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Ephesians 4: Unity in Christ
How might Paul’s example, making himself the Lord’s captive, have affected the commitment of Jesus’ followers?
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Ephesians 4:1 Therefore, being the Lord’s captive to do his work, I beg you to fully commit your life to whatever God has called you to do.
King James
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
How true is the statement: “Love covers a multitude of sins”? Why?
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Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle, allowing others to be different from you, even in their faults, because you love them.
King James
Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
What factors separate friends from enemies?
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Ephesians 4:3 Strive to maintain unity with others by sharing truth in relation to common goals, promoting peace.
King James
Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
What will make the worst of enemies become friends?
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Ephesians 4:4 We are all one family with one purpose, all with the same hope in God’s invitation.
King James
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Christians separate because of differences. What should keep us together?
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Ephesians 4:5–6 We share the same Lord, faith, and baptism, one God and Father of us all, who rules our lives from above, within us and through everything.
King James
Ephesians 4:5–6 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
What limits the resources we have in Christ?
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Ephesians 4:7 We have been favored with an abundance in Christ, measured according to our role in fulfilling his purpose.
Philippians 4:19 Out of his glorious resources in Christ Jesus, my God will take care of everything you need.
King James
Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
What does Jesus’ ascension have to do with his gifts?
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Luke 11:13 “If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, you can be sure your heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
John 16:7–8 “Even so, I tell you the truth. I must go, or the Guide will not come. But if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will reveal to the world the truth about sin, righteousness, and judgment.”
Ephesians 4:8 As David wrote in his song: He rose to the highest heights and took a host of captives. He gave gifts to his people.
King James
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
John 16:7–8 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Why does Paul says the ascension logically leads to understanding that Christ must have first descended?
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John 17:5 “Now, Father, restore to me the glory I had with you before the world existed.”
Ephesians 4:9 If he arose, he must also have descended to our lowly world.
King James
John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Ephesians 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
What will be the area of Christ’s dominion?
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Ephesians 4:10 He who descended to Earth has ascended to Heaven that his presence might fill all things above and below.
King James
Ephesians 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
What is the power behind all the ministries in the church?
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Ephesians 4:11–12 We spread the good news according to the means he has given to us as his special messengers, teaching, preaching, traveling the country, or speaking in one place to equip God’s people to do his work and strengthen the family of Christ.
King James
Ephesians 4:11–12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
How could giving ministries a title hinder the work? In what ways might it help?
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Ephesians 4:11–12 We spread the good news according to the means he has given to us as his special messengers, teaching, preaching, traveling the country, or speaking in one place to equip God’s people to do his work and strengthen the family of Christ.
King James
Ephesians 4:11–12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
When will our work for the Lord be finished?
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John 17:4 “I have glorified you on Earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”
John 19:30 After Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head and quit breathing.
Ephesians 4:13 This effort must continue until we are in complete agreement in our faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ, when we are fully grown to be like him.
King James
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
How do children in the Lord differ from mature Christians?
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1 Corinthians 3:1–2 When I was with you, my friends, I could not speak to you as spiritually mature adults, but I had to address you as baby Christians, feeding you milk instead of meat. You could not handle what I wanted to tell you, and you’re still not ready,
Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be immature children tossed about by every wind of doctrine, easily blown in different directions by deceivers who cleverly manipulate lies to look like the truth.
James 1:5–7 If you don’t know the truth or how to apply it, then ask God, because he’s eager to help and won’t make you feel stupid. Ask in faith, never wavering in your trust for his guidance, lest you be like the waves of the sea, driven aimlessly by the wind, for such people should never expect to receive anything from the Lord.
King James
1 Corinthians 3:1–2 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
James 1:5–7 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
What is the most crucial aspect of sharing the truth?
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1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak with human excellence and angelic might yet don’t really care for the wellbeing of those I serve, my message is like a noisy gong or clanging cymbal, getting attention but not really helping.
Ephesians 4:15 Unlike them, we speak the truth in love so you will grow up to be more like Christ in every way, for he is the head of our family.
