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Ephesians Study 7 - Unity and Uniqueness Ephesians 4:1-16

7 Unity and Uniqueness Ephesians 4:1–16


Purpose: To see the place of unity and of unique gifts in the body of Christ. To see how God's specific gifting of the church equips us to grow.


While Ephesians 1–3 provides a doctrinal foundation, Ephesians 4–6 shows in practical detail how to give glory to God in the church. Paul now considers the quality of life that God calls believers to individually and in the fellowship of Christ's church.


1.  “To have unity we must all be uniform.” Explain why you do or do not agree with this statement.




2.  Read Ephesians 4:1–16. How do you think the "therefore" (or the “then”) may be significant to understanding this command? According to Ephesians 1–3, what is the calling to which they have been called?




3.  What are the characteristics of a life that is worthy of our calling (vv. 1–3)?




4.  Why are these virtues so important for maintaining unity?




5.  Which qualities help you foster unity with others? Which do you still need to work on?




6.  We are commanded to keep the unity of the Spirit. But Paul also says we already have one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all. If we are already one, then why must Paul also command us to be one?


How do these seven “ones” contribute to actually living out true unity?



7.  In verses 8–10 Christ is compared to a conquering hero whose triumphal procession fills “the whole universe,” from the highest heaven to the lowest earth. He then generously distributes gifts (the spoils of victory) to his loyal followers. What is the nature and purpose of these gifts (vv. 11–13)?







8.  How has God gifted you and others in this group?






9.  What are the purposes accomplished by different gifts described in 4:11–13?
(Spiritual gifts, roles of service, like pastor/teachers are given to build up the body of Christ.)



10.  How does spiritual infancy differ from spiritual maturity (vv. 14–16)?




11.  What winds and waves are blowing and tossing the church today? You personally?




12.  While 4:1–6 sets forth the unity we have as believers, 4:7–11 describes our uniqueness through the individual gifts we have received. How does Paul's explanation of the proper function and goal of these gifts bring us right back to the opening theme of Ephesians 4?




13.  In verse 16 Paul says that the body “grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” What steps do you need to take to more fully work toward this goal?
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