Embodying Christ-like Unity Through Humility and Love
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into Ephesians 4:1-3, focusing on the theme "Be Very Nice." This passage emphasizes the importance of humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance in maintaining unity within the church. Paul urges believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, which involves embodying these virtues. We explored how humility helps us treat others with respect and selflessness, while gentleness allows us to interact without self-promotion or harshness. Patience, described as long-temperedness, enables us to endure and bear with one another, reflecting God's patience with us. Tolerance, in a biblical sense, goes beyond mere patience; it involves actively bearing with and working alongside others in love.
We also discussed the dangers of secular definitions of tolerance, which often trap Christians into affirming and promoting sin. This worldly tolerance contrasts sharply with biblical tolerance, which stands firmly on scriptural truth. The sermon highlighted the importance of being very nice in a genuine, Christ-like manner, not just superficially. This involves telling the truth in love, even when it's uncomfortable or counter-cultural. We are called to be dynamic disciples, displaying God's glory through our conduct and preserving unity within the church.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility Keeps Unity: Humility is not weakness but strength under control. It involves considering others better than ourselves and giving them preferential treatment. This self-denial and self-restraint are essential for maintaining unity within the church. Humility allows us to appreciate and listen to others, valuing them over ourselves. [11:52]
2. Gentleness Keeps Unity: Gentleness is a disposition that resists self-exaltation and self-promotion. It involves putting others' needs before our own and responding with a soft answer that turns away wrath. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit and is crucial for preserving unity in the church. It requires harnessing our emotions and submitting to the Holy Spirit. [16:13]
3. Patience Keeps Unity: Patience, or long-temperedness, resists reactionary thoughts and embraces delayed gratification. It involves enduring the strain of differences within the church and reflecting on how patient God has been with us. Patience is developed through intentional humility and gentleness, and it is essential for maintaining unity. [18:31]
4. Tolerance Keeps Unity: Biblical tolerance involves bearing with and working alongside others in love. It goes beyond mere patience and requires a positive attitude towards others, even when they do things differently. Tolerance is about bringing others alongside us and working with them, reflecting Christ's love and humility. [23:21]
5. Standing Firm in Biblical Truth: The sermon emphasized the importance of standing firm in biblical truth, especially in a culture that redefines tolerance and love. True love involves telling the truth in love, even when it's counter-cultural. This is the most loving thing we can do, as withholding the truth is ultimately hateful. [29:35]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:16] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
3. [02:42] - Reading Ephesians 4:1-3
4. [04:11] - Context of Ephesians
5. [05:51] - Unity in Christ
6. [07:22] - Walking Worthy of Your Calling
7. [08:58] - Characteristics of a Worthy Walk
8. [10:28] - Connection Between Calling and Conduct
9. [11:52] - Humility Keeps Unity
10. [15:28] - Gentleness Keeps Unity
11. [18:31] - Patience Keeps Unity
12. [23:21] - Tolerance Keeps Unity
13. [29:35] - The Trap of Secular Tolerance
14. [39:41] - Standing Firm in Biblical Truth
15. [50:17] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
### Observation Questions
1. What virtues does Paul list in Ephesians 4:1-3 that are essential for maintaining unity within the church?
2. According to the sermon, how does humility contribute to unity in the church? [11:52]
3. What is the difference between biblical tolerance and secular tolerance as discussed in the sermon? [29:35]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between humility, gentleness, and patience? [18:31]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize walking "in a manner worthy of the calling" in Ephesians 4:1? How does this relate to the virtues listed in verses 2-3?
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of "long-temperedness" in relation to patience? Why is this important for church unity? [19:15]
3. What are the potential dangers of adopting a secular definition of tolerance within the church, according to the sermon? [29:35]
4. How does the sermon suggest that true love involves telling the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or counter-cultural? [47:13]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled to be humble. How could you have approached it differently to maintain unity? [11:52]
2. Think of a time when you reacted harshly instead of with gentleness. What steps can you take to respond more gently in the future? [16:50]
3. Identify a person in your church or community who tests your patience. What specific actions can you take to practice long-temperedness with them? [19:15]
4. How can you actively practice biblical tolerance in your interactions with others this week? What does it mean to bear with and work alongside others in love? [23:21]
5. The sermon emphasizes standing firm in biblical truth. How can you balance this with being "very nice" in your daily interactions? [29:35]
6. Consider a time when you withheld the truth to avoid discomfort. How can you courageously speak the truth in love in similar situations moving forward? [47:13]
7. How can you cultivate a genuine, Christ-like niceness that goes beyond superficiality in your relationships within the church? [26:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Humility as Strength Under Control
Description:
Humility is often misunderstood as weakness, but in reality, it is strength under control. It involves considering others better than ourselves and giving them preferential treatment. This self-denial and self-restraint are essential for maintaining unity within the church. Humility allows us to appreciate and listen to others, valuing them over ourselves. When we practice humility, we reflect Christ's own humility, who, though being in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself. This kind of humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. It is about putting others first and seeking their good above our own.
