Week 4

Look Back

What steps did you take this week to share God’s love with someone in your life who needs to hear about?

Connect

Share one funny or interesting “what was I thinking” experience?

Look Up

Read Ephesians 4:1-7

1. Who is the audience that Paul is writing to? Who is he encouraging them to be patient with? What should this teach us today?
2. Which is easiest and which do you wrestle with most humility, gentleness, or patience? Why is it important we grow in each?
3. What kind of impact does unity have in the church and world?

Read Ephesians 4:11-16

1. Why do you think Paul lists several different roles? What point was he was trying to make and how does this relate to the prior verses?
2. According to v12 what's the Church’s role? What's your personal role?
3. How would you define “ Speaking the truth in love” ? When is a time when you have done this?

Read Ephesians 4:17-32

1. What does Paul say were the reasons that the Gentiles lived as they did? How would you explain this to someone today?
2. What impact did “blind spots” in thinking have on their behavior? How closely do you believe are your personal thoughts and actions? Why?
3. Paul ends the chapter with some practical “do’s” and “don'ts” - which of these is the most challenging for you right now? How can this group help you?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

Where's your blind spot? What is one area you are least least open to guidance? Who will you invite in to help you with that?

Notes

Nothing reflects the goodness of God like unity. When we are unified as one body the results are endless. In chapter 4 Paul starts there first. Remember they are a new and budding church in the midst of a very messy culture. It's in their unity that reveals God's nature to the world around them. He goes on in the second section to show that UNITY DOES NOT MEAN UNIFORMITY. We are not all the same and we all have gifts and abilities for the work of ministry. It's 4:12 that shows it is the Church's job to empower others for the work of ministry. Lastly Paul wraps it up as a reminder of life before Jesus and now life with Jesus. We all have blind spots and we all need others to speak into them and help us. Leadership tip As mentioned previously, Ephesians is a literary masterpiece. It is a book you could study for a lifetime and never fully grasp the wisdom it contains. This week there are a lot of questions, please DO NOT feel pressured to ask them all. Use what you think will land with your group and foster an engaging discussion.