Ephesians Sermon Series - Part 3
Unity in Christ – New Standards
Sermon follow-up 11/25/24
Introduction
This week, we delved into Ephesians 4:1-6, where the Apostle Paul transitions from the theoretical aspects of unity in Christ to the practical outworking of this unity in our daily lives. This sermon challenges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, emphasizing humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. Let's explore these new standards and how we can apply them to our lives.
What Does It Mean to Walk Worthy of Our Calling?
Paul urges us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1). This walk is not just about understanding the teachings of Jesus but living them out daily. The term "walk" here signifies our choices, behaviors, and actions as we follow Jesus.
The Concept of Walking with Jesus
In the first century, Jewish rabbis, including Jesus, taught by traveling and using their surroundings as object lessons. Disciples followed closely, learning and emulating their rabbi's teachings. The phrase "may you be covered in the dust of your rabbi's feet" symbolized following so closely that you were literally covered in their dust. This is the kind of closeness Paul urges us to have with Jesus.
Five New Standards for Unity
Paul outlines five key virtues in Ephesians 4:2 that are essential for maintaining unity in the Spirit: humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. Let's unpack each of these.
**Practical Question:** Do I really believe that the world doesn't revolve around me? How can I look out for someone else's interests this week?
**Practical Question:** Whose hurting am I looking past right now? How can I treat someone with gentleness this week?
**Practical Question:** What uncomfortable things can I endure this week to maintain unity and demonstrate Christ's love?
**Practical Question:** Who in my life do I need to bear with more patiently? How can I demonstrate forbearance this week?
**Practical Question:** How can I lay down my life for someone this week? How can I show Christ's love in a tangible way?
Life Application - Living Out Our Calling
Living out these virtues is not about earning God's love but responding to the love He has already shown us. Just as God rescued the Israelites from Egypt before giving them the Ten Commandments, He has loved us first and now calls us to live in a way that reflects that love.
Conclusion
As we go about our week, may we be reminded of the love that God has shown us through Jesus Christ. Let this love motivate us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, living out the new standards of humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. May we choose the Jesus way and be a light to those around us.
Introduction
This week, we delved into Ephesians 4:1-6, where the Apostle Paul transitions from the theoretical aspects of unity in Christ to the practical outworking of this unity in our daily lives. This sermon challenges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, emphasizing humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. Let's explore these new standards and how we can apply them to our lives.
What Does It Mean to Walk Worthy of Our Calling?
Paul urges us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1). This walk is not just about understanding the teachings of Jesus but living them out daily. The term "walk" here signifies our choices, behaviors, and actions as we follow Jesus.
The Concept of Walking with Jesus
In the first century, Jewish rabbis, including Jesus, taught by traveling and using their surroundings as object lessons. Disciples followed closely, learning and emulating their rabbi's teachings. The phrase "may you be covered in the dust of your rabbi's feet" symbolized following so closely that you were literally covered in their dust. This is the kind of closeness Paul urges us to have with Jesus.
Five New Standards for Unity
Paul outlines five key virtues in Ephesians 4:2 that are essential for maintaining unity in the Spirit: humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. Let's unpack each of these.
- 1. Humility: Humility is about recognizing that the world does not revolve around us. Jesus pitomized humility by setting aside His divine privileges and taking on human form (Philippians 2:6-8). We are called to follow His example, understanding that no one is too powerful to embrace humility.
**Practical Question:** Do I really believe that the world doesn't revolve around me? How can I look out for someone else's interests this week?
- 2. Gentleness: Gentleness involves treating others with care and compassion. Jesus described Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). We are called to see others through the eyes of love and compassion, just as Jesus did.
**Practical Question:** Whose hurting am I looking past right now? How can I treat someone with gentleness this week?
- 3. Patience: Patience is the willingness to endure uncomfortable things for the sake of good. Jesus displayed perfect patience, even towards those who crucified Him (1 Timothy 1:16). We are called to exhibit this same patience in our relationships.
**Practical Question:** What uncomfortable things can I endure this week to maintain unity and demonstrate Christ's love?
- 4. Forbearance: Forbearance is about bearing with one another's quirks and differences. Jesus bore with those who disagreed with Him and even forgave those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). We are called to bear with one another in love.
**Practical Question:** Who in my life do I need to bear with more patiently? How can I demonstrate forbearance this week?
- 5. Love: Love is the crowning virtue that binds all others together (Colossians 3:14). God is the source of love, and we know love because Jesus laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16). We are called to lay down our lives for others in love.
**Practical Question:** How can I lay down my life for someone this week? How can I show Christ's love in a tangible way?
Life Application - Living Out Our Calling
Living out these virtues is not about earning God's love but responding to the love He has already shown us. Just as God rescued the Israelites from Egypt before giving them the Ten Commandments, He has loved us first and now calls us to live in a way that reflects that love.
Conclusion
As we go about our week, may we be reminded of the love that God has shown us through Jesus Christ. Let this love motivate us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, living out the new standards of humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. May we choose the Jesus way and be a light to those around us.
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