I was wrong... Ephesians 4 Outline

I was wrong in my Ephesians 4 outline. PJ (Pastor John) hooked me up with some Greek help. The following is the basic (it is not going to tab it over as it should - so you'll have to figure that out yourself). The NIV flow of thought and the NAS fooled me a bit. Hopefully this makes some sense. Again, I haven't totally figured out the wording correctly. Of course, now I have to understand the passage, get a preaching outline, and write the sermon. Hope my wife loves me as I ignore her a bit and work on it.

I. Walk in a Manner worthy of your calling

A. Humility and Gentleness

B. Patience (forbearing.. love)

II. Results in an eagerness to Maintain the Unity of Spirit

A. Unity explained more

1. One Spirit

2. One Lord

3. One Father

B. The Spirit gave many gifts which lead to unity

1. Spiritual gifts are given by Jesus and because of grace

2. Jesus has earned the right to give the gifts

3. Spiritual Gifts are given to prepare believers for works of service

4. Spirit gave variety (not just one) of gifts

5. Gifts are for equipping the saints

C. Results of being unified by using the gifts of the Spirit

1. No longer children

2. We will grow up in Christ

Ephesians 4:1-16

When I outline a passage (I'll be preaching on this one), I try to do it so that it follows the author's thought process. I rarely find commentators or preachers that do that. The following is my attempt at a Thought Outline of Ephesians 4:1-16. These are not clever titles or even complete thoughts - but I think it's pretty stinking close. Possibly the first three sub points under the first heading should be made into 4 or 5 points. I realize very few care - but - I'm hoping for some feedback.

What is the (thought) OUTLINE of Ephesians 4 (esp versese 1-16)?

What is the (thought) OUTLINE of Ephesians 4 (esp versese 1-16)?

It's amazing how poorly people outline - or how good they are at coming up with some sort of thematic outline - but one that does not let the text speak for itself. I'm sure I'm old and crazy and too narrow-minded - but... in a bit of searching online, I have found nothing close to an outline of Ephesians 4 that represents Paul's flow of thought.

I'm focusing on Eph 4:1-16. I can say that the main point is NOT UNITY. Unity takes up the most space, but it is not the main point (or if it is, it certainly is called something else first).

It seems that verse 3 is one of the subpoints of verse 1 (walk in a manner worthyof the calling you received). I realize few people take time to read my blog - and fewer still will have time to give me some good answers - but maybe someone will get where I'm going. Anyone? Anyone?

I suppose I could rant about "Thematic" expository preaching. So often the theme seems to take away from the text. I know - it's taught as the way to do it (and no - I haven't had a preaching class and I don't even know what it's really called). It frustrates me.

I guess I'm hoping someone out there will see Ephesians 4 as I do (which I hope is what Paul was aiming at in his writing).

I'm done ranting - for now. I'll try to post my outline soon.