Week 7

Humble 

Ephesians 4:1-16

Alternate Video site: https://vimeo.com/296131153

Opening: How do you see society defining ‘a life well lived?’  (If you participated last week, share with the group how you practiced remembering your identity in Christ.  Where did you put your note card?)

Examine the Passage:  Ephesians 4:1-16.

• How does Paul describe a life well lived (vs. 1-4)? Grab a pen and circle or highlight these key words or phrases.  (If you are keeping track on a note card or on your phone, you will want to create a new category, or have a new card, as the keywords we are now highlighting are focused on how we ought to live.  We begin with the word, ‘humble.’)
• One of the keys to success for the church is to keep unity. What forms the foundation for this unity even as we have differences?  (vs. 3-6) Why is every effort towards unity worthy of our calling as Christ followers?  What can you do to strengthen the oneness you have with other believers?
• What is the purpose for gifting some to be in leadership in the church, and for even having different kinds of leaders? (vs. 11-13)
• Are you equipped for works of service (vs. 12)? What service are you doing?  Or what equipping should you seek?
• Being a mature Christian is linked in this passage to having the “fullness of Christ” (Christ-likeness, vs. 13), no longer being tossed back and forth by deceit (vs. 14), speaking the truth in love (vs. 15) and being joined together, building each other up (vs. 15-16). What are the connections between maturity and the ways we interact with others?

Explore the Theme: Humility and Unity. “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 4:2-3

• “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. Humble people let go of image management and self-promotion.  They honor others by making the others’ needs as real and important as their own.” – Adele Calhoun.  What do you think of this definition of humility?
• How have you seen humility and patience aid in unity?
• Can you think of a time when someone showed you consistent patience (maybe learning a new task or going through a difficult phase in life)? How did the person’s patience affect your relationship with them?  How did it affect your view of yourself?  How might your relationships be different if you showed more patience to those around you? 
• As you reflect on humility with the Scriptures, what is the difference between rejecting the Bible and rejecting a particular interpretation of the Bible?
• Practically, how can we share unity with people who refuse to agree with us?

Engage Your Life:  Practice bearing with others.  Take notice this week of people with whom you find it difficult to relate.  Take notice of when criticism and negativity creep into your thoughts about others.  Consciously consider something positive to praise about that person.  Also, consider what you might be doing (or not doing) as you relate to family members, co-workers, friends, fellow church members or fellow students.  Ponder honestly how you might be difficult for them and consider making adjustments. 

Praying Grace and Peace:  Throughout this series, we are encouraging everyone to pray for grace and peace to come to all, since that language is found in Paul’s opening and closing words to the Ephesians.  (As a refresher, grace refers to the kindness God has shown us to redeem us and give us access to God through the work of Christ on the cross.  Peace refers to the gift of God to set right, and make whole, all the different aspects of our lives, including relational, spiritual, physical, etc.) 

Share prayer requests, and then provide a couple of minutes of quiet individual prayer time to reflect on living a life worthy of our calling.  Then go to corporate prayer for one another and for praying grace and peace to all.