Week 4 Living on Mission: Church on Mission
Ephesians 4:1-16 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Ephesians 4 is one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible. Paul lays out God’s mission for His Church.
The key verse for the passage is verse 12 “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”
Paul emphasizes the importance of Christian unity and maturity. It calls believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. This unity is achieved through the gifts Christ gives to equip the church for service, leading to spiritual growth and maturity.
Day 22: Monday – Walking worthy of your calling
Ephesians 4:1-2 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
Christ followers are urged to live in a way that reflects the high calling they have received in Christ, demonstrating humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
- Key Thought: Because I have been saved and gloriously brought into God’s family, I should strive to live worthy of that great calling!
- Prayer Focus: Lord please help me to live today in a manner that is pleasing to you. May I surrender as a living sacrifice in worship to You. Romans 12:1-2
Day 23: Tuesday – Unity of the Spirit
Ephesians 4:3-6 “3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is crucial. This unity is a gift from God, not a human achievement, and is maintained through love and mutual forbearance.
- Key Thought: Jesus prayed for the unity of His Church in John 17 that we would be one as Jesus and the Father are One!
- Prayer Focus: Lord please help me to be diligent about praying for unity at Calvary and may I be a protector of the Unity in the Spirit.
Day 24: Wednesday – Gifts given to the Church
Ephesians 4:7-11 “7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, “
Christ has given specific gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) to equip believers for service and build up the body of Christ.
- Key Thought: God’s plan has uniquely gifted leaders for His Church.
- Prayer Focus: God please be with the spiritual leaders at Calvary, may I be faithful in prayer for them and diligent in following their leadership.
Day 25: Thursday – Spiritual Maturity
Ephesians 4:12-14″12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”
The goal of Christian life is to grow into the full measure of the stature of Christ, moving beyond spiritual immaturity (being tossed around by false teachings) to a place of stability and truth.
- Key Thought: God’s plan for your life is maturity, which means Christ likeness
- Prayer Focus: God please continue to shape and mold me into the image of Jesus Christ, so that my actions, reactions, and life are such that people see Jesus in me!
Day 26: Friday – Speaking the truth in love
Ephesians 4:15a “15 Rather, speaking the truth in love…”
Truth is to be spoken with love and grace, fostering growth and unity.
- Key Thought: Speak the TRUTH in LOVE!
- Prayer Focus: God please give me self control with my words, may I be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. May everything I speak be motivated by love for my Savior and love of others.
Day 27: Saturday – The Body of Christ
Ephesians 4:15b-16 “we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
The church is described as a unified body with Christ as the head, where each part plays its role and contributes to the overall health and growth of the body.
- Key Thought: What part would God have you contribute to His Church?
- Prayer Focus: That God would give me a burden to give my time, talents, and treasures to build up His Church!
Day 28: Sunday
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Psalm 122:1
Gathering together for worship is a joyful privilege.
- Key Thought: I can be excited to go and worship the lord!
- Prayer Focus: That God would prepare my heart for worshiping him today!