Unity and Transformation in Christ: A Journey Together
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a blessing to see you here, especially on a rainy day. Today, we continue our journey through the book of Ephesians, a text rich with theological depth and practical wisdom. Ephesians is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the New Testament" because it lays out the vastness of God's love and salvation. The book can be divided into two main sections: the wealth of the believer (chapters 1-3) and the walk of the believer (chapters 4-6). Today, we focus on chapters 3 and 4, exploring the unity and calling we have in Christ.
Paul speaks of a mystery revealed to him, that Gentiles are now fellow heirs with Jews through the gospel. This was revolutionary, breaking down long-standing barriers and making us one family in Christ. Paul emphasizes that our calling is not just about our gifts or ministries but our salvation. We are all invited to the table, to the feast of Jesus Christ, and this invitation is open to everyone.
In chapter 4, Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These are fruits of the Spirit, and they enable us to bear with one another in love, even when it's challenging. Unity is crucial; we are one body with one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Paul also highlights the importance of grace, given according to the measure of Christ's gift. This grace is not ours to judge but God's to give.
Paul then outlines the organizational structure of the church, emphasizing that while pastors, teachers, and other leaders have roles, we all share the responsibility of building up the body of Christ. Unity and maturity in faith are essential for the church to grow in love. Paul concludes by urging us to put off our old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God. This transformation is a journey that requires us to change our thinking before we can change our behavior, relying on the Holy Spirit to do the work within us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unity in Christ: Paul reveals that both Jews and Gentiles are now one family in Christ, breaking down long-standing barriers. This unity is foundational to our faith and calls us to embrace each other as equals, regardless of our backgrounds or pasts. This unity is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. [36:09]
2. Walking Worthy of Our Calling: Our calling is not just about our gifts or ministries but our salvation. Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of this calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These virtues are fruits of the Spirit and essential for maintaining unity in the body of Christ. [40:43]
3. The Measure of Grace: Grace is given according to the measure of Christ's gift, not based on our judgments. This grace is sufficient for all, regardless of our past mistakes or current struggles. It is a reminder that God's love and forgiveness are boundless, and we are all in need of His grace daily. [47:22]
4. The Role of the Church: While church leaders have specific roles, the responsibility of building up the body of Christ lies with all believers. Unity and maturity in faith are essential for the church to grow in love. We must work together, recognizing that Christ is the head, and we are all parts of His body. [50:56]
5. Transformation Through Renewal: Paul emphasizes the need to put off our old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God. This transformation requires a change in our thinking, which can only be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a continuous journey that shapes us to be more like Christ. [55:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:42] - Church Center Profile Update
[26:17] - Introduction and Mission of CLC
[27:36] - Opening Prayer
[28:11] - Personal Testimony and Fear in Faith
[30:07] - Richness of Ephesians
[31:06] - Inheritance in Christ
[32:07] - Depth of Ephesians
[33:07] - Wealth and Walk of the Believer
[34:07] - Paul's Familiarity with Ephesus
[35:08] - Mystery Revealed to Paul
[36:09] - Unity in Christ
[37:41] - Access to God Through Christ
[39:13] - Walk Worthy of Your Calling
[40:43] - Fruits of the Spirit
[42:14] - Invitation to the Feast
[44:17] - Bearing with One Another in Love
[45:20] - Responsibility to Share the Gospel
[47:22] - Measure of Grace
[48:54] - Roles in the Church
[50:56] - Unity and Maturity in Faith
[52:28] - Practical Application
[55:28] - Transformation Through Renewal
[57:01] - Growing Closer to God
[59:08] - Embracing the Journey
[01:00:42] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 3:6 - "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
2. Ephesians 4:1-3 - "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."
3. Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul describe as the "mystery" revealed to him in Ephesians 3:6?
