Living Out Our Unity and Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Ephesians chapter 4, continuing our series on the book of Ephesians. We transitioned from understanding who we are in Christ (chapters 1-3) to how we should live because of who we are (chapters 4-6). The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our salvation should transform our conduct, moving from theological understanding to practical living. He urges us to walk worthy of our calling, which is to be one with Christ. This unity in Christ should reflect in our humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance towards others.
Paul outlines five categories of conduct for believers: relationships with fellow believers, relationships with unbelievers, our relationship with the Holy Spirit, our homes and families, and how we deal with the devil. He stresses that our calling is not about what we do but who we are—united with Christ. This unity is further emphasized by the seven arguments Paul presents, proving our oneness with Christ: one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.
Paul also explains that Jesus gave gifts to men, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry. This equipping is essential for the edification and growth of the body of Christ. We are all part of this body, and each of us has a role to play. Our unity and collective effort lead to the growth and maturity of the church.
Finally, Paul urges us to put off the old man and put on the new man, created in true righteousness and holiness. This involves practical steps like speaking truth, managing anger, working honestly, and using our words to build others up. By doing so, we avoid grieving the Holy Spirit and live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unity in Christ: Our primary calling is to be one with Christ. This unity should manifest in our humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance towards others. We are not to think highly of ourselves but to love and serve others, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives. [06:36]
2. Equipping for Ministry: Jesus gave gifts to the church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry. This equipping is essential for the edification and growth of the body of Christ. Each believer has a role to play, and our collective effort leads to the maturity of the church. [28:54]
3. Living Out Our New Identity: We are called to put off the old man and put on the new man, created in true righteousness and holiness. This involves practical steps like speaking truth, managing anger, working honestly, and using our words to build others up. By doing so, we avoid grieving the Holy Spirit and live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. [43:02]
4. Holy Righteous Anger: While we are to manage our anger and not let it lead us to sin, we should also maintain a holy, righteous anger towards evil. This means actively resisting and fighting against the evil in the world, not becoming passive Christians who allow wickedness to prevail. [46:41]
5. Forgiveness: The greatest way to walk in forgiveness is to recognize that we are forgiven. No matter what wrongs we have suffered, they pale in comparison to the forgiveness Jesus extended to humanity on the cross. As forgiven people, we are called to forgive others and walk in a spirit of forgiveness. [50:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Introduction and Prayer
[02:47] - Transition from Theology to Practical Living
[04:01] - Commit to Living Like Children of God
[05:22] - Five Categories of Conduct
[06:36] - Walk Worthy of Your Calling
[08:01] - Four Virtues of a Christian
[12:23] - Keep the Unity of the Spirit
[15:13] - Seven Arguments for Unity in Christ
[19:41] - Jesus Gave Gifts to Men
[24:18] - Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers
[28:54] - Equipping the Saints for Ministry
[31:33] - Unity of the Faith
[33:01] - Avoiding Deception and Trickery
[35:52] - Speaking the Truth in Love
[37:15] - The Body of Christ Knit Together
[40:57] - No Longer Walk as Gentiles
[43:02] - Put Off the Old Man, Put On the New Man
[44:55] - Managing Anger and Giving No Place to the Devil
[48:00] - The Old Man vs. The New Man
[49:21] - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit
[51:16] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 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, 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. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
2. Ephesians 4:11-13 - "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 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."
3. Ephesians 4:22-24 - "to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the four virtues Paul mentions in Ephesians 4:2 that should characterize our walk as Christians? [08:01]
2. According to Ephesians 4:11-12, what roles did Jesus give to the church, and for what purpose? [27:27]
3. What does Paul mean by "putting off the old self" and "putting on the new self" in Ephesians 4:22-24? [43:02]
4. How does Paul describe the unity of the Spirit in Ephesians 4:3-6? [12:23]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance as essential virtues for maintaining unity in the church? [08:01]
2. How do the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers contribute to the growth and maturity of the church? [27:27]
3. What practical steps can believers take to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self" in their daily lives? [43:02]
4. How does understanding our unity in Christ (one body, one Spirit, one hope, etc.) impact our relationships with other believers? [12:23]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways can you demonstrate humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance in your interactions with others this week? [08:01]
2. Identify a specific gift or role you believe God has given you. How can you use this gift to equip and build up the body of Christ in your local church? [27:27]
3. Think of a situation where you struggled with anger. How can you manage your anger in a way that aligns with Paul's teaching in Ephesians 4:26-27? [46:41]
4. How can you actively work towards maintaining the unity of the Spirit in your church community? Are there any specific actions you can take to promote peace and unity? [12:23]
5. Consider an area of your life where you need to "put off the old self." What practical steps can you take this week to embrace your new identity in Christ? [43:02]
6. How can you use your words to build others up and impart grace, as Paul instructs in Ephesians 4:29? Think of a specific person you can encourage this week. [48:36]
7. Reflect on the concept of forgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive? How can recognizing your own forgiveness in Christ help you extend forgiveness to others? [50:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Christ
Our primary calling is to be one with Christ. This unity should manifest in our humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance towards others. We are not to think highly of ourselves but to love and serve others, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives. Paul emphasizes that our salvation should transform our conduct, moving from theological understanding to practical living. He urges us to walk worthy of our calling, which is to be one with Christ. This unity in Christ should reflect in our humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance towards others. [06:36]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you struggled to show humility or patience. How can you approach a similar situation differently this week to reflect unity in Christ?
