How to Be the Household of Faith, Part 4

At the Lord’s Table...

Matthew 26:26 NIV

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Matthew 26:27–29 NIV

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

The Household of Faith...

1. Walks in unity

Ephesians 4:11 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,

Ephesians 4:12 NIV

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Ephesians 4:13 NIV

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:14 NIV

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

Ephesians 4:15 NIV

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Ephesians 4:16 NIV

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

2. Walks in purity

Ephesians 4:17 NIV

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

Ephesians 4:18 NIV

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

Ephesians 4:19 NIV

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

Ephesians 4:20 NIV

That, however, is not the way of life you learned

Ephesians 4:21 NIV

when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

Ephesians 4:22 NIV

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

Ephesians 4:23 NIV

to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

Ephesians 4:24 NIV

and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:25 NIV

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Ephesians 4:26 NIV

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

Ephesians 4:27 NIV

and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:28 NIV

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:30 NIV

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:31 NIV

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

3. Walks in love

Ephesians 5:1 NIV

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

Ephesians 5:2 NIV

and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:3 NIV

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Ephesians 5:4 NIV

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:5 NIV

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5:6 NIV

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

4. Walks in light

Ephesians 5:7 NIV

Therefore do not be partners with them.

Ephesians 5:8 NIV

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

Ephesians 5:9 NIV

(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

Ephesians 5:10 NIV

and find out what pleases the Lord.

Ephesians 5:11 NIV

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Ephesians 5:12 NIV

It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

Ephesians 5:13 NIV

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

Ephesians 5:14 NIV

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

5. Walks carefully

Ephesians 5:15 NIV

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

Ephesians 5:16 NIV

making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:17 NIV

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

6. Walks in harmony

Ephesians 5:18 NIV

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

Ephesians 5:19 NIV

speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

Ephesians 5:20 NIV

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.