Focal Passage: Ephesians 4:1-6
This week, the apostle Paul transitions into applied ministry and describes how believers are connected in unity. In Ephesians 4, Paul gives us practical ways of how we can remain functionally united. Because we all know that staying unified takes work – especially when sinners are dealing with other sinners!
First, Paul counsels the church to humbly accept one another. He urges them to be patient and bear with one another in love (v. 2). Next, he charges the church to strive for unity in the Spirit. How are they to do this? By allowing the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). He then expresses the “oneness” of God in verses four through six: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God.
Do not miss how Paul incorporates the Trinity in His depiction of unity. He mentions the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father. All three persons of the Godhead unified in the unfolding of His perfect, divine will.
Our bodies are made of many cells. Positionally, the cells within our bodies are united because they are all within one body. Yet, functionally, they can sometimes be at odds. Allergies, disease and inflammation can result because the cells within one body do not cooperate together. Instead, they attack one another, which eventually destroys the whole body.
Think of the magnificence displayed when those cells within your body work together; when they unite to fight off an infectious illness or bind up a wound. Back away from the microscope and view this in light of the body of Christ. King David said in Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” Jesus said of future believers, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me” (John 17:23).
Our “oneness” within the body of Christ reflects the glory of our Triune God. How can you pursue unity with other believers this week?