Lesson 7
UNITY AND DIVERSITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
Ephesians 4:1-16
Key Verse: 4:3
1. How did Paul urge the Ephesian believers to live? (1) What does this mean? How is this calling related to hope? (4; 1:18) What virtues characterize a life worthy of one’s calling? (2) Why is it important to practice them in Christian community?
2. Read verse 3.1 What did Paul further urge? What does the word “keep” imply regarding this unity? How could they do this? (2:14-16) What are the foundations of Christian unity? (4-6) What can we learn about the Triune God in regard to unity?
3. On the basis of given unity, what does Christ do for each believer? (7) How did Christ obtain the authority to distribute gifts of grace? (8-10; Php 2:6-11)
4. What did Christ give his church, and for what purpose? (11-12) What is the ultimate goal which all Christians should reach? (13)
5. What contrast does Paul make between Christian infants and the mature? (14-15) Why is it important to speak the truth in love in the church? (Ro 12:9; 1 Cor 13:6) How does the metaphor of head and body explain church growth to maturity? (16)
In Greek, verse 3 is a continuation of the previous sentence and could read in English, “…love, making every effort….” Therefore, keeping the unity of the Spirit is a part of a life worthy of one’s calling↩