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EPHESIANS CHAPTER 4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INTRODUCTION
Ephesians 1:22-23
"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be
head over all things to the church, which is his body, THE
FULLNESS OF HIM that filleth all in all."
God has used many different pictures in his word to give us a
fuller understanding of the depth of unity he desires. "As thou,
Father art in me and I in thee." John 17:21. Unity of the
Godhead.
I. EXHORTATION TO UNITY (Eph.4:1)
The most significant truth about the church is that it is a
unity, "There is one body" Eph.4:4."Now are ye one body in
Christ" 1 Cor. 12:27 Jesus prayed, "That they all may be
one, as thou, Father art in me and I in thee, that they may
also be one with us. That the world may believe that thou
hast sent me." John 17:24
Paul exhorts us to walk in unity. Eph. 1:1,"Walk worthy of
the vocation wherewith ye are called."
II. ESSENTIALS (CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS) TO WALK IN UNITY
(Eph.1:2)
A. Lowliness = Humility
A thankful sense of dependence upon God. The opposite of
pride and conceit. Humility looks upward, pride looks
self-ward (inward).
B. Meekness = Gentleness and Kindness (submissive)
An unresisting, uncomplaining disposition which
enables us to bear without irritation or resentment
the taunts and injuries from others.
C. Longsuffering = Enduring (enduring patiently)
An enduring, un-wear-out-able spirit which knows how to
outlast pain or provocation. Opposite to short temper,
short fuse.
D. Forbearing = Patience (patiently enduring)
A patient spirit which goes on loving in spite of their
faults and weaknesses.
III. EVALUATION OF UNITY. (Eph. 4:4-6)
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit" Eph. 4:3
NOTE. Endeavoring = "SPUDAZO" = Make earnest effort
Derived from = "SPUDE" = Speed
A. We need to recognise that unity of the spirit already
exists in the body of Christ. (It is only possible to
keep something that already exists.)
B. How do we keep the unity of the spirit?
By walking worthy. Eph. 4:1-2
C. What is the unity of the spirit?
1. Paul lists seven things which are the churches
essence of oneness in the spirit.
2. First of all there is: one body, one spirit,
one hope,- the body is vitalized by one spirit
and moves progressively toward one hope.
3. Secondly: loyalty to one Lord gives birth to
one faith which is signalized by obedience in
one baptism.
4. Last: of all one God and Father of all. Every
unity exists and is sustained by him.
D. The Giver and the Gift. Eph. 4:7-10. Unity through Gifts
Christ the example of ministry shows the rewards of
humility.
IV. EQUIPPING FOR UNITY. (PROVISION FOR PERFECTION)
(Eph.4:11-13)
1. Means - 5 Ministries (Each ministry is "according to
the measure of Christ" within that minister.)
2. Evidence - Maturity
- Edification
Into the "unity of the faith" through understanding
Christ.
1. Means of Maturity = "Unity of faith"
Relationship brings harmony and single vision.
Isa. 52:8
2. Level of Maturity = "Perfect Man"
Maturity both individually and collectively.
3. Measure of Maturity = "Stature of the Fullness of
Christ"
The capacity to represent Christ in every person and
ministry completely.
V. EXPLANATION OR REASON FOR UNITY: (PROTECTION FROM DECEPTION)
The Alternative - Eph. 4:14
1. Spiritual Retardation. "Be no more children"
(infant)
2. Instability. "Tossed to and fro and carried
about"
3. Prey for deceivers. "Slight of men, cunning
craftiness"
VI. EXPANSION THROUGH UNITY (PROGRESSION BY RECEPTION) Eph. 4:16
Unity in all by all, functioning in unity.
The whole body -
a. Fitted Together = Fitly joined together.
b. Fastened together = Compacted... every joint
(broken bones knit) supplieth.
= Interpersonal Relationships
c. Functioning Together = Effectual working of every
part makes increase.
= A whole body "Every Joint,
Every Part" Col.2:9
NOTE: Ezek. 37:7-10
The regathering of Israel a pattern of reuniting of
the members of Christ's body.
First, NOISY ACTIVITY, "There was a noise, and behold a
shaking" Then, a joining, "Bone to his bone"
Finally, FUNCTIONING ACTIVITY, "a mighty army stood upon
its feet"
BODY - Unity in Life.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members,
and all members of that one body, being many, are one
body, so also is Christ" 1 Cor. 12:12-22
Each member of the body is necessary, and each has its
own function, yet all are at liberty to function in its
own unique way.
NOTE: Liberty, NOT Independence. The body is
IN/TER/DEPENDENT. Members functioning in life, bringing
unity into life.
ARMY - Unity in Vision and Purpose.
"And the breath came into them, and they lived, and
stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army"
Ezek. 37:10.
An army is never aimless, but is disciplined,
prepared and has unity of vision and purpose.
VI. ENCOURAGEMENT AND WALK Eph. 4:17-32
1. Walk in the new man. Note. v.24. not as the World.
A. The walk of the Old Man. v.17-19
Corrupt according to deceitful lusts. v.22.
B. The walk of the New Man. v.20-32
Created in righteousness and holiness. v.24.
Putting off the Old Man - putting on the New Man
Head is Christ, taught by Him, learned Christ. v.20-21