Striving for Unity: Embracing Christ-like Virtues
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the theme of unity within the body of Christ, as outlined in Ephesians 4. We began by reflecting on Jesus' approach to different groups of people, noting His compassion and humility even towards sinners, and His eagerness to achieve unity among humanity under God's commandments and the gospel message of salvation. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes the importance of walking in a manner worthy of our calling, which includes being eager for unity. This eagerness, or "spoudozo" in Greek, signifies a passionate, purposeful drive to maintain unity within the church.
We discussed how ambition, often seen negatively, can be redirected towards a godly purpose—striving for unity and using our God-given gifts to glorify Him. Drawing parallels with the Olympics, we noted how athletes' dedication and ambition can inspire us to pursue our spiritual goals with the same fervor. C.S. Lewis' insight that our deepest desires point to our eternal purpose further underscores the need for a purpose-driven life focused on God's will.
Paul's call to unity is not just about avoiding division but actively seeking to embody Christ-like attributes such as humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues are essential for maintaining unity and are exemplified in the creeds we recite, which affirm our shared beliefs across Christian denominations. Humility, as C.S. Lewis puts it, is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, orienting our lives towards others and God's purposes.
We concluded by encouraging everyone to focus on one of these virtues—humility, gentleness, patience, or love—in the coming week. By doing so, we can better reflect Christ's character and contribute to the unity of the body of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Eagerness for Unity: The Greek word "spoudozo" signifies a passionate drive to maintain unity within the church. This eagerness should be directed towards fostering unity among believers, transcending denominational differences, and focusing on our shared faith in Christ. [02:09]
2. Godly Ambition: Ambition, when aligned with God's purpose, becomes a powerful force for good. Instead of seeking personal glory, we should strive to use our gifts to glorify God and serve others, much like athletes dedicate themselves to their sport. [05:32]
3. Christ-like Humility: True humility is not self-deprecation but a focus on others. It involves thinking of ourselves less and prioritizing God's will and the needs of others. This Christ-like humility is foundational for maintaining unity within the church. [08:53]
4. Gentleness and Patience: These virtues are crucial for fostering unity. Gentleness involves holding others accountable with love, while patience helps us avoid conflicts and misunderstandings. Both are essential for a harmonious community. [10:06]
5. Living Out Our Calling: Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, embodying the virtues of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. By focusing on one of these virtues each week, we can gradually grow in our faith and contribute to the unity of the body of Christ. [11:30]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Introduction to Ephesians
[02:09] - Eagerness for Unity
[02:58] - Ambition and Spoudozo
[03:49] - Olympic Ambition
[04:41] - God-Given Gifts
[05:32] - Purpose-Driven Life
[06:27] - Attributes of Unity
[07:23] - One Body, One Spirit
[08:08] - Ecumenical Creeds
[08:53] - Humility Explained
[10:06] - Gentleness and Patience
[11:30] - Christ's Example
[12:30] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:1-6 - "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul urge believers to do in Ephesians 4:1-3?
2. How does Paul describe the unity of the church in Ephesians 4:4-6?
3. According to the sermon, what does the Greek word "spoudozo" mean, and how does it relate to unity? [02:58]
4. What are the Christ-like attributes mentioned in the sermon that are essential for maintaining unity? [06:27]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize humility, gentleness, and patience as key virtues for maintaining unity in the church? [06:27]
2. How can ambition be redirected towards a godly purpose, according to the sermon? [03:49]
3. What does C.S. Lewis' insight about our deepest desires suggest about our purpose in life? [05:32]
4. How do the ecumenical creeds contribute to the unity of the body of Christ, as discussed in the sermon? [07:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways can you show more humility in your interactions with others this week? [08:53]
2. Think of a situation where you can practice gentleness. How can you hold someone accountable with love rather than harshness? [10:06]
3. Identify a moment in your daily routine where you often feel impatient. What practical steps can you take to cultivate patience in that moment? [10:06]
4. How can you use your God-given gifts to foster unity within your church community? [04:41]
5. Choose one of the virtues—humility, gentleness, patience, or love—to focus on this week. What specific actions will you take to embody this virtue? [11:30]
6. Reflect on a recent conflict or disagreement you had. How could you have approached it differently to promote unity rather than division? [05:32]
7. How can you contribute to the unity of the body of Christ beyond your own denomination, focusing on shared beliefs and common goals? [07:23]
May the word of Christ, the spirit of Christ, and the mind of Christ dwell in you richly as you seek to embody these virtues in your daily life. Amen.
