Welcome to Week Six of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study – Walk Worthy!
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians while he was under house arrest. Even though life wasn’t easy, he didn’t spend his time complaining or feeling sorry for himself. Instead, he used that season to encourage and strengthen other believers. Ever since Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life had been all about sharing the gospel and building up the church. In the end, it was the goodness of the gospel that kept him going and gave him a passion to help believers grow, no matter where God led him.
This week, Paul slows down to pray, asking God to help His people truly grasp just how deep His love for them is—a love that’s revealed so clearly in the gospel.
Note for Parents: I’ve divided this post into two main parts to make this Bible study easier to use. First, the opening section provides you, the disciple-making parent, with a deeper understanding of the passage before you teach it to your kids. Next, the second section focuses on the Family Bible Study, including a prayer, a short Bible explanation for the whole family, discussion questions, a memory verse, and a simple family activity to put the lesson into practice together.
Let’s Study the Bible Together: For Parents
Bible Passage:Ephesians 4:1-6 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call–one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.“
Big Idea: Since we belong to Jesus, we “walk worthy” by living in unity with humility, gentleness, and patience.
Introduction
Until now, Paul has focused on the work of Jesus on our behalf, and now we have the opportunity to respond in the way our lives are lived. In this week’s study, Paul begins the second half of Ephesians by giving the Ephesian church, and consequently us, the challenge to live a life worthy of the calling that’s been given to us.
Walk Worthy
Paul has reminded us that in Christ we are chosen, made alive, united, and deeply loved. And now, in response, he calls us to live in a way that reflects those gracious gifts God has given to us. We’re encouraged to walk in a manner worthy of the calling we’ve received, which means our homes, our relationships, and our everyday interactions should be marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and a willingness to bear with one another. Instead of reacting quickly or pushing for our own way, we strive to maintain peace and unity with our fellow believers, beginning with the people right in front of us. In short: We walk worthy because of the grace we’ve been given. It’s all motivated by the Gospel that has saved us in the past and is transforming us in the present.
Family Study Guide: Walk Worthy
Note for Parents: This week’s family Bible study is designed as a three-day experience, with each day focusing on a different way to engage with Ephesians 3:14–21.
Day One – A Bible study where your family will read the passage together and explore its meaning.
Day Two – Memorize a key verse as a family, with a fun activity to help everyone remember it.
Day Three – A quick refresher that includes a short activity and prayer time, allowing your family to reflect on what you’ve learned and put it into practice.
Day One – Study the Bible Together
Opening Prayer
God, thank You for bringing us into Your family. Help us learn how to live in unity and love like Jesus. Give us humble hearts, gentle words, and patient attitudes as we study together. Amen.
Read the Passage Together
Ephesians 4:1-6“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call–one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Family Commentary:
God has called us to be His children, and because of Jesus, we are loved, chosen, and part of His family. Paul tells us that our lives should show what God has done for us. He calls this “walking worthy of the calling.”
Walking worthy means living in a way that matches who we are in Jesus. It shows in how we treat others every day. Paul gives us some ways to do this:
Humility: Don’t think you are better than others. Listen, help, and share without needing all the credit.
Gentleness: Be kind and caring, even when others make mistakes.
Patience: Stay calm when things don’t go your way.
Bear with one another: Put up with each other’s mistakes because you care.
Peace: Look for ways to get along and help people feel safe and loved.
Paul reminds us that there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God over all. Followers of Jesus are connected, and our love and unity show God to the world.
Walking worthy isn’t about being perfect, but about living like Jesus every day.
Discussion Questions
What does it mean to walk worthy? Of what?
Which qualities does Paul tell us to show to others?
Which one of these is hardest for you: humility, gentleness, or patience? Why?
Based on what Jesus has already done, how can we show love when we don’t agree or feel frustrated?
Closing Prayer: God, thank You for bringing us into Your family. Help us learn how to live in unity and love like Jesus. Give us humble hearts, gentle words, and patient attitudes as we study together. Amen.
Day Two – Memory Verse
Ephesians 4:1+2 (ESV) “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
Fun Family Memory Ideas – Say the verse out loud while everyone walks around the room, reminding your family that we’re learning how to walk in love.
Pray Together
Day Three – Family Activity:
Review the Memory Verse
Ephesians 4:1+2 (ESV): “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
Live-It-Out Challenge: Choose one of these to practice today:
- Let someone else go first
- Speak kindly instead of complaining
- Wait patiently without interrupting
- Encourage someone in your family
One way to keep everyone accountable for the challenge is to write down the action that each person chose to work on. Review the list at breakfast, lunch, or dinner the next day to find out how the challenge went. Was it simple? Difficult? How can you support each other?
Prayer: Ask for a volunteer to close your time out in prayer.
Additional Resources:
Ephesians for Families Bible Study | Week 1
10 Reasons to Read the Bible as a Family
10 Verses that Help Cultivate Thankful Hearts
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