SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 06-01-2019

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “The Mystery of the Church Revealed”, we learnt from Paul’s experience that God chooses whom to assign to fulfil His purpose on earth. He can change any life, no matter how sinful, to become His servant. It is all by His grace and power. Without these, all preaching or teaching would be ineffective. The conversion and incorporation of the Gentiles into the body of Christ is a privilege we must be eternally grateful for.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 725: BELIEVERS’ UNITY AND MINISTRY GIFTS MEMORY VERSE: …… “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3) TEXT: Ephesians 4:1-16

INTRODUCTION Apostle Paul uses the example of the human body to explain the unity in diversity and inter-dependence of all members in the church. Just as the body is made up of different members, and gets its strength and maturity from the unity and contribution of its different parts, so is the body of Christ. Believers should make every effort to maintain unity despite differences due to our cultural, racial or social backgrounds. QUESTION 1: Mention some symbols Paul used to describe the Christian church – Ephesians 1:23; 2:21; 4:13; 5:25

EXHORTATION TO A WORTHY WALK AND UNITY AMONG BELIEVERS Ephesians 4:1-6 As believers, we should live like Christ now that He lives in us. We walk worthy of our calling by showing the virtues of lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance and love. Genuine love for one another, including those who appear to be unlovable because they are different from us, is a must. It is this unconditional love that enables believers to maintain the unity that promotes growth.

EXHORTATION TO A WORTHY WALK AND UNITY AMONG BELIEVERS Ephesians 4:1-6 QUESTION 2: What are the marks of a worthy walk by believers? – Ephesians 4:1,2 QUESTION 3: Mention some forms of unity that are contrary to the Scripture – Judges 20:14; 2 Samuel 15:12; Genesis 11:1,4 QUESTION 4: What are the seven reasons for unity mentioned by Paul in our text? – Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 12:5,13,27; 1 John 3:2,3; Jude 3

EXPLANATION OF MINSTRY GIFTS AND THEIR PURPOSE Ephesians 4:7-12 God appointed some ministry gifts in the church for the specific purpose of growing and maturing the body of Christ. These gifts are often referred to as the five-fold ministry gifts. They are ministries and offices given to develop the members and help them discover and use their personal spiritual gifts. QUESTION 5: State the purpose of the ministry gifts in the church – Ephesians 4:12

EXPERIENCING GROWTH AND MATURITY THROUGH UNITY Ephesians 4:13-16 The ultimate purpose of God for every believer is growth and maturity in faith and in the knowledge of Him. We can achieve this when we all unite in love and stop deceiving or tearing each other down. Gifted ministers should nurture, motivate and consolidate believers in the faith. QUESTION 6a: What are the signs of spiritual immaturity? – Hebrews 5:12,13 QUESTION 6b: How can believers grow in the Lord? – 1 Peter 2:2

CONCLUSION We should make every effort to maintain unity despite our differences. This demands from us lowliness, longsuffering, forbearance and love. God has appointed ministry gifts in the church for the specific purpose of growing and maturing the body of Christ. We should not tear the body down through deceit but build it through unconditional love. Growth requires both effort and unity!