03.05.2023 | ONE BY THE BLOOD
ONE BY THE BLOOD
CORE VALUE – WE VALUE UNITY OF THE BODY THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS
Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV)
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.
Ephesians 4:2-3
With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:4-6
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Repentance, reconciliation, and unity in the Body of Christ opened the door for revival and transformation in the culture and in the nation.
Psalm 133:1-2
Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.
Psalm 133:3
It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing – life forevermore.
John 17:21
That they all may be one, as you Father are in Me, and I in you, that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
Acts 2:1
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Ephesians 4:4-6
There is one Body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Unity is not sameness.
We are unique, but still united in Jesus Christ!
We are already one through the Blood of Jesus Christ!
Ephesians 4:3
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Endeavor – Make every effort, give it everything you’ve got!
1. Walk in Lowliness
Ephesians 4:1-2a
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness.
Lowliness – humility, lowliness of mind
The humble recognition of the worth and value of other people. – Arrington
Behind all discord lies pride. Behind all harmony and unity lies humility. – Arrington
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less. – C.S. Lewis
2. Walk in Meekness
Ephesians 4:2a
With all lowliness and gentleness [meekness].
Meekness is not weakness, but strength under control.
Matthew 11:29a (KJV)
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.
A strong-willed person who has learned to submit his will to a higher authority. – Rick Renner
One who remains in control of himself in the face of insults and injuries. – Rick Renner
3. Walk in Patience
Ephesians 4:2a
With all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering.
Patient restraint of anger. – Rick Renner
Makrothumia, makro – long, thumia, anger, or deep passion
Long-tempered – it takes a lot for us to boil over
A largeness of soul that can endure annoyances and difficulties over a period of time. – John Stott
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
4. Walk in Acceptance
Ephesians 4:2
With all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love.
Bearing – accept, endure, bear with, put up with
Ephesians 4:2b (AMP)
Bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.
Romans 15:7 (NLT)
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
Where do we get these four godly traits? In Christ!
A. Surrender to Him
B. Put on these character traits by faith
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Discussion Questions:
1. Would you say that there is unity in your home and family? Why or why not?
2. What needs to change in your family to bring unity?
3. Are you walking in unity with the other believers in the family of God?
4. If not, what are the steps the Holy Spirit is asking you to take to restore unity in the Body?
5. When you think about humility, meekness, patience, long-suffering, and bearing with one another, which of these traits is the Holy Spirit asking you to grow in right now?
6. What are some of the steps you can take to grow in this area?