A Study Of Ephesians.Ephesians 4:1-32We now begin the second half of the letter, which emphasises the Christian’s walk (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15). The Christian life is compared to a walk because it starts with one step of faith, involves progress, and demands balance and strength. If we do not learn to walk, we will never be able to run (Heb. 12:1–2) or stand in the battle (Eph. 6:11ff).Read Ephesians 4:1-16In verses 1-3 of Ephesians Chapter 4, what are the 4 things Paul appeals for the Ephesians to do?

verse 1 - live a life worthy of the calling you have received verse 2 - Be completely humble and gentle verse 2 – Be patient, bearing with one another in love verse 3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of

peacePeople are always watching us…can they see Christ in you?List the seven reasons for Paul’s call to unity in verse 3 that are provided in verses 4-6:

One Body One Spirit One Hope One Lord One Faith One Baptism One God and Father

When Christ ascended, He gave gifts to His people through the coming of the Holy Spirit. While verses 1–6 deal with the one body and its unity, verses 7–11 deal with the many local bodies and the diversities of gifts.From verse 11, what gifts did Jesus give the church? the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Jesus gave these gifts to benefit the church. From verses 12 and 13, what purpose does Paul say these gifts have?

To prepare God's people for works of service (verse 12) That the body of Christ may be built up (verse 12) Unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God (verse 13) We become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ

(verse 13)

Why is it important that we become mature in our faith? So we have stability, we are anchored in truth of the scripture, resistant to devilish deceit; knowing and speaking the truth, growing in Christ-likenessHow can we grow in spiritual maturity?Read Acts 17:10-11. How are the Bereans described and what did they do?Why should you follow this example? So you will not be tossed about by every wind of doctrineThe first part of this chapter described the believer’s relationship to the church; now Paul deals with the believer’s relationship to the world. Certainly we are “in Christ” and a part of the body; but we are also in the world, where there is temptation. We cannot depart from the world because we have a responsibility to witness to it; but we must walk in purity and not allow the world to taint us.Read Ephesians 4:17-32From verses 17-19, how does Paul say they/we must no longer live?

Living in the futility of their thinking Darkened in their understanding Separated from the life of God Hardened hearts Given over to sensuality Indulging in every kind of impurity Continual lust for more

Verses 22-24 tell us to “put off” the old self, to “be made new” and to “put on the new self”, what do you think this means for you?

The verbs “put off” and “put on” are in forms that suggest decisive actions rather than ongoing processes. Through Paul, the Holy Spirit commanded the Ephesian Christians and every generation of believers since to change their spiritual clothes.As well as having a renewed mind, Paul continues this chapter by saying we must think about the way we talk. What is the first characteristic of holy speech commanded in Ephesians as seen in verse 25? Put off falsehood, speak truthfullyIn verse 25, Paul quoted Zechariah 8:16 as a biblical basis for his teaching. Read Zechariah 8:3. What title is given to Jerusalem? City of TruthRead Zechariah 8:16, what instruction does the Lord give? Speak the truth to each other

Why is it important for us to be a truthful people?

After dishonesty, what is the next threat to holy speech that Paul identified in verses 26 and 27? Sinning while angry

In verse 26, Paul quoted Psalm 4:4, read Psalm 4:4, what did David advise his opponents to do in order to prevent anger from developing into sin? When you are on your beds, Search your hearts and be silent

In keeping with Psalm 4:4, what did Paul suggest a Christian should do? Not let the sun go down while still angry

How does harbouring anger and turning it into sinful words “give place to the devil”? (v. 27)

In Ephesians 4:28 Paul momentarily left the subject of speech to mention stealing. Why would lying speech and angry speech remind Paul of theft?

What do dishonesty and anger steal from the people involved?

According to Paul, what is the cure for stealing? (v. 28) work, doing something useful, so he can share with others.

How should we speak according to verses 29-32? Should be no unwholesome talk; only say what is helpful for building up others according to their needs, so it may benefit those who listen; get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander and malice. BE kind and compassionate, forgiving just as Christ has forgiven.

How do you think the sinful speech referred to in Ephesians 4:25–32 grieves the character of the Holy Spirit?

AT HOMEHow can you help to foster unity amongst believers?

What aspect of speech do you have the most trouble in obeying from the teaching of Ephesians 4:25–32?

What changes in your lifestyle do you want to make so that your speech and mind are renewed?

Read Ephesians 5