Ephesians - Walking in Unity (part 2)

Posted on May 23, 2010 by Seann Taylor

Sermon Audio: - Click to Listen
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16 - Listen
Jim presents a hard challenge to the church on the understanding of what Christian unity means.

Today Jim will discuss how unity is achieved in the church and how to measure it.

Recap from last week ::
  • When there is health in the church, there will be growth.
  • Paul describes what it means to be a Christian (chapters 4-6); he gives the standard for us to measure by.
  • First on Paul's list was unity; he gave the "Seven Ones" and listed some Fruits of the Spirit
  • He said to pursue unity with vigilance.
Question :: How is unity achieved in the church?

3. The exercise of diverse gifts within the church promotes unity (v.7-12)
  • Unity is NOT uniformity
  • God has ordained diversity in the church (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11).
  • The thing that makes us all one is what Christ has done for us.
  • We are not all of the same race, culture, background, economic status, etc.; this should not matter
    -----What am I doing to reach out to diverse groups?
    -----What is our church doing to reach out to diverse groups?

  • How do we experience diversity? through the diversity of gifts
    -----Gifts are given by grace and are based on His victorious conquest of death & hell (v.7-8)
    -----Gifts are NOT just given to a chosen few

  • Paul gives a short list of gifts in v.11
    -----other lists are in I Corinthians 12 and I Peter 4
    ----- -----apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor/teachers

  • How are these gifts used?
    -----pastor/teacher ::
    ----- -----equip the saints for the work of the ministry; every member of the body of Christ is called to be a minister/servant
    ----- -----prepare to make someone adequate
    ----- -----ill :: construction work - one person is in charge, but it has many builders (e.g. plumbers, electricians)

  • Are you using your gift? Do you know your gift?
  • Are you using your gift for unity in the body?

Question :: How do we measure unity?

4. The goal of church unity is the maturity of the body of Christ. (v.13)
  • example of a full grown man (v.13)
  • we should compare ourselves and our church to Christ rather than to other churches.
  • Have we reached that point of full maturity?

Closing ::
  • It is important to walk in a manner that edifies Christ and represents Him well.
  • Love is the recurring attribute throughout the chapter; love is the key; we should do everything in a spirit of love
  • We achieve unity::
    -----when the Spirit is within it
    -----when we all seek to do our part and serve
    -----when we do everything in a spirit of love

Labels:

No Response to "Ephesians - Walking in Unity (part 2)"

Leave A Reply

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)