Lesson 7
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To the Praise of His Glory
A Study in Ephesians
...Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness
of Christ. Ephesians 4:13
Ephesians 4:1-16
Read Ephesians 4:1-16
1) In verse one Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. For review, what do Ephesians 1:4, 12; 2:19 say about our calling?
2) According to Ephesians 4:2-3, what qualities characterize the worthy walk? See Galatians 5:13 for a fuller list of spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit is Christ formed in us.
We must walk in a worthy manner because our calling is incredibly high. God does not call us to great heights because he believes in us and thinks we can reach the goal, he calls us because he loves us and wants to accomplish high and holy things in us.
3) Read Ephesians 4:4-6 and explain why we must be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Division is a fracturing of the whole. There are not two bodies, two faiths, hopes, or baptisms just as there are not two Spirits, two Lords, or Fathers. There is only one. We must not allow our differences to divide us for in Christ we have a common purpose.
4) There may be only one body but God gives us grace as individuals. Ephesians 4:7-8 describe Christ as descending (incarnation, death, resurrection) and ascending (to the right hand of the Father). Christ, who became one of us and now intercedes for us from the right hand of the Father, gives us grace according to the measure of his gifts. What are some of the gifts he gives (4:11) and the reason for the gifts (4:12)?
5) Paul speaks further of the unity of the body and spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. What more do you learn from this chapter about the body of Christ and its gifts?
6) Why is the body of Christ to be built up by equipped saints? In other words, what goal does God have for us? See Ephesians 4:13.
7a) What characteristics of spiritual immaturity are described in Ephesians 4:14?
b) How will studying God's word help you to grow up in Christ and avoid the pitfalls of childishness?
Verse 15 stands in contrast to verse 14. Instead of being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine we are instead to speak the TRUTH in LOVE and GROW UP into Christ. Love is a fruit of the Spirit, God produces that in us, but we must apply ourselves to knowing truth by learning Christ and his word.
8) Finally, rephrase Ephesians 4:16 in your own words.
9) For self-reflection, where are you at in your spiritual growth? Are you still a child not knowing what to believe and wanting others to help you? Are you mature, solid and building others up? Perhaps you are somewhere in between.
10) Each of us has a place in the body. We need the other members and they need us. What gifts and opportunities has God given you to build up his body?
Love and truth are essential for building the body. If each of us is being and doing what God has called us to be and do, the body will be strong and healthy. Each of us has the responsibility to the rest of the body to walk in truth and love. As each of us exercises the grace God has given us Christ will do incredible things. After all, he is the headwho orchestrates the whole body and his plan for us is amazing.
Copyright © 2007, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
To the Praise of His Glory
A Study in Ephesians
...Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness
of Christ. Ephesians 4:13
Ephesians 4:1-16
Read Ephesians 4:1-16
1) In verse one Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. For review, what do Ephesians 1:4, 12; 2:19 say about our calling?
2) According to Ephesians 4:2-3, what qualities characterize the worthy walk? See Galatians 5:13 for a fuller list of spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit is Christ formed in us.
We must walk in a worthy manner because our calling is incredibly high. God does not call us to great heights because he believes in us and thinks we can reach the goal, he calls us because he loves us and wants to accomplish high and holy things in us.
3) Read Ephesians 4:4-6 and explain why we must be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Division is a fracturing of the whole. There are not two bodies, two faiths, hopes, or baptisms just as there are not two Spirits, two Lords, or Fathers. There is only one. We must not allow our differences to divide us for in Christ we have a common purpose.
4) There may be only one body but God gives us grace as individuals. Ephesians 4:7-8 describe Christ as descending (incarnation, death, resurrection) and ascending (to the right hand of the Father). Christ, who became one of us and now intercedes for us from the right hand of the Father, gives us grace according to the measure of his gifts. What are some of the gifts he gives (4:11) and the reason for the gifts (4:12)?
5) Paul speaks further of the unity of the body and spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. What more do you learn from this chapter about the body of Christ and its gifts?
6) Why is the body of Christ to be built up by equipped saints? In other words, what goal does God have for us? See Ephesians 4:13.
7a) What characteristics of spiritual immaturity are described in Ephesians 4:14?
b) How will studying God's word help you to grow up in Christ and avoid the pitfalls of childishness?
Verse 15 stands in contrast to verse 14. Instead of being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine we are instead to speak the TRUTH in LOVE and GROW UP into Christ. Love is a fruit of the Spirit, God produces that in us, but we must apply ourselves to knowing truth by learning Christ and his word.
8) Finally, rephrase Ephesians 4:16 in your own words.
9) For self-reflection, where are you at in your spiritual growth? Are you still a child not knowing what to believe and wanting others to help you? Are you mature, solid and building others up? Perhaps you are somewhere in between.
10) Each of us has a place in the body. We need the other members and they need us. What gifts and opportunities has God given you to build up his body?
Love and truth are essential for building the body. If each of us is being and doing what God has called us to be and do, the body will be strong and healthy. Each of us has the responsibility to the rest of the body to walk in truth and love. As each of us exercises the grace God has given us Christ will do incredible things. After all, he is the headwho orchestrates the whole body and his plan for us is amazing.
Copyright © 2007, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.