EPH Syllabus EPH-6
Text: Ephesians 4:14-32
We have seen how the Lord miraculously placed within some brethren abilities that would enable the church to mature in the faith so as to defeat Satan's desire to corrupt that saved body. These abilities were only necessary to establish the church and:
1. That we henceforth be no more _____a_______, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of _____b________, by the ____c____ of men, and __d____ __e____, whereby they lie in wait to ___f_____;
ans.: a______________. b______________ c______________ d _______________
e __________________ f_________________.
2. What in vs. 15 tells us how the church may mature?
ans.:
3. Highlight or underline the correct answers:
a. As long as I teach the truth that proves that I love souls.
b. It is possible to teach the truth in an unloving manner.
c. As long as I love souls it does not matter what doctrine I teach.
d. It shows a lack of love if I do not agree with what another believes.
4. How do the "other" Gentiles walk (those who have not become Christians)?
ans.:
5. Since Christians did not learn how to serve Christ in that way because the truth is in Jesus, list the things which the one who has become a Christian must "put off." [hint: vs.22, 31; Col.2:11; 3:5-9]
ans.:
6. The one who has put off these sinful ways is referred to as being who? (Eph. 4:22; cf. Rom. 6:6)
ans.:
7. Do you ever notice any professing to be members of the Lord's church who have the characteristics of the one mentioned in #6.? [Easy question, huh? Really no wrong answer.]
ans.:
Class participation question (following the sermon):
It has been my observation that the morality of many members of the church unfortunately follows the morality of the world. The church seems to be following the world to hell instead of leading it to righteousness. Our young people want to dress like the Hollywood starlets. One commentator referred to the current crop of young Hollywood girls as "prosti-tarts." They are shamefully displaying their immorality for the sake of gaining publicity. The "red carpets" at the Emmies and Oscars provide these publicity seekers the opportunity to see who can out shame who. In the church we are seeing many of our young people following suit. It is impossible to bury Anna Nicole; she keeps popping up. Britney is ever on the front page. Why? Even many older women are trying to make sure the preacher is acquainted with their cleavage as they lean forward with their scoop neck blouses and hiked up skirts. [Up to this point it may seem that the men are totally righteous. Not so, they are the problem!! They love to have it so, or they do not have the courage to lead their families in the way of righteousness]. The Lord's church is suffering because very few congregations have elders. The men are not qualified. We hear of the sad cases where preachers and elders and Bible class teachers are divorced and remarried. One must wonder, if the pulpits are in that bad of a condition, what must it be like in the pew? Men, even preachers, addicted to Internet Pornography, cannot lead the Lord's church. They cannot be the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim.3:15). They are a corrupting influence. They have not put off that "old man," and if they ever did, they have joined themselves to that corpse that they buried in the watery grave of baptism (Rom.6:3-12).
The question to the class is: In view of the above condition, what do you see that must be done to correct the problem and restore the people of God to morality? What do you see as a solution to this devastating problem in the church, and what do you intend to do to influence it in the right way? [I'll share some of your answers with the class using only your first names - and with your permission]
8. How may one avoid giving place to the devil? (Eph. 4:27)
ans.:
9. What must our speech provide those who hear us? (Eph. 4:29)
ans.:
10. How may the Christian follow the example of Christ? (Eph. 4:32)
ans.:
End EPH-6