Be Kind to One Another

One Another
Written By Drew Kizer

Ephesians

OPENING THOUGHT

Ephesians is unique in its emphasis on the unity found in Jesus Christ: “For he himself is our peace, who has made both one” (2:14; cf. 2:16; 4:4). The cross doesn’t just bring peace with God, it also makes peace among members of the church, Christ’s body. There is no relationship to Jesus Christ which does not also include fellowship with others (cf. 1 John 1:7).

More than a dozen times in the letter to the Ephesians Paul uses words that show a church designed to work together, words like “together,” “our,” “us,” and “one.” The common thread holding us together is the gospel. Only the cross is powerful enough to break down walls and create peace.

EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

Ephesians 2:11-22

  • How does Paul describe the division that exists before Christ in vv. 11-12? What groups does he specifically address? Can these words apply to other divisions?

  • How does the cross draw all people together and set them on an equal footing?

  • In Ephesians 1:22-23 Paul pictures the church as the body of Christ. How does he picture the church in 2:21? How does this image symbolize unity?

  • What modern “walls” need to be torn down by the cross today?

Ephesians 4:1-16

  • Among the commands given at the top of the chapter, Paul says, “Bear with one another in love” (v. 2). Is Christian unity easy?

  • Discuss the meaning of each of the seven “ones” in 4:4-6.

  • The “grace” in 2:7 refers to the gifts God distributes to Christians. Does unity mean we are all the same? Is there unity in diversity? How does this work? (cf. Rom. 12:4-8).

  • Why did God give the different leadership positions to the church listed in 4:11-12? Are leaders supposed to do all the work? What is their responsibility in relation to the rest of the saints?

  • What does it mean to “speak the truth in love” (4:15)?

  • How does the church “build itself up in love” (4:16)?

Ephesians 4:25-32

  • Paul commands us to “speak the truth” because we are “members one of another” (4:25). Why should Christians trust one another?

  • What opportunities does anger give the devil? (4:26-27).

  • What is the purpose of honest work according to 4:28?

  • How should we use our words according to 4:29?

  • One has said, “There is so much in Christianity that is good but unkind.” Do you agree?

  • Paul says we must forgive “as God in Christ forgave you” (4:32). How does this change the way we think about forgiveness?

Drew Kizer
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Bear One Another’s Burdens