Bible Study 13th June

Ephesians Ch. 4 vs 1 to 16  -  Unity

Introduction

¹⁴Then 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 men in their deceitful scheming.
Ephesians 4:14 [NIV]

What signs do you see in your life that you are maturing as a Christian,
no longer a child in Christ?  See Ephesians 4:14

• Increasing wisdom, knowledge of God and his word
  together with the fruit of the Spirit

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature
with its passions and desires.
²⁵Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  
Galatians 5:22-25 [NIV]

The Unity of the Spirit
                       Growing in Christian Grace

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy
of the calling you have received.
²Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.
³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
⁴There is one body      and one Spirit
- just as you were called to one hope when you were called -
⁵one Lord,      one faith,      one baptism;
⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.   
Ephesians 4:1-6 [NIV]

In verses 1 & 2 what sort of life does Paul want us to live?

• Worthy of our calling
• Humble, gentle, patient,
  bearing each other up (understanding & coping with each other)
• These four Christian graces are all part of our love toward each other

In verses 3 to 6 Paul speaks of the unity which we have in the Lord Jesus.     What are the 7 aspects of unity that Paul speaks of?

• One body (the body of Christ), one Spirit, one Lord,
  one God and Father, one hope, one faith, one baptism.
• All held together as we live in peace, verse 3, and love verse 2.

Why does Paul include baptism in this list?

• It is an outward expression and public testimony
  to what God has done for us spiritually

In this passage, verses 1 to 6, Paul speaks about our lifestyle
       and Christian relationships in the first two verses
       and our spiritual unity in verses 3 to 6.
Why does Paul bring these two different aspects of our faith
       together in these verses?

• The way that we relate to each other flows
  from the way that we relate to God and our faith.
• Unity in spiritual things helps in unity in personal relationships & love.

The Unity of the Faith
        Growing in Understanding in Christ Jesus

⁷But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
⁸This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men.”
⁹(What does “he ascended” mean
except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? ^1
0He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens,
in order to fill the whole universe.)
¹¹It was he who gave some to be apostles,
some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,
and some to be pastors and teachers,
¹²to prepare God’s people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up
¹³until 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.
Ephesians 4:7-13 [NIV]

This is a long passage. In verse 8 Paul reminds us
             that God has given gifts to the church
                         and in verse 11 he writes about the ministries
                                      that spring from those gifts.

What is the main purpose of these gifted ministries of apostle, prophet,         evangelist, pastor, and teacher (verses 12 & 13)?

• To prepare us for works of service
• To build up the body of the Lord Jesus Christ
• To bring us to unity of the faith
• To increase our knowledge of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God.
• To bring us to maturity in our faith
• To lead us into the fullness of all that is available to us in Christ Jesus.

Do we see these ministries at work in our own church?

Are we learning from the ministries that God has given us?

Note that grace has been to all of us, verse 7,
             and each of us have been gifted through this grace, verse 8. 
                         See also 1 Corinthians 12verses 1, & 4 to 10 & 30to 31.

Are we ministering grace to one another through the gifts which we have?

• Gifts such as hospitality, healing love and prayer,
  administrative gifts,
  gifts of wisdom and knowledge etc.

Our pastors, teachers etc. are preparing us for service?
       Are we entering into that service as team members,
       or are we standing on the sidelines watching others do all the work?

• It has often said that we are saved to serve!

The Unity of the Body
               Growing in Christian Service

¹⁴Then 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 men in their deceitful scheming.
¹⁵Instead, speaking the truth in love,
we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
¹⁶From 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. 
Ephesians 4:14-16 [NIV]

Paul wants us to grow in faith and knowledge.
       Why (see verse 14) ?

• So that we can discern truth from error
• So that we won’t be tossed around by deceitful teachings.

How do we grow in faith and knowledge?

• Speaking the truth in love and building on and in love
• Growing up into Christ who is the head of the Church
• Becoming an interactive body as we minster to each other
  as ligaments, muscles, limbs and organs of that body
• Being faithful in doing our part

Respond

Questions to think about

Are we actively receiving the gifts and ministries that God has given us?

Are we growing towards maturity?

Do we wisely judge the ministry that is given?

Do we then submit to the teachings we receive from God’s word from our pastor, teachers, evangelists etc. ?

Do we fulfil our individual callings to service in the church?

 

 

Bible Study 6th June, 2008

Paul’s Prayer 
Ephesians Ch. 3 vs. 14 to 21

God strengthens us

¹⁴For this reason I kneel before the Father,
¹⁵from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you
with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:14-17a (NIV)

How are the three persons of the Trinity
                involved in strengthening and empowering believers?

• The Father strengthens believers , through the Holy Spirit,
  in order that the Son may dwell in their hearts.

