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Category Archives: Discipleship

From Futility to Fullness

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This is the sixth lesson in an online Bible study through the book of Ephesians. The entire lesson is posted below. You can read it here and answer the questions in a journal or you can download the PDF or Word Doc and print a hard copy. Either way, I would love for all of you to interact with me and each other in the comments section of this blog page. Post insights, ask questions, and discuss the lesson. Let’s get started

During my teenage years I struggled on the edges of bulimia. By God’s grace it did not take me under, but I did exhibit much of the typical behavior common to bulimia such as binging and purging. My “purging” was in the form of excessive exercise and going for days without eating anything.

Like any young woman who suffers from anorexia or bulimia I believed I needed to lose weight – even after my periods stopped. When I looked in the mirror I saw hips and thighs that did not look like the models’ in the magazine. I wanted to look like them. My thoughts had conformed to the ways of the world and those thoughts – even though they were wrong – dictated my behavior.

The way we think dictates our behavior. If we think like the world we will act like the world in all its futility. But if we adjust our thinking to God’s will and way we will begin to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13, NIV).

Hardness or Holiness

Read Ephesians 4:17-19.  How does Paul describe worldly thinking (like the “Gentiles”)? Check all that apply:

  • Futile
  • Lacks understanding
  • Ignorant

What is the result of this kind of thinking?

Read Ephesians 4:20-24. What is the result of thinking in accordance with God’s truth?

“To be made new” or to “renew” in Ephesians 4:23 is the Greek word ananeoo. Here’s the definition from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words:

The “renewal” here mentioned is not that of the mind itself in its natural powers of memory, judgment and perception, but “the spirit of the mind,” which, under the controlling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, directs its bent and energies Godward in the enjoyment of “fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ,” and of the fulfillment of the will of God.

Read Romans 12:1-2. According to Paul in verse 2, what will be the result of the “renewing of our minds”?

In the first eleven chapters of Romans, Paul systematically presents the great salvation we have in Christ. Now here in 12:1 he says “therefore.” Because of everything God has done for us, since Christ paid our debt on the cross, our proper response is full submission to God and His will. This submission, which Paul describes as a “living sacrifice,” will result in two things:

  1. We will no longer conform to the world and its ways.
  2. We will be transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29) through the renewal of our minds.

The English word, “transformed” is translated from the Greek word metamorphoo. Metamorphoo refers to a change of condition and form. This is a continual process, not a one-time event. It is an ongoing renunciation of the world and its ways and a renewal to God’s thinking and ways. We must continually reject the world’s ways, constantly checking to see if our thoughts, attitudes and behaviors measure up to the pattern of Christ.

The more our thinking is renewed to be like the way God thinks, the easier it will be for us to see and understand God’s plan and ways, His design for things. It will become easier and easier to walk in His will.

Keep in mind, we can only do so much to change our thinking. We can fill our minds with God’s truth and fight the lies of the world, but only the Holy Spirit can bring real spiritual transformation. He is the agent of both our rebirth and our renewal (see Titus 3:5).

Right Thinking Leads to Right Relationships

In both the Romans and Ephesians passages we read, Paul clearly taught the general truth that right thinking fosters holiness and Christ-likeness. Now, beginning in Ephesians 4:25, Paul gets specific. He contrasts some particular futile behavior with particular Christ-like behavior.

Read Ephesians 4:25-32 and 5:1-7. As you read, fill in the table below. On the left side, list all the worldly characteristics that Paul says we must “put off.” On the right, list all the holy characteristics we must “put on.” 

PUT OFF PUT ON

Did you notice how Paul’s teaching in these verses center around how we should treat our fellow Christians? In last week’s lesson we learned that God commands His children to love each other like He loves us. This table we just filled out is a practical profile of what loving behavior should – and shouldn’t – look like.

Compare the profile on the left to the profile on the right. Which type of person would find the most fulfillment and joy living in the body of Christ? Why?

We covered an awful lot of ground in the last two questions. I want to go back and highlight one particular verse.

Read Ephesians 4:29 and write it below.

The Greek adjective translated as “unwholesome” or “corrupt” literally means “rotten or putrefied.” It refers to language that is itself rotten or that spreads rottenness.

Instead of spreading rottenness, what should our speech accomplish? How can this verse serve as a guide for our own speech?

