that in this passage in particular. And that in this passage in particular. And that is that in Paul's opening prayer, Paul is that in Paul's opening prayer, Paul is that in Paul's opening prayer, Paul described the church as Christ's body, described the church as Christ's body, described the church as Christ's body, the the the fullness of him who fills all in all. fullness of him who fills all in all. fullness of him who fills all in all. Chapter 1 verse 23. And then he returns Chapter 1 verse 23. And then he returns Chapter 1 verse 23. And then he returns to that idea in chapter 3 in his prayer to that idea in chapter 3 in his prayer to that idea in chapter 3 in his prayer as well. The fullness of as well. The fullness of as well. The fullness of Christ. So Paul is saying in you come Christ. So Paul is saying in you come Christ. So Paul is saying in you come now in Ephesians chapter 4 and verse 10 now in Ephesians chapter 4 and verse 10 now in Ephesians chapter 4 and verse 10 that the purpose of the ascension is we that the purpose of the ascension is we that the purpose of the ascension is we look at verse 10 that he might fill all look at verse 10 that he might fill all look at verse 10 that he might fill all things. That's what the ascension's things. That's what the ascension's things. That's what the ascension's for. Jesus Jesus dies and rises and he for. Jesus Jesus dies and rises and he for. Jesus Jesus dies and rises and he then he ascends into heaven that he then he ascends into heaven that he then he ascends into heaven that he might fill all things. But the question might fill all things. But the question might fill all things. But the question would then be, well, how does his would then be, well, how does his would then be, well, how does his ascension into heaven result in his ascension into heaven result in his ascension into heaven result in his filling everything? And the answer filling everything? And the answer filling everything? And the answer quickly comes, well, it happens through quickly comes, well, it happens through quickly comes, well, it happens through his body. The church, the fullness of his body. The church, the fullness of his body. The church, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

him who fills everything in every way. him who fills everything in every way. So Christ, the head fills everything So Christ, the head fills everything So Christ, the head fills everything that exists by means of his body, the that exists by means of his body, the that exists by means of his body, the church. And if Christ's head hadn't gone church. And if Christ's head hadn't gone church. And if Christ's head hadn't gone up, the body wouldn't have been drawn up up, the body wouldn't have been drawn up up, the body wouldn't have been drawn up with it, and the body would not have with it, and the body would not have with it, and the body would not have filled the earth and heaven and filled the earth and heaven and filled the earth and heaven and everything else as it does. So Jesus everything else as it does. So Jesus everything else as it does. So Jesus goes up, he ascends, he lavishes gifts goes up, he ascends, he lavishes gifts goes up, he ascends, he lavishes gifts upon his people and he sends specific upon his people and he sends specific upon his people and he sends specific gifts, apostles, prophets, evangelists, gifts, apostles, prophets, evangelists, gifts, apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers to equip us to build shepherds, teachers to equip us to build shepherds, teachers to equip us to build up one another until we all attain unity up one another until we all attain unity up one another until we all attain unity and maturity. And verse 13, the measure and maturity. And verse 13, the measure and maturity. And verse 13, the measure of the stature of the fullness of of the stature of the fullness of of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That's why Christ ascends in in Christ. That's why Christ ascends in in Christ. That's why Christ ascends in in many ways. He ascends so that he can many ways. He ascends so that he can many ways. He ascends so that he can fill all things with his body, the fill all things with his body, the fill all things with his body, the church. And then he gives these gifts in church. And then he gives these gifts in church. And then he gives these gifts in order to ensure that we are built up order to ensure that we are built up order to ensure that we are built up such that we can fill all things. And as such that we can fill all things. And as such that we can fill all things. And as the body of Christ expands and fills the the body of Christ expands and fills the the body of Christ expands and fills the earth and grows up in every way into earth and grows up in every way into earth and grows up in every way into Christ our head, verse 15, and remains Christ our head, verse 15, and remains Christ our head, verse 15, and remains held together in him, verse 16, Christ held together in him, verse 16, Christ held together in him, verse 16, Christ fills all things.

