Study Guide
- Before you begin, take time to pray, asking God to give you guidance and understanding.
- Read Ephesians 4:11-16 a few times.
- Note what you believe to be the important statements.
- Answer the questions below.
- Conclude your time of study with prayer for your local church
Overview
Lesson taken from Ephesians 4:11-16
“… to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up …”
1. Your Commitments to the Church
2. Memory Verse
Your Commitments to the Church
Your conversion to the Lord makes you a member of the body of Christ with obligations to the church and blessings to be received. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
You have been given gifts by the Lord which he intends you to be use for the edification of the body. (1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:3-8)
God has structured the church in a way that all of the members can be spiritually fed. He has provided teachers / pastors for this purpose. Growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ will result from availing of this spiritual instruction.
Question 1: From the three points mentioned above, how would you describe your life in the church?
Assembling with the church for worship each Sunday is part of our life in the church. This is not an option, it is the will of God for your life. (Hebrews 10:25)
Along with the rest of the community, you must partake of the Lord’s Supper each Sunday. In the Lord’s Supper you are having fellowship with the Lord and fellowship with his people. (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
Question 2: Explain why assembling with the church each Sunday is very important. What is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper?
The work of the church must be supported by the finances of the members. As God is blessing you, in turn you share those blessing with the church to help the various works being undertaken by the church.
(1 Corinthians 9:14; 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Philippians 4:16-19)
Question 3: From 2 Corinthians 8-9, what are some things that impress you about the financial giving undertaken by the church?
As a member of the congregation you are under the leadership appointed by the church. The leadership of the church is provided for your benefit. (Hebrews 13:17)
Unity in the church has been created by the Holy Spirit. As a member of the body you must strive to maintain that unity and never contribute to division within the church. (Ephesians 4:3-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10)
Through evangelism, the church grows numerically. You must seek opportunities to share your faith, while actively praying for people to be converted to the Lord. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:4; Romans 10:1-2)
Strive to cultivate the seven habits of a spiritually mature Christian.
Memory Verse
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
End of Lesson 7. Remember to conclude your time of study with prayer for your local church.