Now look back at the table you completed. Underline or highlight everything that has to do with our mouths, the way we talk, or what we say.

Did that exercise impact you with the magnitude of the need to carefully watch your tongue? If not, go back and do it again! If you still aren’t convinced, read James 3:1-12.

Step into the Light

Read Ephesians 5:8-20.

The Bible repeatedly uses “darkness” and “light” to represent sin and holiness, the things of the world and the things of God, the realm of Satan and the Kingdom of God. Jesus declared Himself to be “the light of the world” (John 8:12) and the Apostle John wrote that “God is light; in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

Several times in Ephesians, Paul has contrasted his readers’ life before Christ with their life in Christ. Now he does it again using this familiar motif of darkness and light. Because God has brought the Ephesians out of the darkness and into the light, they should “live as children of light.”

List all the direct commands you find in this passage. (Depending on how you break down the sentences you may find as many as 13!)

Yes, Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12). And He calls those of us who belong to Him to reflect His light in the dark world.

You are the light of the world… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14a, 16)

This week we’ve seen a very clear picture of what God expects of His children. How are you doing? What are your areas of strength? Weaknesses?

Here’s some ways we can interact this week:

  1. Respond to any of today’s questions in the comment section of this post. Share insights, ask questions, or simply praise our God.
  2. Share ways the rest of the group can pray for you. If you see a request, feel free to post a prayer. That way we can all pray for each other this week.
  3. I’d love to know if you accepted last week’s challenge and encouraged someone!

Weekly Challenge

(Each week, in addition to the weekly lesson, I will provide an opportunity – for those who have the time and desire – to go a little deeper. If you are unable to do this, please don’t worry, but if you can, take the plunge!)

Memorize Ephesians 4:29 this week. Then find a situation in which you can actively practice it! I’d love to know how you “built others up according to their needs” with your words!

Love, Service, and Maturity – Ephesians 4:1-16

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This is the fifth lesson in an online Bible study through the book of Ephesians. The entire lesson is posted below. You can read it here and answer the questions in a journal or you can download thePDF or Word Doc and print a hard copy. Either way, I would love for all of you to interact with me and each other in the comments section of this blog page. Post insights, ask questions, and discuss the lesson. Let’s get started!

 

You received something special in the mail today. The postmark reads “London, England.” The heavy linen paper smells faintly of lilac. Inside the first envelope is a second and your name is written in calligraphy across the front. Tucked inside is a gold-embossed invitation. Underneath the sheer vellum covering it reads:

 You are cordially invited to Tea

Buckingham Palace

Saturday, February 25, 2012

4 o’clock in the afternoon

Her Royal Majesty

Queen Elizabeth II

(Right now you’re thinking this is silly, but play along for just a moment. I promise there’s a point.)

After you accepted the invitation and booked your plane reservations what would you do? Perhaps you’d go shopping for something “appropriate” – maybe even a hat and gloves! Then you might do a little research about how to greet the queen and how to address her. I discovered that a curtsey is the traditional greeting for a woman. “Your Majesty” is the correct first response and then “ma’am” is sufficient every time after that.

If I were invited to tea with the Queen of England I would do everything possible to dress, speak, and act in a way that was worthy of the occasion and the company. I’m sure you would too.

Yet, we’ve received an invitation far greater than an afternoon at Buckingham Palace and we don’t always respond in a worthy manner. Our Creator has invited us to join Him in heaven for eternity. What’s our response?

Called to Love

Read Ephesians 4:1-3 and fill in the blanks.

Live a life _______________ of the ___________________ you’ve received.

In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul beautifully describes our great salvation. This is the “calling” (or “vocation” in the KJV) he refers to in 4:1. Our “calling” is our invitation from God to partake of the divine blessings of redemption. If you have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ you have received this calling.

Paul’s encouragement to live a life worthy of the One who saved us is not merely a suggestion or recommendation. The Greek word translated as “urge” is a serious appeal. Paul pleads with the Ephesians – and with us – to live the kind of life that adequately reflects what God has done for us. Since God has saved us from eternal destruction our lives should show it.

In verse two Paul mentions four character traits that will be displayed in a “worthy” life. Next to each one listed below, write the antonym of that trait.