Humility is crucial for unity because it helps us to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings. When we are humble, we are more likely to listen to others and consider their perspectives. We are less likely to insist on our own way and more willing to compromise for the sake of peace. Humility also helps us to recognize our own faults and weaknesses, making us more forgiving and patient with others. By practicing humility, we can create a more loving and united community that reflects the character of Christ. [11:52]
Bible Passage:
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent conflict or disagreement you had. How could practicing humility have changed the outcome? What steps can you take today to put others' needs before your own in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Gentleness as a Fruit of the Spirit
Description:
Gentleness is a disposition that resists self-exaltation and self-promotion. It involves putting others' needs before our own and responding with a soft answer that turns away wrath. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit and is crucial for preserving unity in the church. It requires harnessing our emotions and submitting to the Holy Spirit. When we are gentle, we are not weak but strong in a controlled and loving manner. Gentleness allows us to interact with others without harshness or aggression, creating an environment where people feel safe and valued.
Gentleness is essential for unity because it helps to diffuse conflicts and build trust. When we respond to others with gentleness, we show that we value them and are willing to listen to their concerns. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Gentleness also reflects the character of Christ, who described Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart." By practicing gentleness, we can create a more loving and united community that reflects the love of Christ. [16:13]
Bible Passage:
"Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:5, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a situation where you were tempted to respond harshly. How could a gentle response have changed the outcome? What practical steps can you take to cultivate gentleness in your interactions with others today?
Day 3: Patience as Long-Temperedness
Description:
Patience, or long-temperedness, resists reactionary thoughts and embraces delayed gratification. It involves enduring the strain of differences within the church and reflecting on how patient God has been with us. Patience is developed through intentional humility and gentleness, and it is essential for maintaining unity. When we are patient, we are able to bear with one another in love, even when it is difficult. Patience allows us to give others the time and space they need to grow and change, without rushing to judgment or becoming frustrated.
Patience is crucial for unity because it helps us to navigate the inevitable challenges and conflicts that arise in any community. When we are patient, we are more likely to give others the benefit of the doubt and to seek understanding rather than reacting impulsively. Patience also helps us to persevere in our relationships, even when they are difficult, and to continue working towards unity and reconciliation. By practicing patience, we can create a more loving and united community that reflects the character of Christ. [18:31]
Bible Passage:
"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a relationship in your life where you have struggled to be patient. How can you reflect on God's patience with you to help you be more patient with others? What practical steps can you take to cultivate patience in this relationship today?
Day 4: Tolerance as Bearing with Others in Love
Description:
Biblical tolerance involves bearing with and working alongside others in love. It goes beyond mere patience and requires a positive attitude towards others, even when they do things differently. Tolerance is about bringing others alongside us and working with them, reflecting Christ's love and humility. It involves accepting others as they are and being willing to work together despite our differences. This kind of tolerance is not about compromising on truth but about showing love and respect to others, even when we disagree.
Tolerance is essential for unity because it helps us to build bridges and create a sense of belonging for everyone. When we practice tolerance, we show that we value others and are willing to work together for the common good. This can help to prevent divisions and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Tolerance also reflects the character of Christ, who welcomed and accepted people from all walks of life. By practicing tolerance, we can create a more loving and united community that reflects the love of Christ. [23:21]
Bible Passage:
"Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of someone in your life who does things differently than you. How can you show them love and respect, even when you disagree? What practical steps can you take to work alongside them in a spirit of unity and cooperation?
Day 5: Standing Firm in Biblical Truth
Description:
The sermon emphasized the importance of standing firm in biblical truth, especially in a culture that redefines tolerance and love. True love involves telling the truth in love, even when it's counter-cultural. This is the most loving thing we can do, as withholding the truth is ultimately hateful. Standing firm in biblical truth means being willing to speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. It involves holding fast to the teachings of Scripture and not compromising on what we believe.
