Ephesians Curriculum jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 4:1-6
Teacher Study Notes:
Discussion: How can we practice humility, gentleness and patience at church and at home?
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 4:1-6
Teacher Study Notes:
- This section of verses provides a transition for what Paul has written up to this point. In a way this section and especially the first verse (Eph. 4:1) are a hinge that takes the reader in a new direction of thought. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul talks about the believers calling. His focus is mainly on God and the work of grace through salvation in Christ that He has provided to those that believe. The second half of the book starting in chapter 4 now turns and takes a practical look at the believers life and walk. Paul now helps the reader understand how to live because of what God has done on their behalf.
- Review the whole book to see the thinking in chapters 1-3 and then the change in chapters 4-6. As you read the second half of the book note the repeated word walk (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15). This shows a practical element to this letter. It would also be good to review Revelation 2:1-7 and God’s message to Ephesus as one of the seven churches. In Revelation you will note that they had left their first love. Paul takes the information that he has taught the Ephesians in chapters 1-3 and now gives it feet of application to the life of the reader. Think carefully about how walking with God will connect the believer to the person of God. Ask yourself, “How would these actions help the Ephesians keep their love for God?”
- As you think about this passage pay attention to the way that God’s grace has been used to bring the necessary changes in the lives of the Ephesians. Notice that the actions of the believer are to be ones that unite the body. The Ephesian’s foundation of unity was to be based on Christ. In Christ the different groups in the church, specifically the Jews and Gentiles, could find common ground. Think through how this could be applied to our lives today. How could the practice of humility, gentleness and patience change our life?
- Attraction of the audience to your Bible lesson with an illustration.
Bring a bottle of super glue and show it to the group. Tell of a time that you used super glue and glued more than you wanted. Perhaps you glued your two fingers together. Transition: In this lesson we will see that God provides the spiritual foundation of unity what will hold us together. - Read the Bible passage
Read the Bible passage out loud or ask someone else to read it out loud, open in prayer Make general important observations about the passage and the context
Briefly review by telling what has been presented up to this point in the book. Summarize for the group what will be covered in this section. - Examination of the Bible passage with the group
(These questions are to guide your thinking and development of your Bible lesson.) What is the therefore there for?
What is the key word or idea?
What is Paul urging the Ephesians to walk worthy of?
Define humility, gentleness and patience.
How does the practice of these bring unity? What is the significance of the word “one” in verses 4-6?
Define the seven terms that are described singularly as “one” in verses 4-6.
How does this bring unity to the body? - Application of the Bible lesson
Discussion: How can we practice humility, gentleness and patience at church and at home?
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
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