A Church Living in the Unity of the Spirit
Text: Ephesians 4
by Bob Young
Introduction
Calling--is a reference to a certain kind of walk, certain kind of life. Worthy.
I. A singular lifestyle
- Lowliness, humble
- Meekness, gentle
- Longsuffering, patient
- Forbearing one another in love
- Endeavoring to keep the unity of Spirit in bond of peace
II. A singular list
- One body, interesting thing to put first
- One Spirit, uniting power
- One hope of "one" calling (you = pl.)
- One Lord
- One faith
- One baptism
- One God and Father
III. A singular preparation for a singular purpose
- This preparation is by God's gifting. Everyone has received grace (gift). This is not solely the salvation gift. This is a reference to abilities, capacities, functions, roles.
- Why?
- Mature saints--prepare
- Encourage/enable/facilitate service
- Edify body of Christ
- build up until all find unity in faith
- unity in knowledge of Son of God
- become mature
- attain measure of fullness of Christ
- Then not be tossed in division/separation, in immaturity or childishness.
- Result?
- Capable of speaking truth in love
- Capable of growing up in him in all things, this is the concept of continuing maturity.
IV. A singular body
- One body, one head--Christ
- This one body functions in a certain way, joined, compacted-held together, energized, growing, building itself, each part working.
Conclusion
This is a wonderful picture of the church, isn't it? This is a picture of the church existing in the unity of spirit, combined, loving, caring, connected, sharing, reaching out with good news message where others find hope, presence of Christ, acceptance, belonging, security, peace, eternity.
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Last updated March 14, 2011