Big Idea: “The unifying power of Christ transforms our identity, deepens our relationships, and guides our purpose.” We Can Live A Worthy Life When We: 1. Walk In Gratitude For What Jesus Did For Us 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1 (NIV) God chose us in Jesus before the creation of the world… Ephesians 1:7 God adopted us through Jesus Christ… Ephesians 1:8 Jesus redeemed us through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace… Ephesians 1:7 We are sealed by the Holy Spirit… Ephesians 1:13 We are saved because of God’s grace and mercy… Ephesian 2:1-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) 2. Walk in Humility As We Pursue Unity 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) Jesus washed the feet of the disciples as an example to follow. John 13:13 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. 21 In His name the nations will put their hope." Matthew 12:20-21 (NIV) 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. Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV) 3. Walk In Service To Help People Find and Follow Jesus 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Eph. 4:7 (NIV) 8 “This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” 9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) Ephesians 4:8-10 (NIV) 11 “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:11-14 (NIV) 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 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. Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV) There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NIV) Where is God calling you to serve? My Next Right Step I Will: Find a place to serve: First Impressions, Children’s, Media, Website, Social Media, Care Team Prayer & Visitation, Facilities, Bread Ministry Tue./ Fri. Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior Family Corner: [Choose one day this week to ask questions to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less.] Opening Prayer: Begin your discussion with a prayer, asking God to guide your conversation and help everyone understand and apply the truths from Ephesians 4:1-15. Icebreaker: Share a time when you worked together with others on a project or goal. What made the collaboration successful? Discussion Questions: We Can Live A Worthy Life When We: 1. Walk In Gratitude For What Jesus Did For You Read Ephesians 4:1 What are some of the blessings Paul reminds us of about our salvation? What does it mean to live a life worthy of our calling? 2. Walk in Humility As We Pursue Unity Ephesians 4:2-6 Out of the qualities listed in 4:2-3, which ones do you demonstrate the best? The worst? How can practicing humility, gentleness, and patience foster unity in our church and community? 3. Walk In Service To Help People Find and Follow Jesus Ephesians 4:7-16 What is the purpose of Jesus giving gifts to his people? Why is it important that each part of His body does their work? How can you identify and develop your spiritual gifts? Read Romans 12:4-8 & 1 Corinthians 12:1-3, 4-7, 8-31 What does Paul emphasize about spiritual gifts? What are some practical ways you can use your gifts to serve others and build up the church? How can we support and encourage each other in our unique roles within the body of Christ? Here is a list of some of the areas people serve at Cornerstone. Where is God calling you to serve? [ ] Biblical Teaching & Preaching [ ] Small Group Leader [ ] Men’s & Women’s Ministry [ ] Worship Team [ ] Media Team [ ] Children's Ministry [ ] Youth Ministry [ ] Pickleball Set up & Close [ ] Bread Ministry: [ ] Tue. [ ] Fri. [ ] Prayer/ Celebration of Life Quilts [ ] Care Team: Prayer & Visitation [ ] Local Missions [ ] Life Choices [ ] Interfaith [ ] Administration [ ] Website [ ] Social Media [ ] Facilities: [ ] Scheduling maintenance & upgrades. [ ] Participating [ ] Marriage Ministry: [ ] Marriage Retreats, Date Nights, Mentors [ ] Church Center Communications [ ] Financial Integrity: Elders & Deacons