This passage can be broken down into three basic sections.

I. A healthy church is marked by spiritual unity (4:1-6).

II. A healthy church is marked by spiritual diversity (4:7-12).

III. A healthy church is marked by spiritual maturity (4:13-16).

[Outline from Tony Merida's Ephesians commentary.]

Jesus promises to give His disciples joy from sorrow and peace in the midst of tribulation.

Scott reminds us of how the gospel empowers us to forgive.

Greg Rentz helped walk us through the beautiful model prayer Paul prays for the Ephesians.

Jerry, Fred, Greg, and Mark help us understand what the 'mystery' is that Paul repeatedly mentions in this passage.

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of three things (sin, righteousness, and judgment), guides us into the truth of Scripture, and glorifies Jesus.

Jerry leads us in our corporate confession of sin based on Psalm 73.

Racial hostility can only be truly conquered in Christ.

We who follow Christ need to be prepared for the hatred of the world so that we are not caught off guard and tempted to turn away. "I have said these things to you," said Jesus, "to keep you from falling away" (John 16:1).

[Mark referenced this commentary as the resource he used to help provide an outline for this sermon.]

Scott reminds us to not forget all the countless gifts of grace the Lord has lavished upon us.