Chapter 4: Walking in Christ

•VERSE 1 We're called to be children of the King. We represent the Father to the world.

•VERSE 6 God controls the circumstances of our lives. So, when we complain about our situation we're murmuring against God.

•VERSE 7 The grace of God is sufficient for each of us, no matter what we've done.

•VERSES 8-10 When Christ died, He first went to Sheol (or Hades) to preach to those who had died in the faith, believing that God would send the Messiah (Matthew 16:4; 27:52-53; Acts 2:30-31; Isaiah 61:1).

On the third day, He led the captives into eternal life.

•VERSE 11 An apostle had to have seen the risen Christ and had to have the gift of miracles in operation in his life.

The gift of prophecy isn't limited to foretelling future events but is also a “forthtelling” of God's message.

Evangelists are especially gifted in sharing the Gospel with unbelievers.

Pastors and teachers or “teaching pastors” feed the Word of God to the Church (John 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:2).

•VERSE 12 The primary purpose of the Church isn't to convert sinners to Christianity, but to “perfect”(complete and mature) the saints for the ministry and edification of the Body.

•VERSE 14 Strong sheep won't be led away from their shepherd.

A strong church emphasizes teaching the Word, so the people have a sound scriptural base to help them discern between true and false doctrine.

•VERSES 15-16 Each of us adds a unique part to the Body of Christ.

•VERSES 17-19 Paul's description of the heathen Gentiles in his time is an apt description of those who are blindly following Satan today.

They're empty-headed, ignorant, beyond feeling, and motivated by greed. “Uncleanness” means sexual impurity.

•VERSE 22 “Conversation” again means manner of life. We're to put off the way of life that our flesh (“old man”) wants us to lead.

•VERSES 26-27 We should settle our differences as soon as possible, so Satan has no opportunity to take advantage of us.

•VERSE 29 We can tear down or build up people with our word. How much better to build up and minister grace to those around us.