Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called ; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Devotion
In the first six verses of chapter four, Paul stresses the importance of unity in the church. Paul now presents some practical theology concerning Christian conduct toward fellow believers. Paul begins by instructing believers in Ephesus to “live worthy of the calling you have received.” Paul is communicating that we are to live our lives in a way that is consistent with the new position we have in Christ. We may not always realize this, but people are constantly watching our lives to see if our walk matches our talk.
Now, Paul describes what this holy life looks like. Humility, gentleness, and patience are good indicators of this holy life Paul is referencing. They also are necessary attributes if there is going to be unity in the church. Humility is one of the most important virtues of the Christian life. Jesus modeled humility in the way He lived and died! He was putting others first when He died to reconcile mankind to God. Jesus was gentle toward the wayward sinner and patient with those who meant Him harm.
Then Paul reminds his readers of the seven “ones” that constitute the foundation on which God creates unity in the church: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. One body refers to the church. One Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit who indwells each believer. One hope refers to the final destination for all believers. One Lord refers to the person of Jesus Christ. One faith refers to the body of truth which makes up the Gospel. One baptism refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. One God and Father of all refers to God’s fatherhood of believers.
In a time when believers are arguing over their differences, we would do well to remember these seven things that unite us! As believers, we are to walk as new men/women in this world. Remember that if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation! The unbelieving world will stand up and take notice when they see diversity and unity present in the church. Let us live our lives in such a way that the world can’t help but see the glory of God.
Questions to Ponder
Does your walk line up with your talk? If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Do you demonstrate humility, gentleness, and patience toward other believers? Which of the seven “ones” is most important to you? Why?
Prayer Points
- Worship the LORD for being the meekest one, long-suffering, one with unlimited patience, and full of love and mercy.
- Worship Him for being Sovereign and having supreme rule.
- Invite the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance any sin against Him and others. I often have to confess the below (maybe my sins will remind you of yours):
- LORD, I confess self-dependency, pride, a demanding spirit, self-centeredness, impatience, a critical attitude toward others, unforgiveness, jealousy, coveting, judging, leaning on my own understanding, not having clean hands and a pure heart, being compromised, neglecting to obey Your voice and leadership, having “rights” to this and that, complaining, giving the enemy a foothold, laziness, wanting to be served rather than serving others, neglecting matters of the heart, neglecting Your Word and applying it daily, deafening my ears to Your voice throughout the day, disobeying You when it’s inconvenient for me, and not making every effort to keep the unity. Forgive me, Lord, for I am a sinner. Wash me clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. I receive Your forgiveness and mercy that is greater than how far the east is from the west.
Suggested Prayer
Abba, Father, thank You for Your kindness, mercy, and love. Thank You for leading me by Your Holy Spirit into Your throne room of grace. As I sit before You, looking at You face-to-face, I am in touch with the weight of Your purity, holiness, beauty, and majesty. Father of Glory, I ask for myself and Your church that You would empower each one of us by Your Holy Spirit who is within us to walk holy and blameless in Your sight. Father, I ask that we clothe ourselves with humility, patience, kindness, and goodness. That we would bear with one another and forgive any grievances we have. Empower us, Spirit of Truth, to put on love, to be thankful, and to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. That everything we do we would do in the name of Jesus Christ. I ask in His powerful and mighty name, which is above all names, Jesus Christ. Amen and amen.