Humility:

Gentleness:

Patience expressed in forbearance:

Love:

How will exhibiting these positive traits help us maintain peace and unity with other Christians (vs 3)? What would happen if we displayed their antonyms instead?

The Greek word translated as “love” in verse two is agape. Agape is the kind of love God has for His Son – and for us. It is love expressed in deliberate action and God set the example.

But demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8. NIV

Agape seeks the welfare of others. It is not based on fickle emotions, but on an act of the will. It is not dependent on the character of the object of love, but on the character of the giver.

Why is the truth that God’s love for us is based on His choice and character important?

Read John 13:34-35. What did Jesus command us to do and why?(Note: “Love” in this passage is “agape.”)

Why does agape expressed in the church have such an impact on the world?

Unity Modeled in the Trinity

Read Ephesians 4:4-6. How many times does Paul use the word “one?”

Paul moves from urging us to unity with each other in verse three to highlighting the unity of our Trinitarian God in verses 4 to 6. Biblical scholars believe Paul based these three verses on a creed of the early church. This creed teaches us important truths about God:

  • The unity of the church reflects the unity of the Father, Son, and Spirit.
  • The same Spirit indwells each believer, each local church, and the universal church.
  • The presence of the Spirit connects believers to each other and makes unity possible.
  • All believers are unified by faith in the same Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
  • Water baptism identifies believers with Christ and each other.
  • The same Father reigns with sovereignty over all and in all.

Gifts for Service

Read Ephesians 4:7-13.

Paul now moves from the unity of the body to the unique place of service for each individual believer within the body. The church – the body of Christ – is a living, breathing entity. Yes, unity is vital, but unity does not release the individual from obeying His God-given role. God gifts us for and calls us to a specific function. God’s goal in this is to maintain the health of the body and carry out His purposes in the world.

Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 to emphasize the truth that Christ gives gifts to people. The ascended, exalted Christ not only fills the entire universe with His authority and power, He also fills His people with the ability to serve Him.

Based on Ephesians 4:7 & 11 who chooses and distributes spiritual gifts to believers?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. According to verse 7 why are individual believers given spiritual gifts?

Note: Here in Ephesians 4 Paul attributes our spiritual gifts to Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 12 he calls them a “manifestation of the Spirit.” This is not a conflict but rather another testimony to the unity of the Godhead!

God gives specific spiritual gifts to individual believers in order for that believer to serve others. My gifts are not for me. Your gifts are not for you. Let’s see how God wants to use them.

Read Ephesians 4:11-16. List below every purpose for our gifts you can find in these verses.

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Paul’s beautiful portrait of the body of Christ teaches rich truth about the church and God’s role for us in it.

Did you catch God’s vision for the community of believers? We cannot be “independent” Christians. When God saved us He saved us into His family, into a community of faith. We cannot be everything God wants us to be apart from a vital connection to a local church. Our local church cannot attain “to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” unless we are fulfilling our God-given and God-gifted role in the body.

Has this week’s lesson expanded or changed your understanding of the church? If so, how?

Here’s some ways we can interact this week:

  1. Respond to any of today’s questions in the comment section of this post. Share insights, ask questions, or simply praise our God.
  2. Share ways the rest of the group can pray for you. If you see a request, feel free to post a prayer. That way we can all pray for each other this week.
  3. I’d love to know if you accepted last week’s challenge and encouraged someone!

 Weekly Challenge

(Each week, in addition to the weekly lesson, I will provide an opportunity – for those who have the time and desire – to go a little deeper. If you are unable to do this, please don’t worry, but if you can, take the plunge!)

Prayerfully reflect on your place of service in the local church. Are you fulfilling the role God designed for you? Maybe you’ve let the busyness of life keep you from obeying God’s call. Perhaps you’re doing too much and taking someone else’s place of service. Ask God to show His specific place or places of service then step out in obedience.

Monday Minute in the Word – First to serve or be served?

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There’s no better way to start the week than by filling up with God’s Word. So each Monday morning join me here to take a brief, but reflective look into a passage of Scripture. 

Our society is obsessed with fame and notoriety. The glut of reality television shows and the celebrity of non-celebrities like the Kardashians well demonstrate this sad truth. We want to be known. We want to be first. We want to win. We want to have.

As Christians, we must purposefully work to not be affected by this mentality. One way to do that is by constantly immersing ourselves in the truth of Scripture. Let’s take a look at what Jesus said about it:

20Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

21 “What is it you want?” he asked.

