The Transformed Life: Together in Unity

Ephesians 4:1–6 (CSB)

Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord (fastened and fettered to the work of the Lord who is his master),

urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,

with all humility and gentleness,

with patience,

bearing with one another in love,

making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (fetter, fastener…the very thing that binds paul to christ is what binds the church together as one.)

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—

one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Main Point: We Must Live the Transformed Life in Unity Together.

The Transformed Life Thrives in Community (not Isolation)

Community is the Environment of a Transformed Life

We once were far from God, Excluded from the Family, Selfishly walking alone in Sin, apart from one another.

We Have been redeemed/reconciled with one purpose: To gather us together as one family in Christ. A Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Generational, Multi-Gifted family. (Eph 1:10)

We are not united by our own common interests, abilities, beliefs, or any earthly bond. The bond that unites us is a heavenly chain, that cannot be broken. we have been shackled together by God, through the work of Christ and the power of the Spirit. If we are forever cleansed & redeemed, we are also united forever from now until eternity. (Shackled to Christ, Shackled to one another)

Illustration: (Who and what binds us matters)

Earthly bonds represented by a single rubber band- it ties us together the further apart we get, the more stress its put under it will inevitably snap.

Heavenly bond is represented by a chain, it can handle more stress. the chain that binds us is the same chain that conquered sin, death, and the grave. no matter the stress placed the unity, even if we are separated by sin or our own handiwork in this life we will always be together in eternity.

The Transformed Life Strives For Unity (not Selfishness)

Unity is the Attitude of a Transformed Life

Walking with the Complete/Full Attitude (not half-measure/hearted) of Christ:

Humility

With an appropriate view of oneself, understanding our own sinfulness and giving others greater value. acting according to the spirit of Christ who gave us a perfect example of humility.

Isaiah 53:7–8 “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth. He was taken away because of oppression and judgment, and who considered his fate? For he was cut off from the land of the living; he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.”

Philippians 2:5–11 “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Sacrificial Submission & Service

Not taking for granted our Position/Status (socioeconomic, employment, social, cultural, educational, relational, etc) Race, Gender, Background, Etc.

Gentleness

Calm, Self-Controlled, Kind and Considerate of others, Gracious/Compassionate. Especially to those who are weaker in faith, status/position, etc.

Patience

Not putting our brothers and sisters on a time frame or a performance chart that is up to our standards. Showing patience as that of Christ when dealing with his disciples/us.

Strength training- allowing for time for relationships to tear & grow, and for time to heal when stress is present. not giving up in times of difficulty waiting on God and upon others.

Allowing time for repentance/forgiveness, for God’s movement in our lives (individually and communally) requires times of prayer together

Bearing with one another in Love

Enduring and holding fast to the love of Christ which binds us together during times of difficulty, hurt, trials, and unpleasantness.

Not only waiting for times of repentance/forgiveness but extending those times within the body to those we have wronged/been wronged by.

Love is the sacrificial love that seeks the good of the other before our own selves.

Zealously maintaining unity (ONENESS) through peace

To bear an intense desire, to take up uncommon interest in keeping the peace. to be zealous more for the unity that binds us then the individual benefits we receive apart from the body.

To maintain/care for/preserve the peace of God that binds us into eternity.

Through His Blood We Have peace with one another, and with God. Our bonds begin with peace and they end with peace.

The Transformed Life Endures in Harmony (not Chaos)

Harmony is the Impact of a Transformed Lifeha

Oneness: One Body, One Spirit, One Hope/ Expectation, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God/Father (Over Jews & Gentiles)

The Plan of God has always been to bring all things together in Christ.

When we are in harmony with one another, growing closer in community, growing in our unity for one another, fixing our eyes together on Jesus Christ we will