Ephesians - Walking in Unity (part 1)
Posted on May 16, 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.
ill. :: Jim had trouble with his foot hurting when he was younger. As the doctor was examining him, he asked Jim to walk down the hallway. Upon doing so, the doctor identified, along with the x-ray, what the problem was. Because of the way Jim walked and placed his weight on certain areas of his foot, it caused the bones in his foot to move and shift incorrectly. The doctor said that he would eventually need surgery, but in the meantime, in order for the pain to decrease, Jim had to change the way he walked. So, Jim took the time and made the effort to recognize how he was walking and then consciously change the manner in which he walked. Since then, Jim has had no more trouble with his foot.
Intro :: Today's passage is about our Christian walk and how we need to pay attention to our Christian walk as a church and consciously change the things in our walk that do not edify Christ.
1. There must be consistency between the church’s pattern of life and its new nature in Christ. (4:1)
- To understand verse 1 better, it helps to define some words:
---walk :: not just making progress in one direction; also refers to a lifestyle (e.g. a movie of your life from birth to death; general pattern of life)
---calling :: the life by which Christ has changed us; what we are in Christ indicates a change in our state/identity
---worthy :: integrity, consistency, proof that something has value/worth
- In order to walk/live correctly, we must know who we are and who Christ has called us to be.
- Who has Christ called us to be?
---Christ has called us saints; we have been set apart; we are recipients of God's blessings; we are children adopted into His family; we are redeemed; we are forgiven
---Jim stated the that one of the lessons he learned in seminary was the meaning of the word "therefore" in scripture. In this passage, it's a connection word bringing in chapters 1-3 and pulling them in with what God is calling us to do.
- (recap) In chapters 1-3,
---God has made peace with us
---We are no longer objects of God's wrath; we are reconciled to Christ & to other believers
---God has given us hope
- Our walk is also an act of praise and worship (e.g. how you deal with neighbors and co-workers, how you run your business, how you react to circumstances in life). Our lives as Christians should reflect the "new" realities listed in chapters 1-3.
(ill. :: last verse of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" ...demands my life, my soul, my all.)
- We are to live a life that is consistent of what God has done for us.
- What does this "walk" look like? (v. 17 - end of chapter 6)
---v. 1-16 spend time on the concept of unity
2. The essential expression of such consistency is unity within the church. (4:2-6)
- Being saved by grace helps unit us in Christ -- powerful witness to the world
- How is unity possible in the church? (see the "Seven one's)
---One body
---One Spirit
---One hope
---One Lord
---One faith
---One baptism
---One God
- Because of this oneness, there is unity that should be present. We should see this in our church which will then be a powerful witness to others.
- How is unity maintained in the church?
---v. 2 :: by demonstrating the Fruits of the Spirit (i.e. lack of self-exaltation, self-advancement)
---unity is about the advancement of the church, not about me and the advancement of self
---v. 3 :: with vigilance and urgency
---eager :: to make every effort; not be passive; unity doesn't just happen, it takes work; only happens when we live within the will of God and proactively seek unity
---v. 3 :: with peace
---v. 2:14 :: Christ is our peace; we are one in Christ, no longer enemies
- Unity in church demonstrates Christ and His nature to the world
- What are you doing to promote unity in the church?
- It is amazing how self-centered we are when we talk about the church.
With many people in today's society, they ask "Am I getting fed?", "What can the church do for me?", and "Are things done the way I want?" We should be asking, "How can I serve?" "How can I promote unity through serving others/Christ?" "How can God use me to further His Kingdom and work?" When we focus on serving, we won't have time to grumble or complain and demand things a certain way.
- To contribute to actively seeking unity::
---Look at your heart. Is it right with God? Examine yourself.
---Commit yourself to walking in this way. Surrender yourself.
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