Devotional
Day 1: Eagerness for Unity
The Greek word "spoudozo" signifies a passionate drive to maintain unity within the church. This eagerness should be directed towards fostering unity among believers, transcending denominational differences, and focusing on our shared faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes that this unity is not just about avoiding division but actively seeking to embody Christ-like attributes such as humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues are essential for maintaining unity and are exemplified in the creeds we recite, which affirm our shared beliefs across Christian denominations.
Unity in the body of Christ is a reflection of God's desire for humanity to live in harmony. This unity is not superficial but deeply rooted in our shared faith and commitment to Christ's teachings. By being eager to maintain this unity, we are called to actively work towards reconciliation, understanding, and mutual respect within our communities. This eagerness for unity is a testament to our dedication to living out the gospel in our daily lives. [02:09]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or misunderstanding you had with a fellow believer. How can you take a step towards reconciliation and unity today?
Day 2: Godly Ambition
Ambition, when aligned with God's purpose, becomes a powerful force for good. Instead of seeking personal glory, we should strive to use our gifts to glorify God and serve others, much like athletes dedicate themselves to their sport. This godly ambition is about redirecting our natural drive and determination towards fulfilling God's will and advancing His kingdom on earth.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians encourages believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, which includes using their God-given gifts for the benefit of the church and the world. This ambition is not about self-promotion but about being diligent and purposeful in our spiritual journey. By channeling our ambition towards godly purposes, we can make a significant impact on those around us and bring glory to God. [05:32]
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (ESV): "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."
Reflection: Identify one of your talents or skills. How can you use it this week to serve others and glorify God?
Day 3: Christ-like Humility
True humility is not self-deprecation but a focus on others. It involves thinking of ourselves less and prioritizing God's will and the needs of others. This Christ-like humility is foundational for maintaining unity within the church. Humility, as C.S. Lewis puts it, is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, orienting our lives towards others and God's purposes.
Humility is a key attribute that Jesus exemplified throughout His ministry. He showed compassion and humility even towards sinners, always putting others' needs before His own. By adopting this Christ-like humility, we can create a more loving and unified community. It requires us to let go of our pride and self-centeredness and to genuinely care for the well-being of others. [08:53]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you can practice humility today. How can you put someone else's needs before your own in that situation?
Day 4: Gentleness and Patience
These virtues are crucial for fostering unity. Gentleness involves holding others accountable with love, while patience helps us avoid conflicts and misunderstandings. Both are essential for a harmonious community. Gentleness and patience are not signs of weakness but of strength and maturity in Christ. They enable us to navigate relationships with grace and understanding, promoting peace and unity within the body of Christ.
Gentleness allows us to approach others with kindness and compassion, even when addressing difficult issues. Patience helps us to endure challenges and delays without becoming frustrated or angry. Together, these virtues create an environment where people feel valued and respected, leading to stronger and more unified relationships. [10:06]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent interaction where you felt impatient or harsh. How can you approach similar situations with gentleness and patience in the future?
Day 5: Living Out Our Calling
Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, embodying the virtues of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. By focusing on one of these virtues each week, we can gradually grow in our faith and contribute to the unity of the body of Christ. Living out our calling means actively practicing these virtues in our daily lives and interactions with others.
This journey of spiritual growth requires intentionality and commitment. By dedicating time each week to focus on a specific virtue, we can develop habits that reflect Christ's character. This not only strengthens our personal faith but also enhances the unity and health of our church community. [11:30]
Ephesians 4:1-2 (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."
