College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Ephesians 4 - Introduction
THE SECOND HALF OF EPHESIANS
The second half of Ephesians is mostly exhortation to us to fulfill our DUTIES in the church. There are some passages of doctrine included (for example, Ephesians 5:25-32), but it is primarily an exhortation to duties.
The first three Chapter s told of the glorious DOCTRINES of the church: our priceless blessings, the marvelous mystery of Christ, and other doctrines.
It is never enough merely to know and believe the doctrines of the church. We must obey and live by that which we learn. Paul, after telling us of the doctrines of the church at length, now says, Therefore, and goes on to exhort us to do certain things. Ours is a therefore religion. God has given us many favors. THEREFORE we have certain responsibilities in return.
Previewing in Outline Form (Ephesians 4:1-32; Ephesians 5:1-33; Ephesians 6:1-20)
II.
DUTIES Ephesians 4:1-32; Ephesians 5:1-33; Ephesians 6:1-20.
A.
Keep the unity of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:1-16.
1.
Walk worthily of your calling. Ephesians 4:1-3.
2.
Unity of the Spirit described. Ephesians 4:4-6.
3.
Unity is served by a diversity of gifts. Ephesians 4:7-16.
B.
Walk as becometh saints. Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-20.
1.
Walk not as the Gentiles walk. Ephesians 4:17-24.
2.
Seven practical exhortations. Ephesians 4:25-32; Ephesians 5:1-2.
3.
Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:3-14.
4.
Walk as wise men. Ephesians 5:15-20.
C.
Subject yourselves one to another. Ephesians 5:21-33; Ephesians 6:1-9.
1.
The command. Ephesians 5:21.
2.
Wives and husbands. Ephesians 5:22-33.
3.
Children and fathers. Ephesians 6:1-4.
4.
Slaves and masters. Ephesians 6:5-9.
D.
Put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-20.
1.
Exhortation to be strengthened. Ephesians 6:10-13.
2.
The armor described. Ephesians 6:14-17.
3.
Exhortation to prayer. Ephesians 6:18-20.
Fact Questions
177.
What is the word that describes the contents of the second half of Ephesians?
178.
What are the four duties (A, B, C, D) listed in the outline? Give the Scripture limitations of each.
EPHESIANS FOUR
DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERES
1.
KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT; Ephesians 4:1-16
a.
WALK WORTHILY, Ephesians 4:1-3
b.
UNITY OF THE SPIRIT CONSISTS OF ONE BODY, SPIRIT, HOPE, LORD, FAITH, BAPTISM, GOD; Ephesians 4:4-6
c.
UNITY AIDED BY A DIVERSITY OF GIFTS, Ephesians 4:7-16
2.
WALK AS BECOMETH SAINTS: Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-20
a.
WALK NOT AS GENTILES WALK
(1)
GENTILE WALK, Ephesians 4:17-19
(2)
CHRISTIAN WALK, Ephesians 4:20-24
b.
PRACTICAL EXHORTATIONS, Ephesians 4:25-32; Ephesians 5:1-2
NO UNITY POSSIBLE
UNLESS BOUND
TOGETHER BY
PEACE!
Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Keep the
unity of the
Spirit in the
bond of peace.