A Study Of Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:1-32
We now begin the second half of the letter, which emphasises the Christians 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. 12:12) or stand in the battle (Eph. 6:11ff).
Read Ephesians 4:1-16
In 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 peace

People are always watching uscan they see Christ in you?

List the seven reasons for Pauls 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 16 deal with the one body and its unity, verses 711 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-likeness
How 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
doctrine
The first part of this chapter described the believers relationship to the church; now Paul deals
with the believers 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 4:17-32
From 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 truthfully
In 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 Truth
Read 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 4:2532 grieves the character of the
Holy Spirit?

AT HOME
How 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
4:2532?

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

Read Ephesians 5