Teaching summary
Pastor Leonard Rola dives deep into Ephesians 4:7–11, helping believers understand their spiritual identity and the nature of grace gifts given by Christ. He unpacks Paul’s message about Christ’s ascension, descension, and the gifts distributed to the Church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. With heartfelt teaching and real-life examples, Pastor Leonard emphasizes that these roles are not limited to select individuals but are for every believer to walk in. By understanding Paul’s theology through Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit, believers can grow in their identity as empowered, grace-filled members of Christ’s body.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 4:7- "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
Ephesians 4:8- "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men."
Ephesians 4:9- "Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?"
Ephesians 4:10- "He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."
Ephesians 4:11- "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"
Psalm 51:10-12- "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
Romans 4:6-8- "Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."
Romans 5:12- "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
Romans 5:21- "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 6:20- "For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness."
Romans 6:4-6- "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
Ephesians 2:1- "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Ephesians 2:4-6- "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"
2 Corinthians 5:20- "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
1 Corinthians 14:1-3- "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Ephesians Study and Support for the Ministry
- Reading Ephesians 4:7–11 (KJV)
- Understanding New Covenant Identity vs. Old Covenant Thinking
- The Importance of Pauline Epistles and Spiritual Understanding
- Breaking Down Ephesians 4:7 – Grace According to Christ
- Ephesians 4:8 – What Does “Captivity Captive” Mean?
- Ephesians 4:9–10 – Descended and Ascended Explained
- Interpreting Scripture with Context and Pauline Theology
- Ephesians 4:11 – The Gifts Are for Every Believer
- Conclusion and Invitation to Grow in the Gifts
Introduction: The Ephesians Study and Support for the Ministry
Pastor Leonard begins by thanking everyone for their continued support, encouragement, and financial partnership. He explains that this teaching continues their Ephesians series and focuses on Chapter 4, verses 7 through 11. He reminds the viewers that New Life Ministry is not about growing a personal brand but about helping others grow in their new creation identity.
Reading Ephesians 4:7–11 (KJV)
Pastor Leonard reads the full passage from the King James Version, emphasizing the importance of every word.
Ephesians 4:7-11-"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers."
Understanding New Covenant Identity vs. Old Covenant Thinking
He contrasts old covenant declarations with the promises of the new covenant. Using Psalm 51:10-12, he explains that while David’s prayers were sincere, they came from someone not born again. In contrast, under grace, believers have a new heart, the indwelling Spirit, and the irrevocable promise of God’s presence.
Psalm 51:10-12-"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
The Importance of Pauline Epistles and Spiritual Understanding
Pastor Leonard shares how Kenneth Hagin once said he spent 85% of his study time in the Pauline epistles. Inspired, Pastor Leonard did the same, studying Romans by day and Hebrews by night for a month. This led to deep revelation through the Holy Spirit. He affirms that understanding Paul’s writings brings clarity to spiritual truths.
Breaking Down Ephesians 4:7 – Grace According to Christ
Ephesians 4:7- "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
Pastor Leonard teaches that Jesus is grace. If you've received Jesus, you’ve received grace in full measure. Referring to Romans 8:32, he confirms this idea.
Romans 8:32-"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Ephesians 4:8 – What Does “Captivity Captive
Ephesians 4:8-"Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men."
Pastor Leonard explains Paul’s theology from Romans 5:12, Romans 5:21, and Romans 6:20, clarifying that "captivity" refers to bondage to sin.
Romans 5:12-"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
Romans 6:20-"For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness."
Ephesians 4:9–10 – Descended and Ascended Explained
Ephesians 4:9-10-"Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."
He references Ephesians 2:1, 4-6 and Romans 6:4-6 to show that Jesus descended to rescue us and ascended to sit with us.
Ephesians 2:1-"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"
Ephesians 2:4-6- "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Interpreting Scripture with Context and Pauline Theology
Pastor Leonard emphasizes reading whole letters to understand context and doctrine. Understanding Paul’s patterns makes difficult verses clearer, as seen when cross-referencing Ephesians with Romans.
Romans 6:4-6- "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death… Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him.
Ephesians 4:11 – The Gifts Are for Every Believer
Ephesians 4:11-"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." He explains that these roles are not just for "special people." Every believer should grow into these roles:
- Apostles- Sent ones, ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5:20.
- Prophets- Inspired speakers and encouragers (1 Corinthians 14:1-3).
- Evangelists- Sharers of the gospel.
- Pastors- Everyday shepherds—parents, mentors, leaders.
- Teachers- Every believer can help someone grow in the Word.
Conclusion and Invitation to Grow in the Gifts
Pastor Leonard closes by encouraging everyone to recognize these fivefold roles within themselves and to grow in grace. He previews the next week's deeper dive into verse 11. He ends by thanking everyone again for their prayers, support, and encouragement.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with someone hungry for truth, and let the revelation of God’s grace continue to grow in you and others.