Ephesians 4:1-6 – “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
I. A People of Relational Warmth (Romans 15:5-7)
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
II. A People of Intentional Worship (John 4:23-24)
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Worshiping together with the Body
Worshiping in surrendered praise
Worshiping in allegiance to the Word
Worshiping with sacrifices of time, gifting, and finances
Worshiping in musical excellence
Worshiping in Homeposts and prayer times
III. A People with Strategic Messaging
A. Wisdom for the saved (Ephesians 4:11-16) – “And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
B. Witness to the lost (Acts 1:8) – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
IV. A People of Sacrificial Lifestyles
A. Spiritual treasure released (Romans 11:33) – “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!”
B. Material wealth invested (Proverbs 3:9-10) – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
C. Sacrificial work rendered
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- Romans 12:10-11 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”
- 2 Samuel 24:24 – “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.”
V. A People of Zealous Unity
Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
A. We will love one another (John 13:34-35)– “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. [35] By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
B. We will motivate one another (Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:24-25) – “Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin… (10:24-25) Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
C. We will accept one another (Romans 15:7) – “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
D. We will serve one another (Galatians 5:13) – “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
E. We will put up with one another (Ephesians 4:2-3) – “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
F. We will forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32) – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”