Reflection: Choose one virtue (humility, gentleness, patience, or love) to focus on this week. What specific actions can you take to practice this virtue in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "But did he treat people, the sinners, the tax collectors, the prostitutes, with compassion, with patience, with dignity, under humility? He humbled himself to die on a cross when he could have zapped anyone he wanted to that got in his way. But he approached the cross with eagerness because he wanted unity of his human race, unity under God and his commandments and his gospel message of salvation." [01:09] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Ambition is sort of a portion of eagerness. And he says, be eager for unity. And that's what I want to sort of talk to you about. And within eagerness, there's a unique Greek word here. And I'm going to turn to it for just a moment, if I can find my folding page. It's called spoudozo. Spoudozo. And it means sort of to really hurry, which is interpreted today as being eager, to have an inner passion, to really want to attack. A real purposeful attacking mode within your being." [02:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Humility is a characteristic that under eagerness, when we're looking for unity, Paul starts out with being humble. as you know is really not thinking less of yourself c.s lewis said this a theologian as you know an author he says it's thinking of yourself a little bit less and i love that twist because you don't have to be totally self-effacing to be humble but it is where is your primary orientation is it on others or is it primarily on moi on what you want and what your goals are and what your needs are and what your ambition is for your own self-gratification versus your ambition for the word of god and what he wants out of you" [08:53] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Humility gentleness patience are three cores that then bear themselves out in the larger word of agape love which is unselfish love where we bear one another up in love all of your outpouring of love for someone in our congregation krista stapleton most recently is a good statement of bearing with one another in love when tragedy strikes we have been a phenomenal congregation in assisting others started the good samaritan fund by parishioners here and it's just been a blessing to be able to give out funds to help those that are in crises and for all that you've done for krista and her family i know she's incredibly grateful for you and i'm so grateful for you and i'm so grateful for you and i'm so grateful but it's truthfully a statement that is love coming from our hearts" [10:06] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And I like what C.S. Lewis said. He said that if we find ourselves, you know, with a desire that can't be satisfied in this world, that the most probable explanation is we're not made. We're made for another world. We're really made for the eternal world. So I'm sort of... transcribing a little bit what C.S. Lewis may have intended. So ambition really should be to use our life in a very purposeful manner." [05:32] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "And he starts out saying that walk in a manner that's worthy of the calling, the gifts that you receive, whatever they may be, whatever your various vocations in life, parent, grandparent, worker, retired, widow, married, in your various roles in life, walk in a way that exemplifies, that gives glory to God in the way that you receive those gifts. Yes, worthy of the calling, worthy of the vocation that you're in. Christ, of course, is our focal point here, who embodies all these things." [06:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And it goes on, Paul says it so beautifully here, that there's one body, one spirit, just as you were called in the hope of your calling, that there's one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in all. It's a statement of creed. It's a statement of our creedal beliefs. Just like we recited together, the Nicene Creed today, which is always brought up at Communion Sunday, and we say the Apostles' Creed on the off Sundays, and once a year, we actually go through the Athanasian Creed. All creeds to really be an affirmation of the unity that we ascribe to." [07:23] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And although we have doctrinal differences with other churches, we do ascribe in unity to all the three creeds, which state the core doctrine that we all follow as Christians. Humility is a characteristic that under eagerness, when we're looking for unity, Paul starts out with being humble." [08:08] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I ask you as a as a as a statement to consider for this week that you take humility gentleness patience or upholding others in love and you focus on one of those this upcoming week because you aren't going to be able to knock these all off we won't be able to knock these all off in a lifetime right because we all struggle but take one of these identify with it and seek to be more humble or more gentle or more patient or more upholding of others in love as you go into this following week and may the word of Christ may the spirit of Christ may the mind of Christ dwell in you richly in his name Amen" [12:30] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But the eagerness is this eagerness, excitement to maintain unity. We don't normally get too excited about unity. We get pretty excited about division, don't we? You know, when we get into a solid argument, when we watch the political debates, we watch one politician totally rip down another. We probably cringe at that, and there's a part of us that sort of likes it in a sick kind of way. And yet Paul says have that same kind of eagerness, not for division, for divisiveness, but for unity to be together." [06:27] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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