Day 2: Equipping for Ministry
Jesus gave gifts to the church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry. This equipping is essential for the edification and growth of the body of Christ. Each believer has a role to play, and our collective effort leads to the maturity of the church. Paul explains that Jesus gave these gifts to men to equip the saints for the work of ministry, which is essential for the edification and growth of the body of Christ. We are all part of this body, and each of us has a role to play. [28:54]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: Identify one gift or talent you have that can be used to serve your church community. How can you start using it more effectively this week?
Day 3: Living Out Our New Identity
We are called to put off the old man and put on the new man, created in true righteousness and holiness. This involves practical steps like speaking truth, managing anger, working honestly, and using our words to build others up. By doing so, we avoid grieving the Holy Spirit and live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. Paul urges us to put off the old man and put on the new man, created in true righteousness and holiness. This involves practical steps like speaking truth, managing anger, working honestly, and using our words to build others up. [43:02]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What is one specific habit or behavior from your "old self" that you need to put off? What practical steps can you take today to put on your "new self" in Christ?
Day 4: Holy Righteous Anger
While we are to manage our anger and not let it lead us to sin, we should also maintain a holy, righteous anger towards evil. This means actively resisting and fighting against the evil in the world, not becoming passive Christians who allow wickedness to prevail. Paul emphasizes that while we should manage our anger and not let it lead us to sin, we should also maintain a holy, righteous anger towards evil. This means actively resisting and fighting against the evil in the world. [46:41]
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV): "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."
Reflection: Reflect on an injustice or evil in the world that stirs a righteous anger in you. How can you take a small but meaningful action this week to resist or fight against this evil?
Day 5: Forgiveness
The greatest way to walk in forgiveness is to recognize that we are forgiven. No matter what wrongs we have suffered, they pale in comparison to the forgiveness Jesus extended to humanity on the cross. As forgiven people, we are called to forgive others and walk in a spirit of forgiveness. Paul reminds us that the greatest way to walk in forgiveness is to recognize that we are forgiven. No matter what wrongs we have suffered, they pale in comparison to the forgiveness Jesus extended to humanity on the cross. [50:34]
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV): "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Quotes
1. "Ephesians four through six is what I do because of who I am. All right. This is my behavior. But notice this. The apostle Paul didn't start out with what you do because you're not saved by works or body. You're saved by faith and grace. And he points that out in the previous chapter. But what you are to do is you're to allow your salvation to change your conduct. Can I get an amen? I know that's an old concept in our generation, but it really should change your life and the way you conduct life." [02:47] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Right believing leads to right living. And that is so true. When you believe right, you'll live right. If you believe wrong, you'll live wrong. It's just the way it is. So understanding that to me is very, very important. I believe with all my heart. This was me. I don't know if this is Paul's heart, but I believe it's Paul's heart. And if it's not Paul's heart, it's my heart. it is. I believe that Paul's heart was now that I've told you who you are and all that Christ has done for you in love, commit yourself totally to him in your attitude and in your conduct." [04:01] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Now that you know all of the riches and all of the goodness of God for the love of God, live like children of God. That's what he says. That's what he's going into. And again, we're all in a different place of that. So I'm not here to condemn or beat down anybody by any means. All I'm simply trying to say is at some point, your theology has got to influence practical living. Can I get an amen? Amen." [04:01] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So as a believer, lowliness, what is lowliness? Lowliness means having a humble opinion of oneself. The same context, same word also is known as the humility of the mind. All right. How many of you know, nobody likes somebody that's arrogant. How many of you know, nobody likes people that are haughty. All right. And what Paul is saying is, listen, even though you've been called, even though you're called into this one body, and even though you're accepted and you're blessed and you're favored, and you're called into this one body, you're called into this one body, you have all those things that chapters one through three give you. Don't go to your head with this. This is not about you. This is about loving people. It's about getting other people to heaven. Don't think that you're all that because you're not." [08:01] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It is possible to love the sinner, but hate the sin. We're not to tolerate evil, but yet we love people. And to some people, they can't wrap their head around that, but that's what God's called us to do. And if you're mature at all, you can do that. It is possible to love people that even hate you. I'm shocked when I hear people don't like me. I like me. I think I'm a nice guy. People are like, I don't like, I'm shocked. But anyway, here it is. It means restraint or patience. So these are four virtues that every Christian should be walking in. Now, do we achieve it all the time? Absolutely not. Am I saying I've arrived in any of these? Absolutely not. I'm just saying that if I'm claiming to be one with Christ, then I should at least aspire to walk in these things." [10:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Don't be the guy that stirs up trouble with other believers. Don't be the guy always dividing the body of Christ. Don't be the guy always dogging somebody out so that your candle looks brighter. You, you should not be the guy trying to divide everybody in the church. And we don't have a lot of problem with that. Why? Because I'm a no drama mama kind of guy. I don't want nothing to do with any of that. Here's the truth. Our goal is to keep the unity. Our goal is to keep the unity. Christ paid for it. We should walk in it." [12:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "A normal church is a growing church. I'm going to say it again. A normal church is a growing church. Some people get offended at that. Some people look at that and they go, oh, that's just them trying to. No, no, no, stop. There's a world that needs Jesus. We have the cure. If we were talking cancer, everyone would want us to get it out there. Hello? Everyone would want us to spread it. Everywhere we could." [39:52] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The greatest way to walk in forgiveness. Is to recognize you are forgiven. You are forgiven. You know, sometimes people don't forgive and it's crazy. What they won't forgive. Somebody did them wrong when they were young. Somebody did them wrong when they were growing up. Somebody this, somebody that, and it could go all the way to what we think is so awful. But can I tell you, no matter what you think you can't forgive what Jesus did on the cross, forgiving humanity was way bigger than you forgiving anybody. So we are forgiven. So therefore we should forgive and we should forgive each other and we should walk in that spirit of forgiveness." [51:16] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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