fills all things. fills all things. That's what happens in your ordinary That's what happens in your ordinary That's what happens in your ordinary life when you get up in the morning and life when you get up in the morning and life when you get up in the morning and I don't know my case make a pack lunch I don't know my case make a pack lunch I don't know my case make a pack lunch for the children lay the table kiss my for the children lay the table kiss my for the children lay the table kiss my wife drive to work do a day's work drive wife drive to work do a day's work drive wife drive to work do a day's work drive home put the kids to bed I mean those home put the kids to bed I mean those home put the kids to bed I mean those ordinary ordinary ordinary things the purpose of those things as things the purpose of those things as things the purpose of those things as you do those as you live ordinary life you do those as you live ordinary life you do those as you live ordinary life and cultivate humility and seek the and cultivate humility and seek the and cultivate humility and seek the unity of the spirit and the bond of unity of the spirit and the bond of unity of the spirit and the bond of peace but you just do ordinary life the peace but you just do ordinary life the peace but you just do ordinary life the purpose of those things is that Christ purpose of those things is that Christ purpose of those things is that Christ fills fills fills everything. So that there's no part of everything. So that there's no part of everything. So that there's no part of this nation or any nation in the end this nation or any nation in the end this nation or any nation in the end where Christ is not felt where Christ's where Christ is not felt where Christ's where Christ is not felt where Christ's presence is not is not influencing is presence is not is not influencing is presence is not is not influencing is not experienced is not seen as the power not experienced is not seen as the power not experienced is not seen as the power to fill all things to unite all things to fill all things to unite all things to fill all things to unite all things to bring all things under his feet. As to bring all things under his feet. As to bring all things under his feet. As you do your ordinary life and you speak you do your ordinary life and you speak you do your ordinary life and you speak the truth in love to one another and as the truth in love to one another and as the truth in love to one another and as you use your gifts to build up the you use your gifts to build up the you use your gifts to build up the church, Christ fills Indianapolis or church, Christ fills Indianapolis or church, Christ fills Indianapolis or wherever it may be. And that's how it wherever it may be. And that's how it wherever it may be. And that's how it happens is his head's gone up, his head happens is his head's gone up, his head happens is his head's gone up, his head is his his head over all things already, is his his head over all things already, is his his head over all things already, all things under his feet. But his body, all things under his feet. But his body, all things under his feet. But his body, as his body grows, like to switch as his body grows, like to switch as his body grows, like to switch metaphors back to that human pyramid, as metaphors back to that human pyramid, as metaphors back to that human pyramid, as his body gets larger and larger and his body gets larger and larger and his body gets larger and larger and larger, filling heaven and earth, as you larger, filling heaven and earth, as you larger, filling heaven and earth, as you do ordinary stuff to the glory of God, do ordinary stuff to the glory of God, do ordinary stuff to the glory of God, Christ is filling your workplace, Christ is filling your workplace, Christ is filling your workplace, office, home, nursery, nation. And so the purpose of the nation. And so the purpose of the ascension in that sense is that his ascension in that sense is that his ascension in that sense is that his body, that's us, might fill all things.