Rooted in Love

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
Ephesians 3:17b  (NIV)

In what ways had the Ephesian believers
                already experienced Christ’s love?

• They were rooted in it (receiving nourishment from it)
  and established in it (standing on it as a firm foundation)

The Scope of God’s Love

¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
Ephesians 3:18 (NIV)

What imagery does Paul use to convey the scope of Christ’s love?

• “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”,
  the imagery of measurement, width, length, height and depth.

The Fullness of God’s Love

¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19 (NIV)

When God fills us with his Spirit, how much do we get?

• that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God

God is Able

²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

What degree of confidence does Paul express
                in God’s ability to answer his prayers?

• “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,”
  more than ask and more even than we can dream of.

Glory in Jesus and the Church

²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen. 
Ephesians 3:21 (NIV)

How will God’s glory be manifested for time and eternity?

• “²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
  throughout all generations, for ever and ever!”
  in the church and in Christ Jesus

 

Bible Study 30th May 2008

Paul’s Job Description.
Ephesians 3 vs. 1 to 13

The Apostle to the Gentiles will be-

 

Paul a Captive-v. 1

¹For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles -
Ephesians 3: 1 (NIV)

Why did Paul consider himself a prisoner?

• He was almost certainly under house arrest in Rome

Why a prisoner of Christ?

• His imprisonment was a direct result of serving Christ and following his will
  see also Ephesians 4:1 & 6:20

Why specifically for the sake of the Gentiles?

• See Acts 21:26-33 there was uproar because of what they thought
  had happened.
  They thought the barrier of the law had been broken. Eph. 2:14
• See Acts 28:16-20 & 30 Paul was under house arrest for three years
  in Rome and almost certainly wrote this letter to the Gentiles
  from Rome.

 

Paul a Teacher-vs. 2-6

²Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace
that was given to me for you, ³that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation,
as I have already written briefly. ⁴In reading this, then,
you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
⁵which was not made known to men in other generations
 as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
⁶This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel,
members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3: 2-6 (NIV)

How did Paul find out about the “Mystery of Christ” ?

• It was revealed to him by God. v. 3
• He was taught by God

Had this mystery been previously known?

• Only in a veiled way in the Old Testament
  but in due time God made it clear. v. 5 & 9
  (Just as the Book of Revelation will become clear
  when the time is right)

What was Paul’s specific area of ministry?  Vs. 2, 6 & 8

• It was to the Gentiles to whom he was writing

Did the other Apostles appoint Paul to this ministry?

• No they only recognised what God had already done. v. 2 & 7
  See acts 13: 2-3

Paul an Evangelist-vs. 7-11

⁷I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace
given me through the working of his power.
⁸Although I am less than the least of all God’s people,
this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
⁹and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,
which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
¹⁰His intent was that now, through the church,
the manifold wisdom of God should be made known
to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
¹¹according to his eternal purpose
which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3: 7-11 (NIV)

What two missions was Paul commissioned to carry out?

• To evangelise the Gentiles. v. 8
• To teach everyone the truth about Jesus and salvation. v. 9

In what way, other than teaching, does God’s plan of salvation
                involve the church? v. 10-11

• It is to be a witness to the world and specifically to the angels including Satan and fallen angels of God’s grace, love and wisdom.

 

Paul an Encourager-vs. 12-13

¹²In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
¹³I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you,
which are your glory.
Ephesians 3:  12-13(NIV)

In what way did Paul worry that his imprisonment might harm the Gentile believers at Ephesus?

• He felt that they might become discouraged and fearful

How did Paul encourage the believers in these two verses?

• He reminded them that they were free to boldly
  and confidently approach God no matter what the circumstances.

How does Paul express his joy in these verses?

• His suffering will ultimately be used to bring the glory of Jesus
  in the church vs. 13 & 21

Respond

How can we approach God with confidence?

• See Hebrews 4: 14-16 & 10: 19-25

How can we develop more freedom & confidence in our prayer life?

• Take the bull by the horns and do it?

Paul took prayer very seriously.
             He started to pray in verse 1 but got sidetracked
                         but in verse 14 he gets back to the matter in hand.
We will look at this prayer next week.

 

Bible Study 23rd May, 2008

 

Ephesians Ch. 2 vs. 11 to 22

Without Christ – vs. 11-12

¹¹Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men) – ¹²remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

Ephesians 2:11-12 (NIV)

Paul writes about two groups of People here. Who are the two groups?

• Jews and Gentiles, circumcised and uncircumcised

What was the attitude of Jews to Gentiles in Paul’s day?

• Great hostility – they were lost, they were pagans,
  separated from Christ
  excluded from citizenship amongst the Jews,
  outside the scope of God’s promises,
  foreigners, aliens, without hope in the world and without God.

