ONE (& UNSTOPPABLE): SIT, WALK, STAND WEEK 2 – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
Ephesians 4:1-16 NKJV
Paul, who established the church in Ephesus, writes his letters as a raw expression of the Father’s heart, and Ephesians, in particular, focuses on the glory of Christ and the establishment of the Glorious church. Paul writes the letter to the Ephesians from prison. The invitation is to take a seat and hear the whisper of Heaven’s heart – that the Glorious father is establishing a glorious church through His bride, not the other way around.
Theologians refer to the book as “the Alps of the New Testament” – the Grand Canyon of Scripture.
Chapters 1-3: Sit (position)
Chapters 4-6: Walk + Stand (practice)
(Seated in Christ; walking worthy of the calling; standing against the devil.)
Ephesians 4:1-16
“Walk worthy” – with sufficient weight of your worth.
– humility, kindness, patience
– Friendships + marriage + Holy Spirit
– Sexuality + purity
Paul, as a prisoner, wanted the Ephesian church to understand that they were not bound by their past or current circumstances but by the future and the love of God. When Paul transitioned from sitting to walking, his first emphasis was on unity. The walk is less about individual accomplishments and more about the body of Christ working together.
Unity is the foundation for victory – working together in harmony within the body of Christ.
UNITY through gifts + service (participation).
The progression is unity, then maturity.
Each person brings unique gifts to the body of Christ, allowing us to become the fullness of who God intends us to be.
The “three-legged race” – illustrates the importance of synergy and commitment in relationships between believers. We need to prioritise and seek out relationships that challenge and sharpen us, aligning with God’s plans for our future while extending grace and understanding to build a united and one-hearted church community.
Discussion Questions
1. How does knowing that Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians from prison affect your understanding of its message and tone?
2. What does it mean to “be seated” with Christ? How does this position affect our perspective on ourselves and our relationship with God?
3. How does the transition from sitting to walking reflect a progression in our spiritual journey? What significance do you find in the emphasis on unity as the first step in walking?
4. Why do you think unity is highlighted as foundational for victory in the body of Christ? How have you experienced the importance of unity in church?
5. How do the unique gifts each person brings contribute to the unity and maturity of the body of Christ? Can you share examples of how you’ve seen this play out in your own community?
5. Reflecting on the analogy of the “three-legged race,” what lessons can we draw about the importance of synergy and commitment in our relationships within the church?
6. How can we prioritize and seek out relationships that challenge and sharpen us, while also extending grace and understanding? What practical steps can we take to build a united and one-hearted church community?
7. In what ways do the principles discussed in Ephesians 4:1-16 resonate with your own journey of faith? How can you apply these principles to your relationships and interactions within church?
8. As we consider Paul’s message to the Ephesians and its relevance to us today, what encouragement or challenge do you take away from this passage for your own spiritual walk?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which guides and shapes us. Help us grasp our security in Christ and walk worthy of Your calling. Grant us unity and humility as we use our gifts for Your glory. Strengthen our relationships with grace and commitment. May Your love shine through us as we journey together in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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THE LINC COLLECTIVE 
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