The lesson coming up for this Sunday is a continuation of last week in Ephesians 4 starting in verse 5. Please re-read verses 1 to 4 to and then start in verse 5.
Read verse 5 to 13.
What is the main item you are taking away from this reading?
Verse 5 starts the second trio of unities related to the "one Lord" or master to which all Christians owe their allegiance. The three expressions may well be intended to convey a single idea. Certainly Christ is central. He is the sole Head of His body the Church.
Is Christ the head of your family? How do others (including those in your family) see that He is?
Lock points out in his book that the "one faith" here is "one allegiance and one profession of alligiance" One faith in the One Lord unites all true believers.
What does it mean to have faith in one Lord?
If you have faith in one Lord what other "lord's" do you give up?
Why would faith unite the body of believers?
"One Baptism" is the external seal of incorporation into the body of Christ. It is the first 'official' sign of obediance that we show externally to others of the internal change Christ caused in us. It shows our unity of being buried and raised by Christ. Baptism is one because it makes one. It provides the evidence that all Christians, without discrimination as to color, race, sex, age, or class, share the grace of Christ. Paul does not mention the other dominical sacrament, that of hte Lord's supper (1 Cor 10:17) probably because he regards the eucharist not as a prerequisite of unity but an expression of it.
What (v 6) does it mean to be the Father over all? Who is he talking about when Paul says the Father is in all?
Verse 7 - What does it mean that grace is apportioned?
In Verse 7 Paul switches from the Church in totality to the individual ("each one of us"). Within the body of Christ each member enjoys a share of God's grace. As in Ephesians 3:2, it is equipping rather than saving grace that Paul describes. Charis (grace) here is not equated with Charism (grace-gift), but denotes the grace provided for and manifested in the gift. The distribution of grace, and so the distribution of grace-gifts, is in Christ's own hands and apportioned as He decides.
Why is it significant that Christ gives each of us different gifts?
What do you see in verse 8 to 13 that relates to YOU?
Pray through verse 8 to 13 and ask your spouse what they think the significance of these verses are to you personally.
How does verse 13 compliment or conflict with chapter 3 verse 10 and chapter 3 verse 19?
Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday. Have a great week!
Andy
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