body, that's us, might fill all things. body, that's us, might fill all things. And it occurred to me recently that this And it occurred to me recently that this And it occurred to me recently that this is probably the first specifically is probably the first specifically is probably the first specifically Christian doctrine that Paul ever Christian doctrine that Paul ever Christian doctrine that Paul ever believed. believed. believed. It just it just hit me. I thought you It just it just hit me. I thought you It just it just hit me. I thought you think of Paul, you think of think of Paul, you think of think of Paul, you think of justification by faith or something like justification by faith or something like justification by faith or something like it. Praise God for justification by it. Praise God for justification by it. Praise God for justification by faith. But Paul didn't get to faith. But Paul didn't get to faith. But Paul didn't get to justification by faith straight away. justification by faith straight away. justification by faith straight away. That wasn't he didn't get that in his That wasn't he didn't get that in his That wasn't he didn't get that in his conversion. And many of us don't, right? conversion. And many of us don't, right? conversion. And many of us don't, right? We we we are saved by faith, but we We we we are saved by faith, but we We we we are saved by faith, but we don't realize, we couldn't articulate don't realize, we couldn't articulate don't realize, we couldn't articulate the doctrine. We just that's just what the doctrine. We just that's just what the doctrine. We just that's just what happened. But Paul, what we know that happened. But Paul, what we know that happened. But Paul, what we know that Paul got at his conversion, the first Paul got at his conversion, the first Paul got at his conversion, the first specifically Christian doctrine Paul specifically Christian doctrine Paul specifically Christian doctrine Paul understood was that the church is the understood was that the church is the understood was that the church is the body of body of body of Jesus because he hears a voice. Saul, Jesus because he hears a voice. Saul, Jesus because he hears a voice. Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Who Saul, why are you persecuting me? Who Saul, why are you persecuting me? Who are you, Lord? I'm Jesus whom you're are you, Lord? I'm Jesus whom you're are you, Lord? I'm Jesus whom you're persecuting. And in that moment, Paul persecuting. And in that moment, Paul persecuting. And in that moment, Paul goes, I don't understand anything about goes, I don't understand anything about goes, I don't understand anything about how the cross saves. I couldn't how the cross saves. I couldn't how the cross saves. I couldn't articulate the redemption of all things articulate the redemption of all things articulate the redemption of all things in Christ and his plan for the in Christ and his plan for the in Christ and his plan for the unification of everything. if it bit me unification of everything. if it bit me unification of everything. if it bit me on the nose. I didn't I don't understand on the nose. I didn't I don't understand on the nose. I didn't I don't understand how the doctrine of the church works. I how the doctrine of the church works. I how the doctrine of the church works. I don't know anything about how you should don't know anything about how you should don't know anything about how you should appoint elders and deacons. I don't know appoint elders and deacons. I don't know appoint elders and deacons. I don't know what the Lord's Supper is or I may have what the Lord's Supper is or I may have what the Lord's Supper is or I may have heard of it, but I think the Christians heard of it, but I think the Christians heard of it, but I think the Christians are a bit out there on it. All these are a bit out there on it. All these are a bit out there on it. All these different I don't understand any of different I don't understand any of different I don't understand any of that. But what I know is that the church that. But what I know is that the church that. But what I know is that the church is the body of Christ because he just is the body of Christ because he just is the body of Christ because he just told me. He said, "I've been persecuting told me. He said, "I've been persecuting told me. He said, "I've been persecuting him while I've been actually trying to him while I've been actually trying to him while I've been actually trying to kill his people." So the solidarity of kill his people." So the solidarity of kill his people." So the solidarity of Christ the head and the church the body Christ the head and the church the body Christ the head and the church the body is probably the first uniquely Christian is probably the first uniquely Christian is probably the first uniquely Christian thing Paul ever understood and believed.

