Ephesians 4:1-16 Recipes For Unity In The Body Of Christ

My commentary says these next three chapters deal with duty -- our responsibilities in Christ.  Chapter 1 said we are called by grace to belong to His body.  Now chapter 4 tells us to walk worthy of that calling and talks about unity of the Body.  "God says, 'I have already blessed you -- now, in response to My love and grace, obey Me..."  The oneness of believers in Christ is already a spiritual reality.  Our responsibility is to guard, protect, and preserve that unity.  To do this, we must understand four important facts."  Paul lists many things here, and the best way to show them are as lists:

The GRACE of unity (we must possess these graces):

   lowliness or humility

   meekness

   longsuffering

   forbearance

   endeavor

   peace

The GROUNDS of unity (the foundations for unity):

   one Body

   one Spirit

   one hope of our calling

   one Lord

   one faith

   one baptism

   one God and Father

The GIFTS FOR unity (our variety and individuality -- each believer has been given at least one spiritual gift.  Here Paul named gifted men God had placed in the church:

   apostles

   prophets

   evangelists

   pastors and teachers

The GROWTH of unity (in the local body of believers, it is evidenced by these:)

   Christlikeness

   stability

   truth joined with love

   cooperation

Our own church is striving to recover its unity right now.  My commentary had some wise thoughts for us:

   "Love is the circulatory system of the Body

    An isolated Christian cannot minister to others; nor can others minister to him.

   Spiritual unity is not something we manufacture.  It is something we already have in Christ, and we must        protect and maintain it.  Truth unites, but lies divide.  Love unites,    but selfishness divides.  Therefore,          speaking the truth in love, let us equip one another, that all of us may grow up to be more like Christ."

Father, please help us not just to hear these words written for us years ago, but also to take them to heart, that we may love and honor each other in order that we may love and honor You!

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford