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Bible passages:
Psalm 47
Ephesians 4: 1-16
Both these texts celebrate the victory of God.
(Read Psalm 47)
What in these verses conveys the scope and scale of the victory God has secured?
Notice that the central picture is of God seated on the throne of the earth (v8).
Mention is made of 'Jacob' (v4) and 'Abraham' (v9): Jacob was a schemer (Gen 27), Abraham was a flawed man of faith (Gen 12: 10-20). Yet, we are told that God loved Jacob, and that He was pleased to be entitled 'the God of Abraham' (v9).
What does this say about God' s choice of His people?
What does it say about God' s grace to sinners?
(Read 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31)
Why does God work through people like us?
What are some of the things we share in common as God's people?
Beneath the Cross of Christ, we are all on the level ground of grace - what impact should this have on the way we see ourselves, and others?
(Read Ephesians 4: 1-16)
Becoming a Christian is not just about believing in Christ as Saviour; it's about following Him: his example, lifestyle, teaching etc.
(Look at v2-3) . In practical terms, which of these admonitions do you find most difficult to put into practice? How earnestly do you seek God's help to do so?
(Look at v4-7) The emphasis on what unites us as Christ's followers is very clear. Concerning the differences between us as God's people, Warren writes:
'we should value and enjoy those differences, not merely tolerate them. God wants unity, not uniformity. But for unity's sake, we must never let differences divide us.' Do you agree?
(Look at v11-13) Here the emphasis is on personal diversity: unique gifts given to us, none superior to the other - but with one over-arching goal: (v13) .
What do the following phrases from v13 mean to you as part of Christ' s church?
'unity in the faith'
'knowledge of the Son of God'
'become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ'
How does v16 give a summary of what it means for us to be individually a part of the Church, and yet together to be bound up in the body of Christ?
'From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work' .
Consider the bullet points Warren makes about protecting our Church, through our lives with one another:
*Focus on what we have in common, not our differences
*Be realistic in our expectations of each other
*Choose to encourage, rather than to criticize
*Refuse to listen to gossip
*Practise God' s method of conflict resolution
*Support your pastor and leaders
Which points need your personal attention?
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