Ephesians 4:17-32

Personal Observations:

(Cut and Paste observations to points of discussion when beginning outline)

v. 17, “So this I say...” Paul’s proceeding instruction is contextualized by the preservation of unity in the body.

v. 17, This is not just Paul instructing, but this is an expectation from the Lord Himself.

v. 17-19, The Ephesians are to not walk in the ways of their countrymen.

How does Paul describe the spiritual condition of the Gentiles?

They walk in the futility of their minds, v. 17

Their understanding is darkened, v. 18

They are excluded from the life of God because of their ignorance, v. 18

This ignorance is sourced from a hard heart, v. 18

They have become callous (greek?), v. 19

They have given themselves to sensuality (greek?), v. 19

This is connected to every kind of impurity with greediness (look at commentaries), v. 19

v. 20-21, This lifestyle of sin is absolutely contrary to the way of Christ; they did not learn Christ in this way, if they truly have heard Him and been taught in Him

v. 21, note, HEARD HIM, not heard ABOUT Him & taught IN HIM, not taught ABOUT Him. (search for significance about this)

v. 22, why does Paul say, “you lay aside the old self, WHICH IS BEING CORRUPTED in accordance with the lusts of deceit...”?

v. 23-24, investigate sentence formation, it is confusing.

v. 23-24, In not walking like their country men, the Ephesians, in the renewal of their minds, are to “put on” the new self (look up “put on” in Greek)

v. 24, this new self is a reflection of God; it was created in righteousness and holiness of the truth

v. 25-32, Paul proceeds to give at least seven distinct instructions in regards to what it looks like to have abandoned the old and put on the new

Speak truthful with each other, v. 25

In quoting , the Ephesians are called to resolve their anger with each other, Paul even noting that in doing so, they take away “an opportunity” from the devil, v. 26-27 (What opportunity is Paul talking about?)

Stop stealing and go work; work so that you can have something to share with another in need, v. 28

Let only words of edification come from your lips (at the right time) to provide grace to those who hear, guarding yourself from unwholesome speech, v. 29

Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit (investigate this more), v. 30

Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor(?), slander, and all malice (note, in v. 26, Paul says be angry and don’t sin, this verse says put it away, how do you reconcile these two passages?), v. 31

Be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to each other, just as God IN Christ has also forgiven you, v. 32

Subject: What am I talking about?

ex. “Why is unity central to the Church?”

Complement: What exactly am I saying about what I’m talking about?

ex. Spiritual unity in the Church is a reflection of the oneness spread into every facet of the relationship between God and His people.

The Big Idea:

ex. Spiritual unity is central to the Church because it is a reflection of God’s relationship with His People.

Prayer Requests & Praise Reports

Intro:

Point 1 (v. -)

Point 2 (v. -)

Point 3 (v. -)

Point 1 (v. -)

Point 2 (v. -)

Point 3 (v. -)