2. According to Ephesians 4:1-3, what characteristics should define our walk as believers? [39:13]
3. In Ephesians 4:22-24, what are the steps Paul outlines for transformation in Christ?
4. How does Paul describe the unity of the body of Christ in Ephesians 4:4-6? [39:43]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was the revelation that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews so revolutionary for Paul's audience? [35:08]
2. How do humility, gentleness, patience, and love contribute to maintaining unity in the church? [39:43]
3. What does it mean to "put off your old self" and "put on the new self" in practical terms? [52:28]
4. How does the concept of grace being given according to the measure of Christ's gift challenge our own judgments of others? [47:22]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced unity in a diverse group. How did that experience reflect the unity Paul describes in Ephesians 3:6? [36:09]
2. Which of the virtues listed in Ephesians 4:2 (humility, gentleness, patience, love) do you find most challenging to practice? What steps can you take to cultivate this virtue in your daily life? [39:43]
3. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to "put off the old self." What practical steps can you take this week to embrace the new self in Christ? [52:28]
4. How can you contribute to the unity of your church community, especially when faced with differing opinions or conflicts? [44:17]
5. In what ways can you extend grace to someone in your life who may not seem deserving of it? How does understanding that grace is given according to Christ's measure help you in this? [47:22]
6. Identify a role or responsibility you have within your church. How can you better fulfill this role to build up the body of Christ in love and unity? [50:56]
7. Transformation is a continuous journey. What is one specific area of your life where you seek transformation, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in this process? [55:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Christ
Paul reveals that both Jews and Gentiles are now one family in Christ, breaking down long-standing barriers. This unity is foundational to our faith and calls us to embrace each other as equals, regardless of our backgrounds or pasts. This unity is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. The unity we have in Christ is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that should shape our interactions and relationships. It challenges us to see beyond our differences and recognize the common bond we share in Jesus.
In Ephesians 3, Paul speaks of a mystery revealed to him, that Gentiles are now fellow heirs with Jews through the gospel. This was revolutionary, breaking down long-standing barriers and making us one family in Christ. Paul emphasizes that our calling is not just about our gifts or ministries but our salvation. We are all invited to the table, to the feast of Jesus Christ, and this invitation is open to everyone. This unity is crucial; we are one body with one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. [36:09]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who comes from a different background or culture. How can you reach out to them this week to demonstrate the unity you share in Christ?
Day 2: Walking Worthy of Our Calling
Our calling is not just about our gifts or ministries but our salvation. Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of this calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These virtues are fruits of the Spirit and essential for maintaining unity in the body of Christ. Walking worthy of our calling means living out these virtues in our daily lives, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do.
In Ephesians 4, Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These are fruits of the Spirit, and they enable us to bear with one another in love, even when it's challenging. Unity is crucial; we are one body with one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Paul also highlights the importance of grace, given according to the measure of Christ's gift. This grace is not ours to judge but God's to give. [40:43]
Colossians 3:12-14 (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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Reflect on your interactions this past week. In what ways can you better embody humility, gentleness, patience, and love in your relationships?
Day 3: The Measure of Grace
Grace is given according to the measure of Christ's gift, not based on our judgments. This grace is sufficient for all, regardless of our past mistakes or current struggles. It is a reminder that God's love and forgiveness are boundless, and we are all in need of His grace daily. Understanding the measure of grace helps us to extend grace to others, recognizing that we are all recipients of God's unmerited favor.
Paul highlights the importance of grace, given according to the measure of Christ's gift. This grace is not ours to judge but God's to give. It is a reminder that God's love and forgiveness are boundless, and we are all in need of His grace daily. This grace is sufficient for all, regardless of our past mistakes or current struggles. It calls us to extend the same grace to others, recognizing that we are all recipients of God's unmerited favor. [47:22]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been judgmental or unforgiving. How can you extend grace in that situation, recognizing the boundless grace you have received from God?
Day 4: The Role of the Church
While church leaders have specific roles, the responsibility of building up the body of Christ lies with all believers. Unity and maturity in faith are essential for the church to grow in love. We must work together, recognizing that Christ is the head, and we are all parts of His body. Each member has a role to play in the health and growth of the church, contributing to its mission and purpose.
