Ephesians 4:8

Ephesians 4:8 says, Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  Paul said when Christ ascended that he led captivity captive.  What had held people captive before was sin.  The law of God could not free those in Paul's day and cannot free us from that captivity today because we cannot live up to the requirements of the law.  Christ removed that captivity to sin and everlasting separation from God when He rose again.  Verse nine adds, (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  Paul said Christ Who ascended was the same Christ Who descended into the lower parts of the earth, or the grave.  Through His death, Christ took on all the sins of people for all time, but the true victory came with His resurrection.  Verse ten continues, He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  The Christ of the ascension is the same Christ as the One of the crucifixion and burial.  By His death, burial and resurrection, Christ defeated sin and spiritual death for all time.  At the same time, Christ gave to those who are His followers spiritual gifts necessary to accomplish His work until He returns.  Verse eleven states, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  Whatever our calling might be today, it is a gift from God, and we are empowered by God to fulfill that calling.  Verse twelve adds, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Paul tells us why we are given these spiritual gifts, and it is not for self-glory.  We are given our gift or gifts for the perfecting of the saints, those who accept Christ as Savior and Lord, and for the edifying or growing in knowledge of living by faith. Verse thirteen continues, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  Paul continues to speak of growing in the unity of faith and the knowledge of Christ.  As we grow in unity of faith, we prove the measure of the fullness of Christ in our lives.  If we are continually in conflict with other Christians, whether it is between two believers in particular or two congregations in general, we are not exhibiting much growth in Christ.  Verse fourteen says, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  Paul tells us that when we grow in the knowledge of Christ that we are no more like children who are easily swayed in their beliefs by those who are good at manipulating others.  There seems to be a tendency in the church today to follow the examples of the larger churches, especially if they have a popular preacher.  We need to instead ensure that we are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit when we worship God.  Verse fifteen adds, But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  Paul said that when someone is a follower of Christ that that person should speak the truth in love, not only to other believers but to everyone we meet.  When we do this, we will begin to grow in our spiritual lives, under the authority of Christ as the head of the church. Verse sixteen concludes, From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.  Paul was speaking of unity in Christ and our growing in faith in these verses, and he said that when we put Christ first that love for others and unity in Christ would be the natural outcome.  We as followers of Christ must always put the will of God first, as individual Christians and as a group of believers.  When we do, we will grow in our knowledge of what it means to be a follower of Christ in the world today.