Campaigners March 10, 2008- Ephesians 4:1-16:
Unity in the Body of Christ
Anyone want to take a guess at what Paul’s theme is for this reading?
someone please read: 1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Verse 1- Our lives are given to us by God and should be exciting for Him. There’s this idea that our lives should be “worthy of the calling”- can anyone share what they feel their calling is? (it doesn’t have to be a world changing idea or event… can be simple things)
Verses 2-3- What is some of the overall way that God wants us to live? How can we resemble this as high school students? Why is it so difficult to live like this day in and day out?
Someone please read the next part: 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
How does this idea of God being in and around everything make you feel?
Not only does He know everything about us, but he wants to reach out and help us. He wants to be #1 in our lives. What are some things that you put in front of God or make more important that Him?
Let’s look at this idea of “grace.” My favorite definition is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. No matter what we do, even when we don’t deserve it, God still offers us this gift…pretty sweet, ay?!
8This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." 9(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
comments/thoughts on this passage?
Despite whatever we are going through, God, who has transcended (overcome) everything still wants to come down to us and meet us and have a personal relationship with us. Remember that in our tough times!
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
God has a plan for us to do some type of job (apostle, teacher, etc). But in the end, what’s his desire for us?
By serving Him in our life while displaying what we previously talked about (being humble, loving, patient) we will grow together in our spiritual maturity. This is a way God teaches us to live more like Christ.
Let’s share some different ways we can serve so the “body of Christ can be built up?”
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
How does this describe life as a CHS student? Does this passage offer you hope? Or does it make you discouraged about life until we, as a body of believers, reach the unity in faith that Paul talks about in verse 13?
By serving God together in unity, we can all become more mature with our relationship with Him, and he will give us protection from this world when we need it. But serving God requires action! “each part (person) does its work.”
Verse15 offers one of the best lessons in life: “speak the truth in love”… what does that mean to you?
Key Takeaway: We are in this life TOGETHER and God wants us to work/live in UNITY to shine His love for all the world to see. As “Young Lifers,” what are you going to do this week to portray this?
Also, if you have some cool service project ideas or other ways you’d like to serve as a group with Young Life, please talk to Grant and/or Sara