Unity & Diversity (4:1-16)

Questions to Consider

1. Ephesians, like many of Paul’s Epistles, divides into two sections (theological and practical). Why does Paul write in this way? What purpose does each section serve?
- Generally, good behavior springs from right belief
- Theology provides the big picture
- Practical teaching provides the step by step instruction ("walk" better picture than "live")

2. What is meant by the term “calling”? What calling had they received? What calling have we received?
- Individual call? No
- Called by name of Father or Christ? No
- Called from future hope, by God in eternity? Yes, I think so (kingdom people)

3. What traits does Paul command them to have? Are these traits natural to humanity?
- Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Bearing one another in love
- These traits were contrary to the 1st century image of the ideal man

4. Is unity easy to accomplish in the church? Why?
- No, it takes great effort
- We tend to focus on the differences
- We should focus on the similarities

5. What is the meaning of the Old Testament quotation in verse 8?
- Very challenging quote of Psalm 68:18 (Paul makes alterations)

6. Why is the punctuation important in verse 12?
- Fatal comma (KJV) allowed some to think ministers alone do the work of ministry (and that only paid ministers are ministers!)

7. Should the church believe in evolution? By what means does/will it evolve?
- Evolution simply means change. The church MUST always be changing/growing in Christ-likeness.

8. What’s the risk in not balancing truth & love? Who do you know that balances these 2 things well?