   She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

   “We can,” they answered.

23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:20-28, NIV

The desire to “be somebody” is not new. Even the woman who gave birth to James and John was a stage mother who petitioned Jesus to gain special status for her sons. Jesus’ response resonates as loudly today as it did in the first century. Jesus also modeled the character He wants us to have. Humble service. Giving instead of taking. Stepping back when others would step forward.

Is there some area of your life where you are seeking to be served rather than serve?

What attitudes and behaviors does God want you to evaluate and change?

 

Powerful Prayer – Ephesians 1:15-23

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This is the third lesson for an online Bible study through the book of Ephesians. The entire lesson is posted below. You can read it here and answer the questions in a journal or you can download the PDF or Word Doc and print a hard copy. Either way, I would love for all of you to interact with me and each other in the comments section of this blog page. Post insights, ask questions, and discuss the lesson. Let’s get started!

I love technology. I have a laptop, an iPad, an iPhone, and a Kindle. There is no end to the wonders I can perform with these four marvelous tools. With my iPhone alone I can remotely turn on my porch lights, record my favorite television show, and never again lose my car in a parking garage.

The power to do all that and more is in the palm of my hand. Just one problem: My knowledge of how to do it is limited. I can do a lot with these tools – in fact, I’ve even taught others who know less than me. But I still have much to learn before I will be using these devices at their full potential.

The Christian life is similar. Last week we learned that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. As Peter put it, we have everything we need for life and godliness. All this is available to us through the presence of the Holy Spirit. But have we learned how to stand on, rest in, and apply these blessings to our lives?

In the passage we studied last week (1:1-14), Paul beautifully elaborated on the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Then, beginning in verse 15, Paul shifts from praising God for what He has done into thanking God for his readers and interceding with the Father on their behalf.

Paul’s Prayer

Read Ephesians 1:15-23.

When Paul wrote this letter, it had been at least five years since he had seen the believers in Ephesus, but he had heard wonderful reports about their faith. Their continued growth encouraged him and fostered thanksgiving. In turn, Paul encouraged them with his letter and prayers for them. Paul’s relationship with the believers in Ephesus demonstrates that God designed our faith to be relational. He never meant for us to be lone Christians! We see this truth all throughout Scripture and will look at it more closely later in this study.

These believers had “every spiritual blessing” and strong faith in Christ, yet Paul still prayed for them. Why? Although the full power of the Holy Spirit resided within them, they had not accessed everything God had already made available. They still had some growing and learning to do. It sounds just like me! How about you?

Look back at verses 15-23. Make a list of the specific things Paul prayed for the believers in Ephesus. Focus on verses 17-19.

One thing that helped me see the heart of Paul’s requests for the Ephesians was to temporarily take away the descriptive words and phrases. Here’s what I ended up with:

I pray God will give you insight and discernment so you will grow in your knowledge of Him. I pray God will help you understand: 1) the hope to which He has called you; 2) the riches of your eternal inheritance; and 3) the resurrection power that is available to believers.

Before we take a brief look at each of these, let’s recall how this “insight, discernment, and understanding” is possible. To do that, we’ll take a quick detour to two of Paul’s other letters.

Read Romans 8:9-10. Who lives within every believer?

Read 1 Corinthians 2:9-16. How are believers able to understand spiritual things? How is it possible for believers to grow in their personal knowledge of God?

Growing in Knowledge and Understanding

Now that we’ve confirmed that God is able to answer these prayers through the presence of the Holy Spirit, let’s get back to Paul’s requests. First, Paul prayed that the Ephesian believers would grow in their knowledge of God. The Greek word translated as “know” in the NIV and “knowledge” in the ESV is epignosis. It refers to the “fullness of knowledge acquired through personal acquaintance.”

What’s the difference between knowing about someone and knowing them personally?

What are some things you are purposefully doing to get to know God better? Is there something else you could be doing to experience God, His character, and His ways?

Next, Paul prayed that the Ephesians would grow in their understanding of three specific things. He asked God to help them understand the present benefits of their salvation in Christ, their future inheritance as children of God, and the power that made both possible.

The Greek word translated as “calling” or “called” in verse 18 is “used especially of God’s invitation to man to accept the benefits of salvation” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words). Paul uses the same word in Ephesians 4:1 to refer to our current earthly life. Our relationship with God gives hope for this life, not just the next.

