Daily Bread - Dec 7 2006
Ephesians 4:8 - "On which account He said, Ascending up on high He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men."

The first time that this message appears in the Bible is in Psalms 68:18, "You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them." The gifts that Jesus received and then gave to the church are listed below in verse 11 as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers. These special abilities and anointings exist in the church so that God may dwell in our midst in a special way. It is through these gifts that Jesus ministers to His church.

The supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the church from the head, which is Christ Jesus (4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). However, each member must make their proper connection to the head according to the divine order that God has established in His church. It is through these gifts that God supplies to His church the riches of the Spirit that perfects, matures, and produces the work of the ministry so that everyone may grow up into the fullness of Christ (4:12-13). If we fail to cooperate with and submit to God's divine order then we will miss out on the supply of the Spirit and the work of Grace that is being given by God who dwells in our midst.

The word "doma" or "gifts" is found four times in the New Testament. It is used twice in the gospels, "If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him" (Luke 11:13; Matthew 7:11). Then Paul uses it in Philippians 4:17 in the context of an offering. The word "doma" may be understood as something given that is essential to survival.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org