Ephesians 4
Dr. Roberto Miranda(Audio: English)
SUMMARY:
The passage in Ephesians 4 emphasizes the unity and diversity of the church. The first three chapters focus on God's work through eternity in the church, while the last three chapters focus on how we should live in the Christian walk. The Apostle Paul urges us to live in a way that reflects the great things God has done for us. The unity of God's people is a crucial aspect of the church, and the Holy Spirit will not manifest its blessing in a body that is not united. On the other hand, where there is unity, where there is love, the blessing of God comes. Believers are called to exercise the ethic of unity and closeness to each other, to protect each other and preserve our lives, and to be a light on to the nations.
The importance of unity in the Christian community is emphasized in the Bible, as it is a reflection of the character of Christ and a powerful apologetic for the truth of the gospel. The Apostle Paul urges believers to cultivate humility, gentleness, patience, and love towards each other in order to maintain unity. This requires a process of character formation, submission to God, and a desire to be transformed into the image of Christ. Conflict arises from our own desires and motives, but by submitting ourselves to God, we can achieve harmony and unity in the church.
The speaker discusses the importance of unity in the Christian life and its connection to humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. He emphasizes the need to make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace, even in the face of diversity and difficulty. The natural tendency of the world is towards conflict and chaos, but as believers, we counteract that tendency by living in a higher order of harmony and love. The speaker prays for the infilling of the Holy Spirit in areas of conflict and for peace in families, churches, and communities.Book of Ephesians which I am sort of working through as the Lord gives me the opportunity to do so. We’re in chapter 4 and I just want to take the first section of chapter 4, verses 1 through 16 and work through as much as we can that passage tonight.
And it says in Chapter 4, I’ll tell you what, let’s do something a little bit more creative. Anybody wants to lead, come up here and read just two or three verses. Quickly, don’t hesitate, come on right up and help me out here and maybe we can have a little variety here. Great! How are you, brother? Just take four or five of those verses.