GLENN O'NEAL, M.A., Instructor, Dept, of Speech, Biola Bible Collegi
the formation of one body, v. 4. A ll Chris tians share the same essentials, w . 5,6: One Saviour, one faith, one baptism and one fellowship with God. 2. Realize God’s specific gifts for the car rying out of His purposes, w . 7-15. a. The gifts named, v. 11: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. b. Source of gifts: Jesus Christ, v. 8. c. Reason for the gifts: God’s grace, v. 7. d. Power which makes gifts available to man, w . 9,10 (Ascension). e. Reason for the gifts, w . 12-15: (1) Spiritual growth of Christians, v. 12. (2) Better knowledge of Christ, v. 13. (3) Steadfastness in the Christian faith, v. 14. (4) Demonstrating love and truth in actions toward others, v. 15. — J.M . P r e sen c e and P ow e r o f Christ Eph. 4:17-32 Christians should live in a different manner from unbelievers because: A. The hindrances that bind the unre generate have been broken, w . 17-22. 1. They are separated from God, v. 18. 2. They are blind to His plan and purpose, v. 18. a. Blindness always necessitates a certain amount of ignorance. b. They cannot understand—how can they know anything? 3. Their consciences no longer func tion with any degree of sensitivity, w . 19,22. a. They live in great sin. b. They desire even more sin. 4. The way of those in Christ is the opposite of all this, w . 17,20,21. B. They have a new Power within which enables them to live differently, w . 23-32. 1. It is a new Presence, not a renewal of an old nature, v. 23. 2. The new Presence is righteous and truly holy, v. 24. 3. The new Presence demands a new manner of life, w . 25-29. a. Truthfulness, v. 25. b. Peacefulness and love toward one another, v. 26. c. Steadfastness in testimony, v. 27. d. Honesty, v. 28. e. Giving, v. 28. f. Controlled tongue, v. 29. g. Controlled life, v. 30. h. Conformity to example set by Christ, v. 32.
A M an Thrilled W ith Serving God Eph. 3 What are the essentials to becoming thrilled with serving God? 1. Recognition of our privilege. a. A place in life that only God can fill, v. 2. b. God has revealed Himself, Gal. 1:12, 15,16. c. The dispensation of the grace of God, w . 2-5. 2. Application of the truths to yourself. a. Humility, v. 8. b. Submission to position and circum stance as the “prisoner of Jesus Christ,” v. 1. 3. Recognition of our privilege and re sponsibility to others. a. Called to serve God, v. 8b. b. Messages that give hope to others. (1) Salvation, v. 9. (2) Eternal purpose, v. 11. c. Resources for fulfilling this respond sibility, v. 12. The E x c eed in g Abundantlg A b o v e Eph. 3:13-21 1. We get so satisfied expecting the ordi nary. 2. God wants to do the extraordinary, v. 20 . 3. Convinced we have people here who are hungry for a great stirring. How you can determine the power that is working in you: a. The measure you are overcoming sin. b. Notice battle is fought on the inside. c. Spirit of God is given to subdue these things. 4. Measure of constant fellowship with Christ, v. 17. a. Williams— “permanent home in your hearts.” Only one place fitting for Him to occupy—Lord of your life. b. Desire to praise Christ. c. Willingness to be crucified for Christ’s sake. d. Love the things that Christ loves. e. Have as your goal to know Christ better. Spiritual M a tu ritg Eph. 4:1-16 Christians who desire to attain unto spiritual maturity should: 1. Lead an exemplary life, w . 1-6. a. Manifested by true piety, v. 2. b. Marked by peace with other Chris tians, w . 3-6. All Christians are knit together into 22
4. The new Presence is easily grieved or wounded, v. 30. — J.M . Spiritual W a lk o f the B e lie v e r Eph. 5:1-21 The spiritual walk of the believer is marked by: A. A Control of the appetites, w . 1-8,11. 1. Control of physical desires, v. 3. a. No illegitimate sexual relation ships, v. 3. b. No desire for the possessions of another, v. 3. 2. Control of the tongue, v. 4. a. Negative: no filthy talk, no fool ish talk and no unnecessary talk. b. Positive: The giving of thanks to God. 3. Control of the mind, v. 6. 4. Control of associates, w . 7, 8,11. 5. Inevitable result: Control of the fu ture life, v. 5. B. The sure knowledge of the will of God, w . 9-18. 1. It is the command of God, v. 17. 2. It is made possible by the Holy Spirit, vv. 9,18. 3. It is manifested in the life by: a. The reproving of sin, v. 11-14. b. The living above reproach, v. 15. c. The careful and wise use of time, v. 16. C. The delight of a yielded heart, w . 19-21. 1. Singing, v. 19. 2. Thanksgiving, v. 20. 3. Submitting, v. 21. — J.M. 1. He controls by virtue of His head ship, w . 5:22, 23, 24. a. The Church is to submit. b. The Church is to be subjective. 2. He controls by salvation, v. 5:23b. 3. He controls by love, v. 5:25. 1. The Church is part of His flesh. 2. The Church is part of His bones. C. He is the Perfector, w . 26,27. 1. Means: The Word of God, v. 5:26. 2. Results: Meets God’s holy standard, vv. 5:26,27. D. He is the Receiver, w . 28-33. 1. He takes the Church as His own bride, w . 5:31, 32. 2. He nourishes and cherishes it as His own body, w . 5:28,29, 33. — J . M . THE KING'S BUSINESS B. He is the Creator, v. 30. W ha t Is Jesu s Christ to The Church? Eph. 5:22-33 A. He is the Controller, w . 22-25.
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