Preserving the Unity of the Spirit Ephesians 4:1-6 – The Bible Teacher's Commentary – Paul J. Bucknell Ephesians 4:1-3 ~ Bible Study Questions on "Preserving the Unity of the Spirit" is 5 of 8 parts to The Bible Teacher's Commentary on Ephesians 4:1-6. These Bible study questions are meant to challenge a person to not only to understand Ephesians 4:1-3 but also to apply them to one's life.

Intro: Problem of Disunity | A) Our Calling to Unity (Ephesians 4:1) | B) Our Oneness of the Body (Ephesians 4:2-3) C) The Preservation of Unity (Ephesians 4:3) | | Bible Study Questions (Ephesians 4:1-3) D) The Doctrine of Unity (Ephesians 4:4-6) | One God & Father (Ephesians 4:6) | Bible Study Questions (Ephesians 4:4-6)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3, NIV).

Read Ephesians 4:1-3. Discuss whether the church you see and hear of is typified by what Paul says here in these first three verses. Discuss.


Look at the larger context for verses 4:1-3? Note how the word “therefore” {NASB} or “then” {NIV} connects this section with the former. How does what he say here connect with the former verses?


How does the Apostle Paul describe himself in 4:1? Why might he have said this?


What is the “calling” that he refers to in verse 1? Do we have the same calling?


Verse 2-3 describe the “manner” in which we should walk. What should characterize our walk? (Write down the terms).


What do each of these terms mean?


Let’s focus upon the ‘unity of the Spirit.’ What might the ‘unity of the Spirit’ refer to?


What does the use of the word ‘preserve’ (NIV-keep) imply about this unity of the Spirit?


Why might he use the word “diligent” to talk about keeping this unity?


How do the following verses (Ephesians 4:4 onwards) describe the origin of this unity?


What does the ‘bond’ of peace refer to? (Note: bond here means ‘glue.’)

What are the challenges of “preserving the unity of the Spirit” for you as an individual?


What challenges does your church have?


What do you find so hard about preserving the unity of the Spirit?


What steps can you take to help bring about this unity?


Share one situation where you want to seek God’s unity. Pray for one another.


Use the following diagram to summarize the two kinds of peace (vertical and horizontal) that are ours through the Gospel of Christ. Think and pray for one person who struggles with each kind of peace.

Next => Ephesians 4:4-6 Bible Study Questions | Commentary

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