Life & How to Live It: Ephesians 3-4

According to the first few chapters of Ephesians, God has offered us an incredible purpose for life, and amazing grace to get us going on the right road.  But what comes next?  How do we live a life that measures up to this eternal plan God has for us?

Ephesians 3 speaks of the power and love of God toward us.  I think that 3:20 may well be the single most encouraging verse in the entire Bible!  Then, in 4:1, Paul turns the corner of his letter from talking about the plan of God to talking about how you and I should live every day as a part of that plan.

Click here for sermon audio & notes.

In short, the first steps we need to take are to change our attitude and to begin a process of spiritual growth in our lives.  The attitude change involves setting aside our frantic "get more, have more, be more" attitude and instead, seek humility, patience, and other virtues. (see 4:2-4)  As for spiritual growth, we are encouraged to allow our spiritual leaders to equip us and then serve faithfully alongside our fellow Christ-followers. This process of learning from leaders and serving in the "Body" (church) are, according to 4:11-16, the keys to our spiritual development. 

Action Item:

The two concepts for life change first mentioned by Paul in 4:2-16 both involve being with other Christians.  The Christian life was never meant to be a one-man show!  Sometimes our very "private" and "too busy" culture robs us of our joyful purpose in life.  Developing spiritual friendships, attending church, and joining a small group are all helpful ways to grow in your faith.

Questions to Comment On:

1. In this study, we didn't spend much time looking into the first section of chapter three, where Paul goes on a sort of "rabbit trail" to explain his own calling to reach out to the Gentiles.  What do you think about the "mystery" he speaks of?  Why do you suppose it was a "mystery?"

2. Chapter 4, verses 5-15 speak mostly about the "gifts" Jesus has given His church - apostles, pastors, teachers, etc.  Then, it notes that the function these people are supposed to fulfill are to prepare and equip God's people to do His work.  Sometimes I find that people believe pastors are "ministers" - when, in truth, the role of a pastor is to be a "preparer of ministers".  The actual "ministry" belongs to the whole congregation, not just the leaders.  Why do you suppose this misconception (that the pastor is the "minister") is so widespread?

According to the first few chapters of Ephesians, God has offered us an incredible purpose for life, and amazing grace to get us going on the right road.  But what comes next?  How do we live a life that measures up to this eternal plan God has for us?

Ephesians 3 speaks of the power and love of God toward us.  I think that 3:20 may well be the single most encouraging verse in the entire Bible!  Then, in 4:1, Paul turns the corner of his letter from talking about the plan of God to talking about how you and I should live every day as a part of that plan.

Click here for sermon audio & notes.

In short, the first steps we need to take are to change our attitude and to begin a process of spiritual growth in our lives.  The attitude change involves setting aside our frantic "get more, have more, be more" attitude and instead, seek humility, patience, and other virtues. (see 4:2-4)  As for spiritual growth, we are encouraged to allow our spiritual leaders to equip us and then serve faithfully alongside our fellow Christ-followers. This process of learning from leaders and serving in the "Body" (church) are, according to 4:11-16, the keys to our spiritual development. 

Action Item:

The two concepts for life change first mentioned by Paul in 4:2-16 both involve being with other Christians.  The Christian life was never meant to be a one-man show!  Sometimes our very "private" and "too busy" culture robs us of our joyful purpose in life.  Developing spiritual friendships, attending church, and joining a small group are all helpful ways to grow in your faith.

Questions to Comment On:

1. In this study, we didn't spend much time looking into the first section of chapter three, where Paul goes on a sort of "rabbit trail" to explain his own calling to reach out to the Gentiles.  What do you think about the "mystery" he speaks of?  Why do you suppose it was a "mystery?"

2. Chapter 4, verses 5-15 speak mostly about the "gifts" Jesus has given His church - apostles, pastors, teachers, etc.  Then, it notes that the function these people are supposed to fulfill are to prepare and equip God's people to do His work.  Sometimes I find that people believe pastors are "ministers" - when, in truth, the role of a pastor is to be a "preparer of ministers".  The actual "ministry" belongs to the whole congregation, not just the leaders.  Why do you suppose this misconception (that the pastor is the "minister") is so widespread?