Teaching Notes are Bible studies we taught before GraceLife Ministries began publishing articles online in 1995. Some were presented as sermons, others as group studies.
Our hope is that these older studies will be a blessing to you in your life and ministry. Please use them in any way God leads you.
These teaching notes are part of a study in Ephesians about the importance of unity among Christians.
[These notes are from a Bible study taught more than 40 years ago. The notes are in outline form.]
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
I. Walk Worthy (v 1)
A. “walk” is peripateo, “to conduct one’s self, to order one’s behavior”
B. “worthy” is axios, “in a manner worthy”.. The adjective form means, “having the weight of another thing.” Paul is exhorting us to see to it that our Christian experience weighs as much as our Christian profession. In other words, “practice what you preach.”
C. “the vocation wherewith you are called” is literally, “the calling with which you were called.” The Greek word klesis translated “vocation” refers to that Divine summons into salvation which God gives a sinner. It speaks of that effectual call into salvation which God in sovereign grace extends to a sinner.
II. Forbear one another (v 2)
“forbear” is anecho, “to hold up, to sustain, to bear with equanimity, to bear with”
“So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].” Ephesians 4:1-3 (Amplified Bible)
(Preach)
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from more than 40 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you, your family and your ministry.]
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Founder & Director of GraceLife Ministries View all posts by gracelifethoughts
