Scripture
Ephesians 4:1-16 (NIV)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”
9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Introduction
Today’s scripture focuses on the practical application of the teachings we have received. We are urged to live a life worthy of our calling, and demonstrate unity and maturity within the body of Christ.
The question below will guide us to understand more
1. What does “living a life worthy of your calling” mean to you personally?
2. Which attitudes are useful for maintaining unity of faith?
3. How does Paul describe the diversity of gifts given to the church in verses 7-11? Which gifts are mentioned and what purpose do they serve?
4. How do you personally contribute to the unity and maturity of your church or faith community? Why is it important for each believer to use their unique gifts to serve the church?
5. After identifying areas where you need to grow in spiritual maturity, what specific actions can you take this week to develop in those areas?
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