The Calling of the CHURCH. Chapters 1-3

Chapter 1: The calling of believers because of God’s Plan and Purpose 

Chapter 2: The Unity in Christ

Chapter 3: Ministry and Prayer

The CONDUCT OF THE CHURCH, chapters 4-6

Chapter 4:1-16: LIVE IN UNITY OF THE BODY.

The importance of UNITY v.1-6

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

The importance of diverse gifts v.7-13 (ps for whoever is putting this on screens....I am not reading 7-10)

 ^“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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.”

The importance of growing in Maturity v.14-16 

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. 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. 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.

PROTECTION

EDIFICATION

CHAPTER 4:17-32; LIVE IN HOLINESS.

1. Refrain from lying and always tell the truth, as we are all connected as one body.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

2.Do not let anger lead you to sin, as it will only provide an opportunity for the devil to harm you.

 ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. 

3.Avoid stealing and instead focus on working, so that you can support and assist those around you.

²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

4. Refrain from using negative or corrupt language and instead use uplifting words that build others up, as you are a reflection of God's Holy Spirit.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

5.Eliminate harmful behavior towards others and demonstrate righteous conduct, in gratitude for what God has done for you.

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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