In what ways have you experienced God’s blessings in this life? How does your relationship with God give you hope for today?

Read Titus 3:7, Matthew 25:34, and Galatians 3:26-4:7. Compare these passages to Ephesians 1:5 and 18. These passages help us understand the nature of our “future inheritance.” Check all of the following statements that accurately reflect the teaching of these passages.

___Those God saves become His child and Jesus’ sibling and co-heir.

___God’s heirs will inherit eternal life.

___God’s heirs will share in His Kingdom.

___Each of God’s heirs are on equal standing with all God’s children.

___God’s heirs are Abraham’s seed, children of promise.

___God’s heirs also receive the Spirit of His Son.

Are you reeling yet from the enormity of all God’s promises? If you’re still on your feet – or in your chair – the impact of this next truth should take care of that.

Resurrection Power

Reread Ephesians 1:19-20. What miracle does Paul say was accomplished by the same power that is working inside believers?

Did you tremble when you answered that question? The exact same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead and gave Him authority over all things is the exact same power that is available to believers today!

Believer, what area of your life needs to experience this power today? Are you facing an overwhelming challenge? Does some stronghold have a stranglehold on you? Has God called you to a task, ministry, or area of service for which you feel inadequate? If so, write that below.

Considering the “incomparably great power for us who believe,” how can God work in the area of your life you wrote above?

As Paul ended his prayer in chapter one, he reflected on the power and position of Christ. We serve a Savior who has both the power and authority to rule and reign!

Reread Ephesians 1:20-23. Rewrite these glorious truths about Jesus in your own words.

Here’s two ways we can interact with each other this week:

  1. Respond to any of today’s questions in the comment section of this post. Share insights, ask questions, or simply praise our God.
  2. Share ways the rest of the group can pray for you. If you see a request, feel free to post a prayer. That way we can all pray for each other this week.
  3. Wait! One more thing! I’d also like to know if you accepted last week’s challenge and memorized Ephesians 1:3.

Weekly Challenge

(Each week, in addition to the weekly lesson, I will provide an opportunity – for those who have the time and desire – to go a little deeper. If you are unable to do this, please don’t worry, but if you can, take the plunge!)

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians can help us pray for ourselves and others. When we pray Scripture, we can be assured we are praying in God’s will! Print a hard copy of Ephesians 1:15-23. Put it in your Bible or where you have your quiet time. Use it this week to pray for others.

Saran Wrap for the Soul

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Public toilets are a necessary evil. “Evil,” because many are less than clean. “Necessary,” because I need them frequently.

Thankfully, my mother taught me the fine art of hovering when I was still a young girl. This skill has served me well and I have perfected it. I can get close enough to prevent splashing and still avoid actually touching the toilet seat.

Recently I saw an amazing new feature on a public toilet. If it catches on, my “hovering” muscles may atrophy. I had just gotten off a plane in New Orleans, hustled to the ladies room, and hurried into the stall. Prepared to “take the stance,” something unusual caught my eye.

Clean, clear plastic covered the toilet seat. The writing on the back of the toilet read: “Before use, wave hand in front of green wall mounted sensor or press green button for fresh sanitary seat cover. Stops automatically.”

So, I waved my hand and like magic the plastic scooted away and fresh plastic took its place over the seat. Then I confidently took care of business. No hovering muscles required.

That toilet seat was truly protected. The plastic covering guarded it from all kinds of outside evil. Constant protection produces constant clean. The person who thought this up is a genius.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could cover our souls with plastic wrap? It’s a big, bad world out there. Temptation constantly bombards us. Sometimes we turn away and stand firm in obedience to God. Other times, we hover too close. Instead of running we allow ourselves to be “dragged away and enticed” (James 1:14), yielding to temptation and falling headlong into sin.

In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

Proverbs 22:5, NIV

Unprotected souls are easy prey for Satan’s schemes and our own sinful desires. But when we keep constant guard over our hearts and minds we protect ourselves from many pitfalls. Know your weaknesses and take measures to guard against them. Be aware of the areas where you are apt to fall and avoid those things. Cover your soul with Saran Wrap.

What are some areas of weakness for you? What measures can you take to protect yourself from temptation?