Purkey's Bible Study Outlines

(Read Ephesians Chapter 4 )

“Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called” (Ephesians 4:1b).

Insight: Ephesians 4 emphasizes the Christian’s walk (Ephesians 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15). The Christian life is compared to a walk because it starts with one step of faith, involves progress, and demands balance and strength. If we do not learn to walk, we will never be able to run (Hebrews 12:1-2) or stand in the battle (Ephesians 6:11 and following).

First, Walk In Unity (Ephesians 4:1-16). The goal of the church is described in verses 12-16. The pastor/teacher is to nourish the believers with the Word of God and equip them for service; the believers, in turn, perform the work of the ministry. As each believer grows and wins others, the entire body grows in Christ. Verse 12 should read: “For the maturing of the believers unto the work of the ministry, unto the building up of the body of Christ.” Each believer shares in the growth of the church. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who are still babies (verse 14, and 1 Corinthians 3:1 and following), who are unstable and easily led astray. The church is edified (built up) through the Word of God (see Acts 20:32 and 1 Corinthians 14:4). Churches are not built up and strengthened through man-made programs, entertainment, recreation, or “drives.” The church is a body and must have spiritual food; this food is the Word of God (the Bible). When the body is completed, Christ will return and take His body (of which He is the Head, Ephesians 1:22-23) home to glory.

Second, Walk In Purity (Ephesians 4:17-32) The Christian life must be radically different from the old life. Paul expected the Ephesians to experience changes, and he gave three admonitions: “put off” (verses 22-23), “put on” (verse 24), and “put away” (verse 25 and following). Romans 6 teaches us that the old self has been crucified and buried, and that, as we reckon this to be true, we “put off” the old man. God has done His part; it remains for us to believe what He has said and “change clothes.” The instruction Jesus gave concerning Lazarus applies to each believer: “Loose him—take off the grave clothes—and let him go!” But it is not enough simply to die to the old life; there must also be resurrection and the manifestation of the new life. We put off the “grave clothes” of the old life and put on the “grace clothes” of the new life. We are a part of God’s new creation (verse 24 and 2:10) and therefore we walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

Insight: We must “put away” certain sins, and he names these in verses 25 and following (giving place to the devil involves both lying and anger), Our lips should speak that which builds up. Anger and clamor should be done away with by means of forgiveness and Christian love. This is the wonderful change that Christ makes.