Ephesians 4 • Week 3 of “Christ-Centered: How Jesus Shapes Our Relationships”
Big idea: You can help people love Jesus. The real question is: Is it worth it?
Why this matters
Ephesians 4 shows a church that grows when every part plays its part. Jesus is King over all, and He has given each one of us gifts to build up His body (Eph. 4:7–16). Helping people love Jesus is worth the risk, the time, and the effort—because He’s worthy, and people are worth it.
“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head—into Christ.”
—Ephesians 4:15
Key Scripture
- Ephesians 4:1–6 – One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
- Ephesians 4:7–16 – Jesus gives gifts so the church grows as each part works properly.
- Ephesians 4:17–32 – Put off the old self; put on the new; speak truth in love; forgive as you’ve been forgiven.
Highlights
- Jesus is King. He descended, ascended, and now fills all things. No square inch is outside His rule (4:8–10).
- You’re gifted on purpose. “Grace was given to each one” (4:7). Your gift has a goal: build up the body (4:12–16).
- Truth + love. We don’t coddle or crush—we imitate Christ, who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14; Eph. 4:15).
- Watch for drift & hardening. Our culture pulls us to drift (Heb. 2) and sin hardens (Heb. 3). We need each other.
- Sealed & forgiven. The Spirit has sealed you for the day of redemption; in Christ, you’re forgiven—so forgive (4:30–32).
How we grow up (simple weekly rhythm)
- Worship weekly (gather with the church)
- Join a Lifegroup (real relationships that speak truth in love)
- Serve on a team (use your gifts so the body builds itself up in love)
This week
- Pray for your one. Ask God for a chance to help one person love Jesus—maybe for the first time.
- Start a conversation. Share a verse from Ephesians 4 and ask, “What stands out to you?”
- Take a next step. Join a Lifegroup or jump onto a serve team.
Reflection questions
- Where am I tempted to be a coddler (all grace, no truth) or a crusher (all truth, no grace)?
- What gift has Jesus given me, and how am I using it to build up others?
- Who helped me love Jesus—how can I do that for someone else this week?