MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time

I need to be baptized
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/small-groups

I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

Dig Deeper:
1. What comes to mind when you think of the word “maturity”?
2. Read Ephesians 4:1-16. What stands out to you from this passage?
3. How can we “live a life worthy of our calling” as Paul mentions? How does he describe that worthy life?
4. What qualities are mentioned in describing a worthy life? How do these qualities display a mature faith?
5. Based on these qualities, how much do you need to “know” about God to be mature? Instead, what is the main focus?
6. Is it possible to have these qualities on your own? Why or why not? What is the origin of these qualities?
7. Take another look at verse 4–6, and point out the number of times you see the word “one.” Why do you think Paul emphasizes “oneness” so much?
8. How do verses 1-3 support this “oneness”?
9. Who gives spiritual gifts? Who gets spiritual gifts?
10. Read verse 12. Why are we given spiritual gifts?
11. How is it possible for the gifts of the Spirit to promote unity in the Church? Wouldn’t people brag about their individual gifts? Why or why not? (See verse 13)
12. Read verse 14, and describe a time when you have felt “tossed by the waves and thrown around by every wind.” What cause was behind feeling that way?
13. Read verse 15. What is the alternative to being tossed and thrown around?
14. What is essential to speaking “truth in love”? Why is it so necessary to have both working together?
15. When have you seen this executed well? When have you seen this executed poorly?
16. How is truth in love different from criticism and judgement?
17. What is the outcome to speaking truth in love (v. 15)?
18. Read verse 16. How does it change it your perspective to know that you are a part of something bigger; that you are a part of a body? What happens when one part of the body isn’t working properly?
19. Why is it so important that others see us standing firm together?
20. What is “work” that you feel called to do as a part of the body?


Live It Out:
1. Assess: In what areas of your life do you need to grow up and become more like Jesus? Evaluate yourself or ask a trusted friend these questions below.
Are you loving Jesus and loving like Jesus?
Are you representing Jesus well?
Do people dislike Jesus because of you or are they attracted to Jesus because of how you treat others?
Are you an instigator of division or peace?
Are you building people up and helping others mature?
Are you standing firm in truth and love with other believers?

2. Build Up: Do you know what your spiritual giftings are? If you’ve never found out, go to Spiritual Gifts Survey (churchgrowth.org) to better understand how you can be used to mature in Christ and build up the church.

3. Pray: Talk with God about the gifts He has given you and to guide you as you mature in Christ. Ask Him to confirm your thinking or to adjust it as necessary. Ask Him for opportunities to use your gifts in His service.


Reading Plan:
Monday: Ephesians 4:1-16
Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 2
Wednesday: James 4:1-12
Thursday: Romans 12
Friday: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Saturday: 1 Corinthians 13



Recommended Resources:
Reading Ephesians with John Stott: 11 Weeks for Individuals or Groups

Ephesians - Teen Bible Study Book: Your Identity In Christ: Merida, Tony

Ephesians - Bible Study Book: Your Identity in Christ: Merida, Tony