I. Introduction
Ephesians 4:1-16, is one of the most weighty and serious exhortations that Paul wrote to the Ephesians believers as well as today’s believers. Among many issues that we as Christians need to work on, disunity is one of the most prevalent problems. Our propensity for division is nature to our sinful natures and this is why God inspired Paul to tell us to live a manner worthy of the calling which we have received. Too often believers are separated because of minor differences in personalities and doctrine. But Paul shows those areas where Christians must agree to attain true unity. When believers have this unity of spirit, petty differences should never be allowed to dissolve that unity.
II. Walk a manner worthy of the calling you have received (1-3)
Where is you were calling? There are many examples around us of what it means to live in a manner worthy of calling. A Policeman, when he works, is supposed to be an example of the law. He lives worthy of his profession. He doesn’t steal and he doesn’t cheat but he defends and upholds the law. A doctor also is supported to live worthy of his profession. He heals the sick. He cares of those who are ill and seeks to make them well. A farmer is the best example; he tills the soil and produces food for thousands. He is called to this task and is gifted to accomplish it.
As a Christian, there are marks of what it means to live a life worthy of the calling. Within verses one to three we can see several fruit of the Holy Spirit; humility, gentleness, patience, love and peace. All for a purpose, unity in the body of Christ. Therefore, in order to occur in the body of Christ, we Christians need to exhibit humility, gentleness, patience, endurance, love and peace.
Here is some explanation of what Paul want us to know.
(A). Humility: with all lowliness, or submissiveness of mind, whereby we esteem others better than ourselves.
(B) Gentleness: Meekness; whereby we are not easily provoked, or offended with the infirmities of others: this is opposed to peevishness, as the former to pride.
(C) Patience: Long-suffering; whereby we bear with greater or repeated injuries.
(D) Forbearance to one another: It means supporting, bearing with the infirmities, forwardness, or moroseness of others, so as not to cease to love them, and do them good.
(E) In love: not out of any carnal affection, or for our own advantage, but of love, this is wont to make men patient and long-suffering.
(F) The Unity of the Spirit: Either unity of mind, or spiritual unity, as being wrought by the spirit, and then he means that unity he spoke of and whereby is intended that mystical body of Christ.
(G) In the Bond of Peace: In peace as the bond which keeps the members or parts of the church together, which by dissensions are dissipated and scattered.
The first step to this unity is humility, for where that is not; there will be no meekness or forbearance, without which unity cannot be maintained.
Ephesians 4:1-16, is one of the most weighty and serious exhortations that Paul wrote to the Ephesians believers as well as today’s believers. Among many issues that we as Christians need to work on, disunity is one of the most prevalent problems. Our propensity for division is nature to our sinful natures and this is why God inspired Paul to tell us to live a manner worthy of the calling which we have received. Too often believers are separated because of minor differences in personalities and doctrine. But Paul shows those areas where Christians must agree to attain true unity. When believers have this unity of spirit, petty differences should never be allowed to dissolve that unity.
II. Walk a manner worthy of the calling you have received (1-3)
Where is you were calling? There are many examples around us of what it means to live in a manner worthy of calling. A Policeman, when he works, is supposed to be an example of the law. He lives worthy of his profession. He doesn’t steal and he doesn’t cheat but he defends and upholds the law. A doctor also is supported to live worthy of his profession. He heals the sick. He cares of those who are ill and seeks to make them well. A farmer is the best example; he tills the soil and produces food for thousands. He is called to this task and is gifted to accomplish it.
As a Christian, there are marks of what it means to live a life worthy of the calling. Within verses one to three we can see several fruit of the Holy Spirit; humility, gentleness, patience, love and peace. All for a purpose, unity in the body of Christ. Therefore, in order to occur in the body of Christ, we Christians need to exhibit humility, gentleness, patience, endurance, love and peace.
Here is some explanation of what Paul want us to know.
(A). Humility: with all lowliness, or submissiveness of mind, whereby we esteem others better than ourselves.
(B) Gentleness: Meekness; whereby we are not easily provoked, or offended with the infirmities of others: this is opposed to peevishness, as the former to pride.
(C) Patience: Long-suffering; whereby we bear with greater or repeated injuries.
(D) Forbearance to one another: It means supporting, bearing with the infirmities, forwardness, or moroseness of others, so as not to cease to love them, and do them good.
(E) In love: not out of any carnal affection, or for our own advantage, but of love, this is wont to make men patient and long-suffering.
(F) The Unity of the Spirit: Either unity of mind, or spiritual unity, as being wrought by the spirit, and then he means that unity he spoke of and whereby is intended that mystical body of Christ.
(G) In the Bond of Peace: In peace as the bond which keeps the members or parts of the church together, which by dissensions are dissipated and scattered.
The first step to this unity is humility, for where that is not; there will be no meekness or forbearance, without which unity cannot be maintained.
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