Our First Calling: Guarding The Unity
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
1/8/2012 AM
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Text:
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Ephesians 4:1-6
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Psalters: |
226, 338, 238, 369 |
Sacrament of Baptism |
- The walk of every Christian is to fit or harmonize with the vocation wherewith you are called.
- We are called out ones (the church) who are to display the glory of God (3:21).
- A worthy walk is a life which is suitable to, matches and does not clash with what we believe (cf. Titus 2:1).
- So important that Paul “beseeches,” i.e., urgently asks, implores.
- God is glorified first when His Spirit’s unity is preserved.
- A unity made by the Spirit is first spiritual (internal), but it does express itself visibly and externally.
- It is a unity of the Holy Spirit, not a unity made by man.
- This unity is experienced only by those in whom the Spirit dwells and enlightens.
- The unity of the Spirit makes for “one body.”
- The end of the Spirit’s work is to lead us to the “one hope of your calling” (cf. 1:18; 13b with 14a).
- Together we have one God the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 8:6).
- Our “one faith” is the faith by which we are righteous together.
- Our duty with respect to this unity is to d our utmost to guard it against breaking.
- “Endeavor is to make every effort, diligently and urgently.
- We are to guard or preserve the unity against all the efforts to destroy it.
- The manner is with “all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
- The unity of the Spirit is bound together in peace.