Standing firm in biblical truth is essential for unity because it helps us to stay grounded in what is true and right. When we are committed to the truth, we are less likely to be swayed by false teachings or cultural pressures. This can help to prevent divisions and ensure that we are all working towards the same goal. Standing firm in biblical truth also reflects the character of Christ, who always spoke the truth in love. By standing firm in biblical truth, we can create a more loving and united community that reflects the love of Christ. [29:35]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a situation where you have been tempted to compromise on biblical truth. How can you stand firm in the truth while still showing love and respect to others? What practical steps can you take to speak the truth in love in your daily interactions?
Quotes
1. "Humility is lowliness of mind, okay? Humility is not weakness. In the Roman world, they viewed humility as a weakness. But in the Christian world, humility is paradoxically a strength. So, contrary to what the world would say, we are meek and mild and gentle and humble at heart. We consider others better than ourselves. We would rather give preferential treatment to even a stranger than to our own selves. This is being very humble. Nice. Being very nice. Being very, very nice." [11:52] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Gentleness is meekness. Meekness. It's not weakness. It's strength under control. If you can harness yourself, if you can harness your emotions and submit and yield to these ways, I promise you, you'll come out on the end much happier. Meekness is strength under control and those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit are gentle. Gentleness is a fruit and it's easy to respond in a harsh way. You find that true? It's easy to react, right? But gentleness, gentleness keeps unity in the church." [16:13] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Patience means long-tempered. It resists reactionary thoughts coming out of your mouth. It resists being quick to anger. In fact, you're slow to anger, James 1.19. And it resists self-gratification. In fact, it embraces delayed gratification. This is patience. Have you ever walked in a downtown setting before? In my mind, I'm thinking of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and I walk by this taffy shop, and they're making taffy. It's a candy store. You ever seen taffy being made? just goes and goes and goes, stretching that taffy, stretching that taffy, and stretching the taffy. That should be our patience." [19:15] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Tolerance is more than patience. Tolerance, tolerance is bearing with and working with one another. It's like when somebody's doing something differently than you expect, you go along with it. You're bearing with. You give that person preferential treatment and you love and equip them because you're humble and gentle and now forbearing and loving and working with them. It's care. It's like our care ministry. We're working alongside and with one another. Other image bearers who are being confronted and formed into the image of God." [24:53] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The key then to bearing with one another is forgiving them immediately like mid-sentence when you feel irked or whatnot. Lord, I've done worse. Thank you for forgiving me. I forgive them right away. I'm not going to hold a grudge and not going to get all bent up inside. I'm so grateful that you saved me and I have no right to be forgiven. I'm not going to be begrudgingly working up an attitude against someone else. And so forgive them of their foolish actions. We all act foolish. We all say things that we should not have said." [27:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The nicest thing is anyone could do is to tell them the truth in love. And the most hateful thing that anyone could do is withhold the truth. Joel Osteen and Satan are nice guys on the surface. And they'll tell you what the world wants to hear for numbers and for personal gain. This is true hate, but the world labels truth as hate. Jesus said, if the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you." [47:13] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you want temporal peace at the expense of eternal peace, go to an affirming church. But if you want eternal peace at the expense of this temporal peace here on earth, go to a church that preaches and lives out the authority. Scripture. I'm okay with losing some temporal peace, I'm okay with being rejected and having some assault land in my way and robbing my peace. I'm okay with the agony. It's fellowship with Christ. I'm okay with these things. I don't like suffering. I don't like it. I don't go after it. I don't seek it." [48:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Be very nice. Because when those who retaliate in a biblical sense of hate and they hate you because of the truth and you respond in gentleness and humility and patience and long-suffering, you respond in a way that is Christ-like and loving and you give them the truth in love, they have to deal with that when they go home. And as they have responded in hate, in anger, in frustration, in accusation, they have to deal with the fact that you've been nice in return." [49:31] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The nicest thing that I could tell everyone who believes John 3.16, for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, whoever believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life. The nicest thing that I could tell those who believe John 3.16 is to believe that verse in context. Because John chapter 3 verse 36 says that those who believe the son have eternal life. But here's a further question. Call of clarification. But the one who does not obey. Do you get that? The one who does not obey the son will not see life but the wrath of God abides upon him." [59:29] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So today, if you hear His voice, if you hear God calling, if you hear God calling, His effectual calling, repent and believe. Hebrews chapter 4 verse 7 says, Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. Pray with me if you would. Father, I pray that you would help us to be biblically nice. Not nice according to the ways of the world. In fact, you have said in 1 John 2.15, do not love the world or anything in the world. If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you." [01:03:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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