UNITED IN CHRIST

Ephesians 4:1-6
Paul is urging us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. This calling is elaborated in chapters 1, 2 and 3, where we come into contact with the amazing grace of God. This should motivate us.

Q. What effect has the grace of God had on you? Are you a committed disciple?

When we commit ourselves to this calling, we shall remain united and succeed as a church. Without unity, we will fail. As much as we are different and think differently in many aspects, there are certain things in which we must remain united, some of which are listed in verses 4-6. Let us look at them.

1. ONE BODY AND ONE SPIRIT

1 Corinthians 12:1,2
We are all baptized by the one Spirit into the one body meaning that God expects the same level of commitment from every member of his church. Do you have the same level of commitment as the rest in evangelism, studying the Bible with people, in Bible study, in prayer, at Bible talks, in reaching out to the weak and the sick, giving to meet needs, giving to God, etc.?

Q. Are you completely unified with the other members of the body?
Q. When the members of the body meet, do you make every effort to be there, or do you look for the first available excuse?

Examine yourself and face whatever is causing you to be uncommitted.

2. ONE HOPE

Ephesians 1:18
We all have one hope of eternal life. This hope begins its fulfillment right here on earth as we have a great time with the saints. What a glorious inheritance!

Q. Is this how you view the other disciples? If you are not enjoying yourself now with those whom God has put in your life, what makes you think you will meet a totally different breed of saints in heaven?

Let us see each other for who we really are - the riches of God's glorious inheritance.

3. ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM

2 Corinthians 5:14,15
Christ died for us. When we repented of our sins, we made Jesus the Lord of our lives and by faith got baptized for the forgiveness of our sins.

Q. Do you still believe this is the only way for someone to be added to the church of God? If so, what have you done in the recent past to see that those missing this get a chance to know it?

Q. Is Jesus still the Lord of your life? Have you allowed him to guide your thoughts, the use of your money, the guidance of your family, your comportment at work, etc.? Do you still obey him as you did at first, or have you now become Lord of your own life?

Let us be renewed in this conviction so as to live for him once again.

4. ONE FATHER

There are many other religions with their godheads that they worship.

Q. Do you have any doubts as to the one we worship? Do you think we are all the same and will somehow all survive and met in heaven regardless what we believe and practice here on earth?

The father we worship is the only one and we must be united on this. He is the Father who sent Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3). No other god sent Jesus to die for us on the cross.

When we unite in these, we will undoubtedly experience this love that lasts forever and never fails to achieve progress in our spiritual lives. Be completely humble, not 90%. Be patient, bearing with others in love. Make every effort to achieve this unity.

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