1)Listen to Podcast
2)GG Questions 02/17/2019
No Oars, Only Sails: Equal but Different Ephesians 4:11-13
1. Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace: Why do you think Paul precedes a discussion on gifts (4:7-11) with a call to unity (4:1-6)? What is our tendency as humans when comparing our gifts with another’s (1 Cor. 4:7; 12:14-26; Luke 19:24-25)? How would God have us act instead?
2. Five Church Offices: God gifted APOSTLES with ability to extend and expand, EVANGELISTS with skills to recruit, SHEPHERDS with an eye to nurture and care for, TEACHERS with talent to explain and organize, and PROPHETS with inclinations to question and critique (Eph. 4:11). Which role or roles share personality traits which God has hardwired into you? How may these traits be used to serve the church and this world?
3. Gifted to Build: Read Ephesians 4:12. Why does God give spiritual gifts to people? How many times does 1 Corinthians 14, a chapter devoted to spiritual gifts, use the words, “build up” (1 Cor. 14:3, 4, 12, 26)? What does it mean for you to direct your gifting toward the building up of others (Rom. 15:2; 1 Cor. 8:1) and the church God has placed you in?
4. Purpose of Gifts: Ephesians 4:12-16 give a beautiful description of the reason God gives spiritual gifts to His children. Read this passage. What stands out to you? In what way have someone else’s gift blessed you recently? How have you sought to bless others with your gifts?
