Chapter 4

Please read the chapter thoroughly at least once, and write down any questions you have or any verses that stick out to you. 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204&version=ESV

STUDY

• How are we supposed to walk when we follow the Lord?  What does this mean for you?  How have you been called?

• List the things mentioned in verses 2-4.  How do you live by these things now?

• List the "one's".  Why are these so important?  (Baptism is the only "one" that is practiced differently by churches. Some practice infant baptism, some practice adult baptism.) 

• Starting in verse 11, Paul explains how God gives the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers to "equip the church for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ."    To attain what? So that we are no longer...? Carried about by...?  Are you easily convinced of different ideas of Christ?

• What happens when the church functions properly? What do you suppose "each part working properly" looks like?

• What qualities of God are mentioned in verse 24 that are apart of your "new self"?

• List some of the things listed in verses 25-32 that you feel conviction of and need to surrender to God.

• Why are you supposed to forgive others? 

APPLICATION

• You have been called to be God's child. Are you walking in a manner worthy of being His child?  Have you been called to a specific ministry or job?  Are you walking in light of that ministry, training and being built up to that job/minstry?

• We are to, "speak the truth in love, and grow up in every way into Him who is the head."  We should be careful to continue growing in Jesus and not let ourselves backslide and become futile again- like the Gentiles. Let us no longer be children, but grow into maturity.  What steps can you take today to spend more with Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith?

• Have you put off your old self?  Do you allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind?  

• What things mentioned in verses 25-32 do you need to confess to Jesus?  

PRUNING ME

    Joey and I have felt for the last year that God is directing us into full time ministry.  We aren't completely sure of that direction yet, but regardless, I need to walk with that role in mind.  What qualities can I ask Jesus for, to start building me up with that ministry in mind?  From the verses in the last part of the chapter, I need to surrender to God the things that come out of my mouth.  I don't swear necessarily, but sometimes I catch myself speaking negatively and not in wisdom, but in foolishness.  There are times, too, when Joey and I have had a disagreement, and I go to sleep still angry with him.  We even have a picture of sunset in our bedroom, to remind us of verse 26, but I disobey, and go to bed anyway.  Those nights are terrible- and it's all because of pride that I don't reconcile.  But when I don't surrender that anger to God, I allow Satan to have a foothold over my thoughts toward my husband and even my actions.  By not forgiving or reconciling and going to bed angry, I am submitting to the devil, not God.  This is sin. 

    Verse 16 really captured me. "When each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."  Each part. Hmmm.  We have studied the Corinthians, where Paul talks about the members of the body, each one with a different function.  Now, I can't be responsible for other people and how productive they are in their serving capacity, but I am responsible for myself.  God has gifted us all in different ways- each just as important as the other.  When all parts are working properly, the church functions the way God intends it to.  Am I working properly?  Do I do my part?  Do I allow God to work in me, using the gifts He created in me to do? I have been asking God for a while now how He wants me to serve my church body.  I do play guitar and sing once a month at church, and granted I have an 18 month old and another on the way, but I still think God wants me to use my gifts.  I haven't prayed about that in a while, so guess what?  I was just reminded!  It's great how God uses Scripture to speak!  If you aren't sure of your gifts, ask those who know you well- GOD, your family, your close friends.  If you still can't figure it out, step out and start serving in different areas.  Maybe you will find something you didn't even know you were good at and enjoyed!

• Leanne