“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.“

Ephesians 4:1–6

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OCTOBER 24, 2024

If you take the time to read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, you’ll notice that in the first half, Paul sets the foundation for all the instructions he will give in the second half.

Thus, after reminding the church in Ephesus who they are in Jesus, Paul commands them “to live a life worthy of the calling you received.”

How does the church live a worthy life? Paul instructs them (and us, by extension) to be humble, gentle, and patient. By “bearing with one another in love” and making “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

There may be legitimate reasons why church members may need to disband or leave.  However, in our time and culture, with our individualist values, how often are we fed into disunity for illegitimate reasons? How often do we seek our own desires over the desires of God?

Paul says no! We are to be united by the Spirit with deep commitment to each other, not quarrel illegitimately or form only casual bonds. We are called to be humble, gentle, and patient. In love, we are to bear with one another and be united.

It’s for this reason that Paul pens what looks like an early confession of faith in verses 4 through 6, and he stresses unity by repeating the word “one” seven times:

There is one body…one Spirit…one hope…one Lord…one faith…one baptism…one God and Father of all.

The command is not to attempt unity, but to be united. Our Lord said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Wheaton Bible, do our surrounding communities know us for our love and unity, our intractable care and commitment to each other…and to them, in God’s name and for God’s glory?

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What would it look like for us at WBC to “live a life worthy of the calling we have received”?
  • In what ways can we (together) be humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, and keeping unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace? Where have you seen this—or not seen this? What do the surrounding neighborhoods see, do you think?
  • Think of one way you can encourage this unity at Wheaton Bible Church and pray that the Lord would fill you with power to do so.

 

Church Reading Plan: Daniel 9; Psalm 117-118