thing Paul ever understood and believed. thing Paul ever understood and believed. and he never forgot it. And if you'd and he never forgot it. And if you'd and he never forgot it. And if you'd experienced Jesus in that way, you experienced Jesus in that way, you experienced Jesus in that way, you wouldn't have forgotten it either, would wouldn't have forgotten it either, would wouldn't have forgotten it either, would you? So he lives his life carried by you? So he lives his life carried by you? So he lives his life carried by this weighty sense that the church is this weighty sense that the church is this weighty sense that the church is Christ's body, the fullness of him who Christ's body, the fullness of him who Christ's body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. And I fills everything in every way. And I fills everything in every way. And I wonder, there must have been a moment wonder, there must have been a moment wonder, there must have been a moment Paul started to wonder why has Christ Paul started to wonder why has Christ Paul started to wonder why has Christ done that assuming that Christ is risen done that assuming that Christ is risen done that assuming that Christ is risen and ascended and he's just spoken to me and ascended and he's just spoken to me and ascended and he's just spoken to me on the road and his people are the ones on the road and his people are the ones on the road and his people are the ones who I've been persecuting, but in doing who I've been persecuting, but in doing who I've been persecuting, but in doing it I've been persecuting him. Why has he it I've been persecuting him. Why has he it I've been persecuting him. Why has he done that? done that? done that? What explains the unity of Christ in the What explains the unity of Christ in the What explains the unity of Christ in the church? And I imagine at some point it church? And I imagine at some point it church? And I imagine at some point it would have dawned on Paul whether would have dawned on Paul whether would have dawned on Paul whether quickly or slowly because this is quickly or slowly because this is quickly or slowly because this is Christ's plan for the filling of Christ's plan for the filling of Christ's plan for the filling of everything through little groups of everything through little groups of everything through little groups of believers in Judea and Samaria and believers in Judea and Samaria and believers in Judea and Samaria and Damascus and Antioch and Philippi and Damascus and Antioch and Philippi and Damascus and Antioch and Philippi and Rome and Indianapolis and Memphis and Rome and Indianapolis and Memphis and Rome and Indianapolis and Memphis and Omaha and Boston and London and Cape Omaha and Boston and London and Cape Omaha and Boston and London and Cape Town and all over. This is how Christ Town and all over. This is how Christ Town and all over. This is how Christ will fill all things. The head has will fill all things. The head has will fill all things. The head has ascended and his church, the his body is ascended and his church, the his body is ascended and his church, the his body is now going to fill everything as a means now going to fill everything as a means now going to fill everything as a means of filling that world with the fullness of filling that world with the fullness of filling that world with the fullness of Christ. Friends, the church of Jesus of Christ. Friends, the church of Jesus of Christ. Friends, the church of Jesus is bigger than you is bigger than you is bigger than you think. It really is. It's growing more think. It really is. It's growing more think. It really is. It's growing more than you think. It's doing more than you than you think. It's doing more than you than you think. It's doing more than you think. It's larger, richer, deeper than think. It's larger, richer, deeper than think. It's larger, richer, deeper than you think. You cannot exaggerate the you think. You cannot exaggerate the you think. You cannot exaggerate the importance of the church to world importance of the church to world importance of the church to world history. Her growth explains why we must history. Her growth explains why we must history. Her growth explains why we must both maintain and attain unity. Her

both maintain and attain unity. Her both maintain and attain unity. Her nature explains Paul's otherwise very nature explains Paul's otherwise very nature explains Paul's otherwise very strange reference to battlefield and strange reference to battlefield and strange reference to battlefield and temple tribute and triumph. Her destiny temple tribute and triumph. Her destiny temple tribute and triumph. Her destiny explains Paul's focus on the ascension explains Paul's focus on the ascension explains Paul's focus on the ascension in this passage because the church is in this passage because the church is in this passage because the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills his body, the fullness of him who fills his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Hallelujah. all in all. Hallelujah. all in all. Hallelujah. We're going to have a chance to sing and We're going to have a chance to sing and We're going to have a chance to sing and to respond, but I just want to pray the to respond, but I just want to pray the to respond, but I just want to pray the mighty words of Ephesians 3, which we mighty words of Ephesians 3, which we mighty words of Ephesians 3, which we didn't get to read. Now, to him who is didn't get to read. Now, to him who is didn't get to read. Now, to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all able to do far more abundantly than all able to do far more abundantly than all that we could ask or think according to that we could ask or think according to that we could ask or think according to his power at work within us. To him be his power at work within us. To him be his power at work within us. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus glory in the church and in Christ Jesus glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and throughout all generations forever and throughout all generations forever and ever. ever. ever. Amen. Amen.