Colossians 4:6 Be gracious with your stories, flavoring your message with that which will answer the hunger in everyone’s heart.
King James
1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
What does it mean for Christ to be the head of our family?
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Ephesians 4:15 Unlike them, we speak the truth in love so you will grow up to be more like Christ in every way, for he is the head of our family.
King James
Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
By what means are dissimilar members joined?
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1 Corinthians 12:25 Since we all need one another to fulfill God’s purpose, no division should exist between members of his body.
Ephesians 4:16 All members of this body are being perfectly joined according to their functions, individually benefitting from their expression of love that helps others.
King James
1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
What motivates Christians to be hypocritical?
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Matthew 23:27 “How terrible for you Pharisees and teachers of the Law. Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that look great on the outside but are full of dead men’s bones and rottenness.”
Ephesians 4:17 That being true, I speak for the Lord when I say you should not think and act like vain, confused people who don’t know God.
James 3:10 Both blessing and cursing come from the same person’s mouth. My friends, that should never happen.
King James
Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
For what reasons might people not understand the truth?
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Ephesians 4:18–19 They are so far from the life of God that the blindness of their hearts fills their minds with darkness, leaving them void of understanding. They feel no guilt, because they focus entirely on worldly pleasures and use others in any way they can to satisfy their greed.
King James
Ephesians 4:18–19 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
In what ways are followers of Jesus different from others?
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John 13:35 “If you love one another, people will know you are my disciples.”
Acts 4:13 The leaders marveled at the eloquent words of Peter and John, uneducated men of Galilee who had no schooling under Temple rabbis. Obviously, their boldness had come from their being with Jesus.
Ephesians 4:20–21 What you have in Christ is entirely different, assuming that you have heard and accepted his words, because he alone has the truth.
King James
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Ephesians 4:20–21 But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Why is it a problem to hang on to our old ways?
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Ephesians 4:22–23 Trash your old ways that are garbage, corrupted by deceptive desires, and let the Holy Spirit transform your thoughts and actions.
King James
Ephesians 4:22–23 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
What can we do to become the person God wants us to be?
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Romans 12:2 Don’t follow what society says is right. To experience God and have the highest feeling of self-worth, and to live life to its fullest, your thinking must drastically change. Instead of centering your desires upon yourselves, satisfy the good and perfect will of God by seeking to help others.
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now, the Lord of our lives is the Holy Spirit, and when he is leading us, we are set free from any concern about wrongdoing. We have a single focus on what he shows us is right.
Ephesians 4:24 Become the new person God wants you to be, righteous and holy.
James 4:7 Completely surrender your will to whatever God wants. Then your resistance to the devil is an absolute no, and he has no reason to hang around.
King James
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Under what circumstances, if any, might deception be okay? Why?
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Ephesians 4:25 Avoid deception of any kind, but always tell the truth, for we are members of one family.
King James
Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
What is the danger of telling a “white lie”?
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Ephesians 4:25 Avoid deception of any kind, but always tell the truth, for we are members of one family.
King James
Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Why should we protect our hearts from anger?
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Mark 11:26 “If you do not forgive, your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.”
Ephesians 4:26–27 Don’t sin with your passion against others who have offended you, but forgive them before the sun sets. Don’t carry a grudge into the next day, giving room for the devil to work in your life.
King James
Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Ephesians 4:26–27 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.
How should love be revealed in our actions?
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Ephesians 4:28 Don’t think in terms of what you can take from others, but let the purpose of your work be giving to whatever people need.
King James
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
How should love be revealed in our words?
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Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language, but let your words be an encouragement, pleasant to the ear.
King James
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
What must we do to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit?
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Ephesians 4:30 In all you say and do, avoid grieving the Holy Spirit, who frees you from sin for the day of full release.
King James
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
What steps can we take to get rid of destructive feelings and avoid wrongdoing?
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Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, anger, and vengefulness. Avoid quarreling and slander, shunning all kinds of malice.
King James
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
How can we be compassionate for someone we hate?
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Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, showing compassion by forgiving just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.
King James
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.