We are moving very slowly through these verses in Chapter 4 because the truths revealed are so vitally important. Unity is such a beautiful concept and one that we experience so seldom in any arena of our lives. Therefore, one more time today, read slowly through Ephesians 4: 1 - 6. This time, let your mind focus on oneness and unity.
In your notebook, list the 7 "ones" that Paul lists.
As Christ-followers, Paul outlines for us the 7 things upon which unity is based. These are the things that believers must agree upon. From this core come a variety of interpretations, of opinions, of structures. Prayerfully reflect on these 7.
One body ... this is the "mystery" of God that we have been studying. Jew and Gentile created into one new person - loved, justified and sanctified by God. The church - Christ's body on this earth. One body ...
One Spirit ... the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit through whom we are "sealed" and "secured" before God. We learned that in Ephesians 1:13. This Spirit allows us access to God. This Spirit is the Spirit of God that indwells, strengthens and guides believers. We will study more about the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 5 and 6. One Spirit ...
One hope of our calling ... only one. And that hope, that assurance, is that we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ and will live eternally with God. One hope ...
One Lord ... Jesus Christ. The Son of God whom He exalted above all. Through Whom all things were made and through Whom we live and breathe and have our very being. This Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended back into the heavenly realms. He is seated at the right hand of God and lives to intercede for His followers. One Lord ...
One faith ... the belief that Jesus Christ is Lord. One faith ...
One baptism ... the believers immersion into the very person of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Paul says it so beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For we were all baptized in one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks - slave or free - and we were all given one Spirit to drink." One baptism ...
One God and Father ... the Jewish "Shema" states it splendidly ... "The Lord our God is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4) Those words are brought into the New Testament era in Mark 12:29. One God ...
Upon these 7 truths we can stand together. All who believe and confess these truths are united into the household of God.
Close your time today by reading John 17: 20 - 23. These words are from our Lord - His prayer for us. Let them sink deeply into your spirit. Don't miss the fact that Jesus says as we stand united in Him ... we let the world know that Jesus is who He says He is ... and that He came from God. That IS our testimony!
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