1. In verses 1-3 of Ephesians Chapter 4, what are the 4 things Paul exhorts the Ephesians to do ?
2. List the seven reasons for Paul’s call to unity in verse 3 that are provided in verses 4-6 of Ephesians Chapter 4.
3. Listed below are 12 major Christian denominations
from the World Almanac and Book of Facts. Not listed are hundreds of
smaller churches not affiliated with a particular denomination and
divisions amongst the different major denominations.
12 Major Christian Denominations
Seeing the seven aspects of oneness to Christianity in Ephesians Chapter 4, verses 4 through 6, why do you think there are so many different denominations today? Why do you think there was division in the early church?
Charles Draper comments on this in the Apologetics Study Bible. He observes that Jesus prayed that His followers would be one (John 17). He also states that different denominations developed out of different churches desires to fellowship with one another and to conduct joint ministry works, which is a biblical idea (Acts 11:27-30).
On the other hand, Draper points out that different modern denominations were generally formed as renewal movements. The renewal movements were centered around doctrinal beliefs and distinctions. Basically, there are so many denominations because there are disagreements about doctrinal and practical issues in the church.
Draper offers some sound advice: "The most important thing to do, is to examine a church's teaching and practice to see if it is consistent with Scripture." With this guidance, mature Christ followers should be able determine if his or her church is the right place to be with so many choices.
1. What are the two aspects of Christian doctrine does Paul contrast in Ephesians Chapter 4, verses 4 through 13?
2. What does it mean when it states that Jesus “led captives in his train” in Ephesians Chapter 4, verse 8?
It is a military term denoting triumph, the victorious King would return to his home from battle with a train or trailing of captured treasures – often including prisoners led captivity captive. It is a phrase used in the Old Testament to signify a conquest over enemies, especially over such as formerly had led others captive; see Judg 5:12. Captivity is here put for captives, and signifies all our spiritual enemies, who brought us into captivity before. He conquered those who had conquered us; such as sin, the devil, and death.(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)
3. Jesus gave us the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These gifts progressively benefit the church. What are the 4 stated purposes for these gifts that build upon one another described in Ephesians Chapter 4, verses 11, 12 and 13? Describe in your own words what the end result of the gifts on the church should be.
ONE MAN'S OPINION:
Church members prepared for works of service, building up the body of believers, united in faith and the knowledge of Jesus Christ, mature believers spiritually complete in Christ.
Only you can answer this question, so there’s no need to compare.
However, consider sharing your answer with others.
1. Describe the two results or benefits of spiritual maturity provided in Ephesians Chapter 4, verses 14 and 15?
2. The Living Bible translation of Colossians Chapter 3, verses 10 and 11 says:
You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ who created this new life within you.
What do you think are the habits we need to develop as individual believers to reach our spiritual maturity? You can probably guess them.
Only you can answer this question, so there’s no need to compare.
However, consider sharing your answer with others.
ONE MAN'S OPINION:
The four habits that I believe we should have to develop spiritually are:
Reading God’s Word
John 8:31-32 - 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you
hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know
the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Prayer
John 15:7-8 -7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask
whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's
glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Giving
Luke 14:33 - In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything
he has cannot be my disciple.
Deut 14:22-23 - 23 Bring this tithe to eat before the Lord your God at
the place he shall choose as his sanctuary; this applies to your tithes
of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn of your flocks and
herds. The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in
your lives. TLB
Fellowship
John 13:34-35 - 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I
have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will
know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
1. Who were the people in the following verses that were considered spiritually mature? Why?
Both Phillip and the Bereans used scripture as the authoritative reference
Teaching point – Mature Christians who know scripture will not be tossed about by every wind of doctrine
2. Describe the 7 aspects of the life of the Gentiles provided in Ephesians Chapter 4, verses 17 through 19.
3. Paul states that the Ephesians were taught certain things in Ephesians Chapter 4, verses 22 through 24. What were they taught?
List all the fifteen things we should do as Christians as provided in the following verses from Ephesians Chapter 4.
1. How are we to put off the old man and put on the new self? What can we do to renew our minds as it says in Romans 12:2?
ONE MAN'S OPINION:
Only you can answer this question, so there’s no need to compare.
However, consider sharing your answer with others.