The steps toward being equipped: 1.) Filling up 2.) Growing up 3.) Building up Ephesians 4:7-16 Questions: 1.) Read Ephesians 4:10-11. Jesus Christ descended from heaven to earth when He was born, and He also ascended from earth back to heaven after His resurrection. Verse 10 says Jesus did this to fill all things. Then in verse 11, the Bible lists different kinds of spiritual gifts that Jesus gives to church leaders. Based on this, who should get the glory and credit for spiritual gifts: Church leaders or Jesus? Why do you think some churches don't get this right? 2.) Read Ephesians 4:11-15. God raises up leaders in churches so that they can equip the church for ministry. According to verse 15, a key part of equipping is speaking the truth in love. Discuss how profoundly important this is. Why is it not enough to just speak truth? Why is it not enough to just feel love? Why must real truth be spoken with real love for the church to grow in Christ? 3.) Read Ephesians 4:16. This is an incredible description of the church. The body of Christ can build itself up in love when each part is working properly - the body building up the body. How does this help us see that every Christian is involved in ministry, not just pastors and leaders?