Paul outlines the organizational structure of the church, emphasizing that while pastors, teachers, and other leaders have roles, we all share the responsibility of building up the body of Christ. Unity and maturity in faith are essential for the church to grow in love. We must work together, recognizing that Christ is the head, and we are all parts of His body. This collective effort is crucial for the church to fulfill its mission and purpose in the world. [50:56]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Consider your role in the church. How can you contribute to the unity and growth of the body of Christ this week?
Day 5: Transformation Through Renewal
Paul emphasizes the need to put off our old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God. This transformation requires a change in our thinking, which can only be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a continuous journey that shapes us to be more like Christ. This renewal process involves daily surrender and reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.
Paul concludes by urging us to put off our old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God. This transformation is a journey that requires us to change our thinking before we can change our behavior, relying on the Holy Spirit to do the work within us. This renewal process is ongoing, shaping us to be more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and character. [55:28]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you need transformation. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and heart in that area today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are so glad that you are here this morning. We also want to welcome you. If you're watching online, I know my husband is watching online this morning, so I may have to behave just a little bit. But I'm happy to do that. Whether you are here or in the family room, we're just glad that you're here. We're excited about what God is doing in the book of Ephesians and what he's teaching us. And so we are just so honored that you would choose to be here. You could be anywhere else, but you chose to be in the family room today." [26:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We truly, truly believe that Jesus is the source of life. It's not us. We're going to fail. We're going to make mistakes. But we want you to have an encounter with Jesus. And we know that if you're connected to him, he can do that. Things can change." [26:40] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are all equal. Every single one of us in this room, we have different stories, right? We come from different backgrounds, different cultures, maybe different faith, maybe different status, like just all the things. We, our footing, our promise is all the same in Christ Jesus. It doesn't matter what we've done in our past, present, what might happen in the future. We are all equal in Christ Jesus. He wants the same for His children." [36:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are God's plan to get the gospel message out to the world and to connect people back to Him. Christ is the one who solved the problem when He came to the world, but we are God's plan. Y'all, we are God's plan to get the message, to take Jesus to others. He did the work. The price has already been paid, but it is up to us to represent Him and to lead others to Christ, and we do that by leading and by setting an example for the rest of the world. It's our responsibility to do that." [45:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We cannot change our, sorry, we must change our thinking before we can change our behavior. We must change that thinking before we change our behavior. And the only way we can change our behavior is by allowing the Holy Spirit to do a work inside of us. Truly do a work. Our lives must first be built on the foundation of Christ. Which is the putting on of the new self." [55:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Salvation isn't the fast pass to heaven. This ain't Disney, y'all. It is just the beginning. Salvation is just the beginning of God's grace, his love, and all he wants to accomplish in us and through us. We have been given such great wealth in Christ, what we know should impact what we do. Think about it. Isn't that so good? What we know, what God has given us, our choices and our decisions." [31:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul reminds us that now we have access through Christ to approach God with boldness and confidence because of our faith in Him. Jesus is the only reason that any of us sitting in this room have access to the Father. I love that we can pray anytime, anywhere, and the only reason we get to do that and have that intimate relationship with Jesus is because of the price that He paid. Jesus is the mediator that stood in the gap between God and man and that's why we can be in community and relationship in unity with Him." [38:12] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The church has often made titles too much. Pastors, teachers, prophets, apostles, evangelists, I respect them all. But they are not the end all be all. You want to know why? Because we have a responsibility. If God has called us, all of us, into salvation, we are all called. We all carry the weight. Amen? We all have a responsibility. And yes, they have a responsibility to raise up the saints and to equip, to instruct, to give wisdom and guidance. But again, all of us, all of us have a responsibility. We are called. We are all called." [50:26] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We must no longer be children tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness and deceitful scheming, but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into Him who is the head into Christ from whom the whole body joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love." [49:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Transformation is the journey that happens between salvation and heaven. Transformation is that journey that happens between salvation and heaven. Transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's a process. We've all been given this beautiful gift. Heaven is important. Our walk and our journey is important. Everything in between, the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, His grace, His forgiveness, us even making mistakes, all of that is important. But we cannot start the journey until we've accepted His invitation. And it's never too late for that." [01:00:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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