December 31
Lesson 5 (KJV)
Faith to Unite
Devotional Reading: Psalm 68:1–6, 15–20, 32–35
Background Scripture: Ephesians 4
Ephesians 4:1–16
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Key Verse
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
Faith in Action
Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ
Lessons 1–5
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Discuss the significance of unity to the identity and mission of the church.
2. Explain why appreciation of the diversity of individual gifts is critical to unity in the church.
3. Identify and use his or her spiritual gifts to advance the church’s mission.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. A House Divided
B. Lesson Background
I. Reason for Unity (Ephesians 4:1–6)
A. Worthy of the Calling (vv. 1–3)
B. Nature of Our Faith (vv. 4–6)
United We Stand, Pridefully We Fall
II. Means to Attain Unity (Ephesians 4:7–11)
A. Through Differences (vv. 7–10)
B. Through Leadership (v. 11)
III. Results of Unity (Ephesians 4:12–16)
A. Mature to Serve (vv. 12, 13)
What’s on Your List of Sins?
B. Grounded to Stand (v. 14)
C. Truthful to Love (vv. 15, 16)
Conclusion
A. Growth and Health
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Aegean
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A-jee-un.
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Artemis
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Ar-teh-miss.
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Colosse
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Ko-lahss-ee.
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Colossians
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Kuh-losh-unz.
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Corinthians
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Ko-rin-thee-unz (th as in thin).
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Ephesians
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Ee-fee-zhunz.
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Ephesus
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Ef-uh-sus.
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Gentiles
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Jen-tiles.
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Laodicea
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Lay-odd-uh-see-uh.
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Philemon
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Fih-lee-mun or Fye-lee-mun.
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Philippians
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Fih-lip-ee-unz.
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Tychicus
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Tick-ih-cuss.
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What Do You Think?
How might the characteristics listed in verse 2 reveal themselves as we work in unity?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Examples of things said and not said
■ Examples of things done and not done
■ Examples of nonverbal body language
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