I. Theme of Ephesians: The Holy Spirit seeks to build Body unity 2:22 4:3,30 6:18; Satan seeks to destroy it 4:27 6:11-16.

A. Divisions are not God's ideal1Cor 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (Biblical Unity, not uniformity is found by all deciding to believe the one Revealed Truth).
B. Divisions occur when people behave like mere men (not in step with the Spirit) 3:3 you are still carnal, for where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?   (Only the Spirit-led should and must judge 1Cor 2:15)
C. Divisions are painful but have the positive effect of making the distinction 'twn those approved by God, and those who are not. 11:8 when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 there must also be factions 2Pt 2:1 among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you  Heb 5:14 mature; Mt 6:22-23; 7:1-6, 15-20, 22

II. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment Jn 16:8 so the Body can walk in the Light of His Truth by His Power

A. Gal 6:1 overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such..in a spirit of meekness, considering Lk 11:35 yourself lest you also be tempted

Heb 12:15 looking diligently lest fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, by it many be defiled 1Pt 5:2

B. Admonish/warn Col 3:16 1Th 5:12,14 Rm 15:14 you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another

Acts 20:28 (to Ephesian elders) Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.  32 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

C. Reprove/bring to light Jn 16:8 Mt 18:15 2Tim 3:16 ; Eph 5:11 have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.15 See then that you walk accurately/diligently, not as fools but as wise 17 Therefore, do not be unwise, but  understand what the will of the Lord is

2Tim 2:24 servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in meekness correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. Good Conscience Ac 23:1 24:32; Rm 9:1; 2Cor 1:12, 4:2; 1Tim 1Pt 3

D. Rebuke  Lev 19:17 Mr 8:33 9:25  2Tim 4:2  Lk 17:3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him
Lk 21:34 take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with partying, escapism, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 36 Watch and pray always...worthy to escape all these things that will come, and to stand before the Son of Man."

E. Reject Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after the 1st and 2nd admonition 11 knowing he is warped and sinning, being self-condemned
2Thess 3:14 if anyone does not obey... this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Rm 16:17 note those who cause divisions Gal 5:20 and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18  those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Mt 18:15 if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother
16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'
17 If he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. If he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and the IRS
18 "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

1Tim 5:19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 24 Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? 2Cor 6:14 what fllshp has light with darkness? 1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Cf 1Jm 1:9

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:
1. Is it always possible for believers to live in perfect unity? Why/why not? Can all conflict be respoved? Why is there Church Discipine?
2. Why do people sin? Why are we usually reluctant to confront the sin or challenge the behavior of another? What helps?
3. What are some of  the Biblical marks of a mature believer (Heb 5) who is “spiritual” (Gal 6)? How can you discern a false teacher?
4. Does God dwell in the midst of immature believers? Impure believers? How do the immature become pure?
5. How can you personally grow (1Pt 3:1-2) and contribute to the growth of the Body (Eph 4:15-16) and the glory of God (Eph 2:22; 3:21)?