DISCUSSION GUIDE 10.3.21
Ephesians 4:1-16
Note: We will finish Ephesians, over the next three weeks, by following the natural flow of the letter versus the numbered chapters. Once again, Paul didn’t put numbers in his letters; they were added to help us move around in the Bible. Sometimes the numbering doesn’t fit well with the flow of thought.
In the first three chapters of his letter, Paul laid out his theological foundations for the practical application of life in community. Paul’s way of forming his letters is an important principle in and of itself for thinking about how people actually change and grow. He approaches change from a belief, value, behavior framework. Beliefs: what we think is true. Values: what are hearts are learning to love. Behaviors: what we actually do in our lives. Pay attention to this framework as we work through the passage.
Group Discussion Questions:
- As you reflect on the sermon this week, how did the Holy Spirit speak to your heart?
- What do we learn about God from Ephesians Chapter 4:1-16? Was there any “aha moment” for you?
- Was there a verse/passage that jumped out to you? Share why the verse or passage struck you.
- Was there a hook or a phrase Terry used that helped you to grasp God’s Word?
- Think back to what Terry taught about beliefs, values, and behaviors. Discuss how you see them in verse 1-16. How are you doing at living out “belief, values, behaviors”?
Read and discuss verses 1-16.
- Verse 4-16 focuses on unity. What do we learn about unity from these verses? How does the Gospel bring diverse people together in unity, and what does this look like?
- What are the gifts given to the church? How do they help the church become spiritually mature?
- What is the “work of the ministry” Paul writes about and what are its implications for you?
- In verses 1-3, Paul urges the Ephesians, and us, to “Live a life worthy of the calling you received.” What were the four aspects Paul gives of this “Walk worthy in community” life? What does it mean to walk worthy of your calling? What does this walk look like for you personally? What do you need to do to both keep pushing yourself in Christ and resting in Christ?
- What is your greatest area of weakness when it comes to living like the person you have become? What do you think you can do to address that issue?[1]
Pray for River Ministry Partner: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (known world-wide as FCA) began in 1954 (67 years ago!) to lead coaches and athletes at every level—youth, junior high, high school, college and professionals—into a growing relationship with Jesus and His church. FCA believes the powerful platform of sports can reach athletes and coaches with the transforming power of Jesus.
River member Keith Townsend serves as the FCA representative to WSU and Friends University. Pray for every coach and athlete at WSU and Friends to meet Jesus and to become connected and invested in a local church.
[1] Anders, M. (1999). Galatians-Colossians (Vol. 8, p. 166). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.