I. Intro
Big Idea: Our unity with each other flows out of our unity with God.
II. The Calling
A. Paul’s suffering reflected allegiance to Christ. John 17:22-23; Acts 9:16; Ephesians 4:1a
B. We’ve received a calling. Ephesians 4:1b
III. The Bond
A. Our calling is all-consuming. Exodus 3:1-22; Numbers 12:3; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Ephesians 4:2, 32
B. Our calling is possible because of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:3
IV. One
A. There’s no Plan B. Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4a
B. God calls us to and gives us one hope. 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; Ephesians 4:4b
V. In All
A. Unity is an opportunity to die to self. Ephesians 4:5
B. Our unity is meant to spillover. Ephesians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:13-17

The Next Step

• Why do you think unity is such a big deal to Paul?
• How does it make you feel to realize our calling in unity is absolute (Ephesians 4:2)?
• What does disunity (over nonessential issues) communicate about our faith?
• In what ways does seeking unity cause us to be more Christlike?
• What are some things we can do when we’re unhappy or concerned about something regarding church?
• What’s a specific way our unity can spillover in the world? Pray for one another.

I. Intro
Big Idea: Prayer fills our hearts with the presence of God.
II. Every Family
A. This is a Trinitarian prayer. Ephesians 4:14
B. God knows and names us. Psalm 139:15-18; Ephesians 4:15
III. Riches
A. Paul prayed for a changed inner life. Ecclesiastes 10:19; Ephesians 4:16
B. Christ establishes permanent residency in our hearts. Ephesians 4:17
IV. This Love
A. Apprehend the magnitude of Christ’s love. Ephesians 4:18; Philippians 2:6
B. God can refurnish our hearts. Ephesians 4:19
V. His Power
A. Be blessed in the greatness of God’s imagination. Psalm 126:1-6; Ephesians 4:20
B. Take part in Christ’s legacy. Ephesians 4:21

The Next Step

• What’s something that makes you feel at home?
• How can being aware of God’s presence affect the way we live?
• What’s something we can do to remember God loves us?
• Why does dependence on God make us strong?
• What do we learn about God from Ephesians 3:20-21?
• How can these truths affect our prayer life?
• Is there anything you’d like God to help you overcome or sort out?
• Pray for one another.

Mystery
Ephesians 3:1-13
I. Intro
Big Idea: God reveals His power through making us one in Christ.
II. Prisoner
A. Paul saw his imprisonment as an appointment. Ephesians 3:1
B. God revealed His mystery directly to Paul. Acts 9:1-19; Ephesian 3:2-3
III. Mystery
A. God reveals His mystery to us. Mathew 13:16-17; Ephesians 3:4-5
B. God reveals our equality in Christ. Ephesians 3:6
IV. Riches
A. Paul knew the unifying power of grace. Ephesians 3:7-8; James 4:6
B. God’s timing is perfect. Ephesians 3:9
V. Purpose
​A. We can overcome pride and prejudice. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6; Ephesians 3:10-11
B. God is making His reconciling appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20;
​Ephesians 3:12-13; Hebrews 12:14

The Next Step

• What’s something from Sunday’s message on Ephesians 3:1-13 that stood out to you as important, meaningful, or confusing?
• Why is it important to remember that cultural pride and disunity is primarily a spiritual problem (v. 10)?
• How did Paul’s past as someone who hated Gentiles shape his ministry as an Apostle to Gentiles?
• How has God, in His grace, helped you to overcome a broken relationship lately?
• What’s something that’s helped you to overcome cultural pride or prejudice?
• How can you, as an ambassador of reconciliation, respond to your relational struggles in a way that points people to God?

New
Ephesians 2:11-22
​
I. Intro
Big Idea: God has made us a new people.
 
II. Remember
A. God set Israel apart. Exodus 4:24; Ephesians 2:11
B. Gentiles were excluded so all could be included.  Genesis 12:1-3; Ephesians 2:12

III. The Wall
A. There’s no separation in Christ. Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:13
B. Jesus destroys walls. Ephesians 2:14

IV. Setting Aside
A. God put to death our divisiveness. Matthew 5:17; Mark 12:30-31; Ephesians 2:15-16
B. Peace comes only through Christ. Ephesians 2:17-18

V. A Holy Temple
A. Our unity must be Word-centered. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:19-20
B. Our worship together witnesses. Ephesians 2:21-22

The Next Step

• What’s something you expect to happen when go to church on Sundays?
• What are some things churches divide over?
• Under what circumstances is it appropriate, or good, to leave a church?
• Why is it impossible to be Christians apart from the body of Christ?
• How can our focus on Christ in worship set us apart in our world that’s  so divided?
  
• Is there anyone, or a group of people, you’ve slighted or rejected in fellowship?
• ​How can you repent or be reconciled to them?
• Please pray for the unity of First Baptist Church Elma that Christ may be known and glorified through us.

Grace
Ephesians 2:1-10
I. Intro
Big Idea: Our transition from death to life occurs only by God’s grace.
II. Dead
A. Paul started with the bad news. Ephesians 2:1
B. Deceived people don’t know they’re deceived. Ephesians 2:2
III. By Nature 
A. We either glorify Christ or self-gratify. Ephesians 2:3a
B. God turns us over to our desires. Ephesians 2:3b; Romans 1:21-24
IV. Great Love 
A. Only grace breaks the chains of death. Ephesians 2:4-5
B. We’re trophies of grace. Ephesians 2:6-7; 4:1                          
V. Saved 
A. In Christ, our works becomes worship. Ephesians 2:8-9
B. We’re created to be poetry in motion. Ephesians 2:10

​The Next Step

• How would you describe grace to someone who’d never heard of it?
• Why do you think the truth that we’re dead in our transgressions and sins is so offensive to people?
• Why are people offended by the truth that we’re saved by grace alone through faith?
• What’s a way we can protect ourselves from being deceived, or lead way from the truth that we’re saved by faith alone?
• How have you experienced God’s grace lately?
• How can our transparency rather than our personal impressiveness bring glory to God?
• What’s a way the Holy Spirit is leading you to respond to Ephesians 2:1-10?