What God did – vs. 13-18

¹³But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away
have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
¹⁴For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one
and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
¹⁵by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations.
His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,
by which he put to death their hostility.
¹⁷He came and preached peace to you who were far away
and peace to those who were near.
¹⁸For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Ephesians 2:13-18 (NIV)

What has Christ done for the Gentiles, the outsiders?

• Brought them near [v. 13]
• Destroyed the barrier and made the two one [v. 14]
• Abolished the law with its rules, rituals and regulations [v. 15]
• Has made peace with the Gentiles [v. 15]
• Reconciled both Jew and Gentile to God
  and given access to the Father [vs. 16 & 18]
• Brought peace to both Jew and Gentile
  (those far away and those who were near) [v. 17]

From this list what is the key thing that Christ has done?

• He has abolished the law with its rules, rituals and regulations [v. 15]
  The law was the great barrier that Christ destroyed,
  it included circumcision, animal sacrifices, etc.

 

How Has Christ achieved all this?

• The blood of Christ [v. 13]
• By the offering of his body, his flesh [v. 15]
• By the cross [v. 16]
• By his preaching [v. 17]
• By his resurrection and ascension? [v. 18]

What two meanings do you think are possible
                for the word “body” in verse 16?

• Christ’s own body
• The Church – the Body of Believers

What they are in Christ vs. 19-22

¹⁹Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens,
but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,
²⁰built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
²¹In him the whole building is joined together
and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
²²And in him you too are being built together
to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)

What Difference has our Lord Jesus made to Gentile believers?

• Fellow citizens with God’s people [v. 19]
• Members of God’s household [v. 19]
• Built on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets [v. 20]
• Built on Jesus Christ the chief cornerstone [v. 20]
• Joined together with, and by, Christ
  in the building of a holy Temple [v. 21]
• Built together as one building, one church,
  in which God lives by His Spirit [v. 22]

 

Respond

In paul’s eyes we would be Gentiles.

All that Paul speaks of here is available to us.

Do we rejoice daily in all that Christ has gained for us
                by his death on the cross and the shedding of his precious blood?

 

What is it that binds believers together as the Church?

• The saving sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary
• The holy Spirit who works within us.
• It should not be friendship, fellowship or common doctrinal positions
  as important as these are.

How do we deal with our prejudices
                and accept outsiders into the fellowship of our church?

• We must not be judgmental and critical
• We must be loving and accepting.
• We must not put up barriers when
  Christ is in the business of breaking barriers down

What sort of barriers do we erect?

• Insisting that our traditional style of worship is the only valid one
• Expecting outsiders and visitors to conform to our patterns

Bible Study 16th May, 2008

Ephesian Ch. 2 vs. 1-10

Our Condition – vs. 1-3

¹As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,
²in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world
and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,
the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
³All of us also lived among them at one time,
gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature
and following its desires and thoughts.
Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
Ephesians 2:1-3 (NIV)

What word does Paul use to describe the condition of his readers
before they came to know Christ?

• Dead !
  (A corpse cannot hear what is being said and has no appetite for food. Just as a physically dead person can not respond to physical stimuli
  so a spiritually dead person cannot respond to spiritual things)

What two influences guided the Ephesians’ lives in the past?

• The standards and conventions of the world in which they lived
• The spirit of Satan “the ruler of the kingdom of the air”.

God’s Love – vs. 4-7

⁴But because of his great love for us,
God, who is rich in mercy,
⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -
it is by grace you have been saved.
⁶And God raised us up with Christ
and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
⁷in order that in the coming ages
he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,
expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7 (NIV)

What two attributes of God motivated Him
to do something about our spiritual deadness?

• His love and mercy (v. 4).

Is God’s intention to keep his work of salvation secret?

• No

What is he going to do?

• He is going to display the “incomparable riches of his grace” throughout the coming ages (v. 7).

Our Faith – vs. 8-9

⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -
⁹not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

In this familiar passage, what four things does Paul say about salvation?

• Salvation is a) by grace, b) through faith, c) God’s gift
  and d) not obtained by works.

 

God’s Purpose – v. 10

¹⁰For we are God’s workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

What purpose does God have in mind
when he makes us new creatures in Christ Jesus?

• That we will live a new life of good works according to his will.

 

Respond

Why is it tempting to try and base acceptance with God
upon our own efforts – both before and after becoming Christians?

• It is natural to want to take credit for achieving something-but salvation is not a task to be accomplished; it is a gift to be accepted

What part do good works play in the Christian life?

• They should follow salvation in gratitude for God’s grace

How can we as a church and as individuals
further demonstrate God’s grace through good works.