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Ephesians 4:12-16 Ephesians New Testament

The End of Incomplete Knowledge

Study Overview: An expositional study on Ephesians 4:12-16 by Rhodes Davis, examining key biblical principles, textual insights, and practical applications for Christian character and faith.

Speaker / Author: Rhodes Davis

#Youth & Family #The Church & Doctrine #Work & Stewardship #The Nature of God #Holiness & Sin

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I. Introduction:

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:12-16

II. Historical background of 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

A. In the early church, God gave Christians certain abilities to reveal the knowledge of His will.

B. Unlike the Old Law, the new law had not been written down so Christians could not re

C. What are spiritual gifts

D. Defined Speaking in tongues Prophecy Knowledge

E. Context of 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

F. Chapters 12-14 discuss the use of spiritual gifts at Corinth; 12:1

G. Chapter 12: The Spirit gave gifts for the edification of the whole body

H. It seems that some may have felt superior towards their brethren if they had what they perceived to be a superior gift. Paul stressed that the church, like our physical body, is made up of many members unified and working for the growth of the whole body. None of the Corinthians should have been puffed up with their gift because all were necessary and they received their gift, not because of their superiority, but the Holy Spirit gave gifts as He willed.

I. Chapter 13: Love is superior to any spiritual gift

J. Some at Corinth may have had unloving attitudes as a result of their spiritual gifts—become puffed up, parade themselves…Paul said that one might accomplish the greatest things but if he did not have love, it was useless. Love was superior for it would outlive the spiritual gifts.

K. Chapter 14: Spiritual gifts must be used to edify the assembly

L. For example, if one spoke in tongues but none were present to interpret, he should be quiet because it would not edify. Those with spiritual gifts must take turns so that the assembly could be taught, 14:31. Their assemblies should not be confusing, but orderly, 14:33, 40.

III. The partial and the complete

A. The end of gifts foretold

B. The perfect, or complete

C. Col 1:28 James 1:25

D. Analogies of incomplete/complete

E. Child to man Dim mirror and clear Know in part – complete knowledge

IV. Why does love abide

V. Comparisons between spiritual gifts and the revealed word

A. Gifts of knowledge given by the Holy Spirit

B. God’s word given by the Holy Spirit

VI. Title

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