Bible Study Questions

Ephesians 4:14-16

The theological foundation for the church is founded in God and His mission. As an introduction to this study, make sure that you read Ephesians 4:1-13.

B) Our Responsibility as the Church

Ephesians 4:14-16

1.     The Apostle Paul first tells the people of God what God has designed to do in their lives (4:11-13). Now in 4:14-16 he gives three commands in order to properly implement it. What is the first command that the apostle gives to the people of God (see 4:14).

2.     Why might Paul write in such a way?

3.     What are some worldly philosophies and practices that have taken away from the model that God has given the church? Which one has affected you the most?

4.     What is the second command given in the first part of Ephesians 4:15?

5.     Why is it that people tend to go to an extreme of focusing on love or truth at the cost of the other? Name some examples of these extremes, on both sides if possible.

6.     Is it difficult or easy to speak the truth in love? Go around and share what is hard about doing this? (If you are not in a small group, find two or three Christians and ask them about this).

7.     The third command is also found in Ephesians 4:15. We are “to grow up in aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.” What is the verb used here? Write down at least three synonyms or descriptions for this word.

8.     Why is it that so many Christians think of growth only as something that is necessary for young Christians? They think of belief in Christ as the end rather than the beginning.

9.     Reflect on your own desire to grow. Draw a graph of how much you have been growing since you became a Christian. What factors led you to grow more or less? What would you like for the future? Be specific and write down your hopes before the Lord.

10.     Ephesians 4:16 gives us a beautiful picture of the church. The image of course is after a person’s body. Try to find at least four characteristics of the church.

11.     What part do you think is most lacking in your own local church? Pray for that.