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Discover the essential attitudes of unity in Ephesians 4:1-3, exploring principles of humility, gentleness, longsuffering, and love. Embrace the challenge of maintaining unity through diligent efforts and tolerance, rooted in the love of Christ. Explore the significance of walking worthy of your calling and the importance of bearing with one another in love. Join in the pursuit of unity, a challenging but rewarding endeavor central to the teachings of Christ.
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Studies in Ephesians Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Unity is a must! • 1 Corinthians 1:10Philippians 2:1-2 • John 17:20-21, Jesus’ prayer • John 13:34,35 – a message to the world
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Paul the Prisoner • A “prison epistle” (Eph. 6:20, cf. Acts 28:30-31) • A prisoner of the LordGalatians 2:20Romans 6:15-18
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Walk worthy of your calling • Walk, one’s manner of life – 7 times in Ephesians • Worthy – a manner consistent with one’s claims in ChristRom. 6:4, 2 Cor. 5:7cf. Gen. 5:24, 6:9An improper walkPhilippians 3:18Ephesians 4:17
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Walk worthy of your calling • Our calling, • Not miraculous or arbitrary – available to all • An invitation to follow Christ – 2 Thess. 2:14Philippians 3:14
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Attitudes of unity • Lowliness • Humility, to act without arrogance. • Romans 12:31 Peter 5:5Philippians 2:3 • To achieve unity, I need to have a humble attitude!
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Attitudes of unity • Gentleness • Mildness in dealing with others. Meekness, courtesy • Gal. 5:22-23, 2 Tim. 2:25, James 3:13, Prov. 15:5 • Soft answers will accomplish much in achieving unity! • Unity is seldom found with flaring tempers
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Attitudes of unity • Longsuffering • Patient endurance, even when facing provocation or misfortune • Gal. 5:22-23, 1 Cor. 13:4Hebrews 6:12 • Overcoming differences doesn’t always happen on the first try. Sometimes people fail - but we can’t quit! 1 Thess. 5:14 • Consider God – Rom. 2:4
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Attitudes of unity • Bearing with one another in love • Bearing – showing tolerance & endurance in our dealings with each other • 1 Cor. 13:7, Col. 3:13Rom. 15:1 • Galatians 5:15 – don’t bite and devour • We all have differences and weaknesses. Will we let these hinder unity?
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Attitudes of unity • Bearing with one another in love • In love - agape • 1 Cor. 13:1-8, 12:31 – a more excellent way • Can you think of a better application of love, than our endeavoring for unity?Cf. Philippians 2:1-2
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Attitudes of unity • Endeavoring to keep the unity • Putting forth intense effort and motivation to accomplish what is needed, diligence • 2 Tim. 2:15, 2 Peter 1:10 Romans 14:19 – pursue that which makes for peace
Attitudes of UnityEphesians 4:1-3 Attitudes of unity • Endeavoring to keep the unity • Unity of the Spirit – based upon His standard. NOT compromise of truth • The bond of peace – is the goal we seek to achieve! 1 Thess. 5:13 • Achieving and maintaining unity is not an easy thing to do – but it can be done!