For His Service

 Ephesians 5   5  1  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children   2  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3  But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.   4  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.   5  For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [ a ]   6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.   7  Therefore do not be partners with them. 8  For you were once darkness, but now you are light i...

 Ephesians 4 Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ 4  As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.   2  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.   3  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.   4  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;   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 to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.   8  This is why it [ a ]  says: “When he ascended on high,      he took many captives      and gave gifts to his people.” [ b ] 9  (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, ea...

 Week 4 God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles 3  For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2  Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you,   3  that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.   4  In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,   5  which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.   6  This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.  7  I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.   8  Although I am less than the least of...