Certainly! Ephesians 4:7-16 is a rich passage that discusses the gifts given by Christ to the church and the importance of unity, maturity, and growth in the faith. Here are some cross-references that relate to the themes and concepts in this passage:
Ephesians 4:7-16 Cross References
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Spiritual Gifts:
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: Discusses the variety of spiritual gifts and the unity of the Spirit.
- Romans 12:6-8: Talks about different gifts according to grace and emphasizes using them for the body of Christ.
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Christ Ascending:
- Psalm 68:18: The verse Paul quotes about ascending on high and giving gifts to men.
- Hebrews 2:10: Explains how God is bringing many sons to glory through the work of Christ.
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The Purpose of Gifts:
- 1 Peter 4:10: Encourages believers to use their gifts to serve others and glorify God.
- Colossians 1:28-29: Pertains to the goal of presenting everyone mature in Christ through teaching and admonishing.
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Unity in the Faith:
- 1 Corinthians 1:10: Paul admonishes the church to agree and be united in mind and thought.
- Philippians 2:2: Encourages being of the same mind and having the same love.
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Maturity in Christ:
- Colossians 2:6-7: Encourages believers to walk in Christ, rooted and built up in Him.
- Hebrews 5:12-14: Discusses the importance of moving from elementary teachings to maturity.
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The Body of Christ:
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27: Describes the church as one body with many members, highlighting the importance of each individual.
- Romans 12:4-5: Compares the church to a body, emphasizing unity and diversity within the body.
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Speaking the Truth in Love:
- John 1:14: Describes Jesus as full of grace and truth, the ultimate example of truth in love.
- 2 Timothy 2:24-25: Encourages gentle correction and instruction in the faith.
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Growing Up in Christ:
- 2 Peter 3:18: Calls believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Hebrews 6:1-3: Encourages moving beyond elementary teachings and striving for maturity in faith.
These references can help provide a broader understanding of the themes present in Ephesians 4:7-16, illustrating the interconnectedness of Paul's teachings and the importance of community, gifts, and spiritual growth within the body of Christ.