Ephesians Part 5 | Together

Scripture

Main Idea:

Major questions in the Text:

Tension in the text:

Ephesians 4:1–6 NKJV

1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Introduction:

Paul indicates that he is a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul does write from prison but his words have a much deeper meaning. The words he uses have powerful connotations on what he is about to say next. Because what he is about to talk about sometimes requires us to lay ourselves, agendas and dreams to the side.

I am a Prisoner….

A prisoner has none of their own dreams. A prisoner goes where they are told. Their will is tied to the will of their master. Therefore Paul is encouraging us to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Paul is indicating that since God has called us out of darkness into the marvelous light we should live a reflect a life that honors him. God has called us to live in a way that he is glorified:

In Greco-Roman culture which glorified status and wealth, humility is not a coveted trait. However, Because the culture is infected and affected by sinful men, it often runs n opposition to the tenants of our Faith. Paul encourage a Meek or (humble and calm) behavior. He uplifts patience. and gentleness. Paul is not encouraging passivity. He is encouraging togetherness. If at any time the body of Christ needs togetherness, it is in these days in which we now live.

We must always be aware that our lives our illustrations for those who do not know Jesus. We live in a divided world that needs to see a united church.

Ephesians 4:2 NKJV

2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

We must learn to celebrate one another. This means patience and actively bearing with people who may have different personalities from ours. The best place we can practice this is initially in our homes……We have all needed a little grace extended. So we should extend that same grace to others.

I. Unity Comes from effort

Ephesians 4:3 NKJV

3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Unity is a conscious active effort. To endeavor means to make every possible effort. There are many differences that pull people apart. But we are unified by the Spirit of God.

Rather than complaining we should complimenting

Rather than criticizing we should be coaching

It takes little effort to tear down. It takes much work to build.

Unity in the spirit overrides superficial preferences.

II. Unity is Harmonious and Peace Holds it together

Power Principle: To be unified, we must be Spirit-Led.

Philippians 2:3 NKJV

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Ephesians 4:4–7 NKJV

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Point Transition

[Transition to Points

III. Unity Reflects the Image of God and the Trinity

A. Above - The father transcends all that may divide. If we remain in Him, we rise above our differences. The father draws us all together through his sovereignty.

B. In and through - The father is active in the world and In our lives

IV. Conclusion: