Walking in Unity, Love, Light, and Wisdom

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Ephesians 4:1 and discussed the importance of walking in the ways of the Lord. We began by reflecting on the necessity of having an altar in our lives where we can offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Worship and obedience are fundamental to our relationship with God. If we love Him, we will naturally worship Him, sing songs to Him, and give thanks for His goodness and faithfulness.

We explored the concept of unity within the body of Christ. Unity is essential for walking in the ways of the Lord. We are called to be one body, one spirit, and one faith. This unity is not just about agreement but about loving and serving one another in humility and gentleness. We must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Next, we discussed walking in love, as outlined in Ephesians 5:1-2. We are to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. Love is not merely a word but an action. It involves sacrifice and putting others before ourselves, just as Christ did for us.

We also talked about walking in the light. As children of God, we are called to walk in the light and not in darkness. This means living a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. We are no longer bound by our old sinful nature but are new creations in Him. Walking in the light involves rejecting sin and embracing righteousness.

Finally, we touched on the importance of walking in wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God that helps us navigate life in a way that is pleasing to Him. It involves fearing the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge, and applying His Word to our lives. Wisdom leads to good fruits, mercy, and peace.

### Key Takeaways

1. Worship and Obedience: Worship is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. It is not just about singing songs but about offering our lives as a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Obedience to God is a natural outflow of our love for Him. If we truly love Him, we will worship Him in spirit and truth. [03:43]

2. Unity in the Body of Christ: Unity is essential for walking in the ways of the Lord. We are called to be one body, one spirit, and one faith. This unity is not just about agreement but about loving and serving one another in humility and gentleness. We must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [06:35]

3. Walking in Love: Love is not merely a word but an action. It involves sacrifice and putting others before ourselves, just as Christ did for us. We are to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. This kind of love is transformative and reflects the heart of God. [12:26]

4. Walking in the Light: As children of God, we are called to walk in the light and not in darkness. This means living a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. We are no longer bound by our old sinful nature but are new creations in Him. Walking in the light involves rejecting sin and embracing righteousness. [19:08]

5. Walking in Wisdom: Wisdom is a gift from God that helps us navigate life in a way that is pleasing to Him. It involves fearing the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge, and applying His Word to our lives. Wisdom leads to good fruits, mercy, and peace. It is essential for making godly decisions and living a life that honors God. [34:38]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[03:43] - Worship and Obedience
[04:35] - Introduction to Ephesians 4
[05:25] - The Call to Unity
[06:35] - One Body, One Spirit
[07:50] - Unity in the Spirit
[09:01] - The Importance of Unity
[10:20] - Walking in Love
[11:03] - Imitators of God
[12:26] - Sacrificial Love
[13:49] - The Love of Christ
[15:59] - The Power of Jesus' Blood
[17:34] - Love in Action
[19:08] - Walking in the Light
[20:41] - New Creation in Christ
[22:17] - Putting Off the Old Self
[24:13] - Living in the Light
[25:29] - Abiding in God's Will
[27:24] - Fellowship with God
[29:56] - Love and Fellowship
[31:21] - Surrendering to God
[33:08] - Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus
[34:38] - Walking in Wisdom
[36:05] - The Fear of the Lord
[37:33] - Drawing Near to God
[39:22] - Gaining Wisdom
[41:17] - The Fruits of Wisdom
[42:27] - Learning in the Church
[44:54] - The Importance of Being Born Again
[46:12] - The Gift of Wisdom
[47:29] - God's Word as Wisdom
[48:57] - Praying for Unity
[49:58] - Colorblind Unity
[51:14] - Loving One Another
[53:40] - Overcoming Distractions
[54:37] - Walking in Wisdom and Light
[55:11] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:1-6
2. Ephesians 5:1-2
3. Ephesians 5:8-10

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:1, what does Paul urge believers to do? How does this relate to our daily walk with God? [04:35]
2. In Ephesians 5:1-2, what does it mean to be "imitators of God"? How did Christ demonstrate this? [11:03]
3. What does Ephesians 5:8-10 say about our identity as children of light? How should this affect our behavior? [19:08]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does worship and obedience reflect our love for God, as discussed in the sermon? Why is it important to have an "altar" in our lives? [03:43]
2. What does unity in the body of Christ look like according to Ephesians 4:1-6? How can we practically maintain this unity in our church? [06:35]
3. The sermon mentioned that love is not just a word but an action. How does Ephesians 5:1-2 illustrate this concept? What are some practical ways we can walk in love? [12:26]
4. What does it mean to walk in the light, as described in Ephesians 5:8-10? How can we ensure that we are living as new creations in Christ? [19:08]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal worship and obedience to God. How can you create a daily "altar" in your life to offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving? [03:43]
2. Think about a time when you experienced unity within the body of Christ. What actions or attitudes contributed to that unity? How can you foster similar unity in your small group or church? [06:35]
3. Identify a specific way you can imitate Christ's sacrificial love this week. Is there someone in your life who needs to experience this kind of love from you? [12:26]
4. Are there areas in your life where you are still walking in darkness? What steps can you take to fully embrace your identity as a child of light? [19:08]
5. Wisdom is described as a gift from God that helps us navigate life. How can you seek God's wisdom in a current situation you are facing? What practical steps can you take to apply His Word to your life? [34:38]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of loving and serving one another in humility and gentleness. How can you demonstrate this love in your interactions with others this week? [06:35]
7. Reflect on the distractions that prevent you from focusing on Jesus. What specific changes can you make to minimize these distractions and deepen your relationship with Him? [53:40]

Devotional

Day 1: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. It is not just about singing songs but about offering our lives as a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Obedience to God is a natural outflow of our love for Him. If we truly love Him, we will worship Him in spirit and truth. Worship involves recognizing God's sovereignty and responding to His goodness and faithfulness with a heart full of gratitude and reverence.

When we worship, we are not merely performing a ritual; we are engaging in a profound act of love and devotion. Worship transforms our hearts and aligns our will with God's. It is through worship that we draw near to God and experience His presence in our lives. Let us make worship a daily practice, offering our lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. [03:43]

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine beyond just singing songs? What specific actions can you take to offer your life as a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God today?

Day 2: Unity in the Spirit
Unity is essential for walking in the ways of the Lord. We are called to be one body, one spirit, and one faith. This unity is not just about agreement but about loving and serving one another in humility and gentleness. We must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Unity within the body of Christ reflects the heart of God and His desire for His people to live in harmony.

True unity goes beyond mere tolerance; it involves genuine love and care for one another. It requires us to put aside our differences and focus on what unites us—our faith in Christ. By serving one another and bearing each other's burdens, we fulfill the law of Christ and demonstrate the power of the gospel to a watching world. Let us strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit, building each other up in love and peace. [06:35]

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 relationship within your church community that needs reconciliation. How can you take a step towards unity and peace in that relationship today?

Day 3: Love in Action
Love is not merely a word but an action. It involves sacrifice and putting others before ourselves, just as Christ did for us. We are to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. This kind of love is transformative and reflects the heart of God. Love in action means serving others selflessly and seeking their well-being above our own.

Christ's love for us was demonstrated through His sacrificial death on the cross. In the same way, we are called to love others sacrificially. This may involve giving our time, resources, or even our comfort for the sake of others. By walking in love, we become a living testimony of God's love to the world. Let us commit to loving others as Christ loved us, showing His love through our actions. [12:26]

1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to experience God's love through your actions. What specific act of love can you do for them today?

Day 4: Living in the Light
As children of God, we are called to walk in the light and not in darkness. This means living a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. We are no longer bound by our old sinful nature but are new creations in Him. Walking in the light involves rejecting sin and embracing righteousness. It is a daily commitment to live according to God's Word and His standards.

Living in the light means being transparent and honest in our dealings, avoiding deceit and hypocrisy. It also means allowing God's truth to guide our decisions and actions. As we walk in the light, we become beacons of hope and truth in a world filled with darkness. Let us commit to living in the light, reflecting the character of Christ in all that we do. [19:08]

1 John 1:7 (ESV): "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

Reflection: What area of your life needs to be brought into the light? How can you take a step towards transparency and righteousness in that area today?

Day 5: The Gift of Wisdom
Wisdom is a gift from God that helps us navigate life in a way that is pleasing to Him. It involves fearing the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge, and applying His Word to our lives. Wisdom leads to good fruits, mercy, and peace. It is essential for making godly decisions and living a life that honors God. Wisdom is not just about knowledge but about living out God's principles in practical ways.

The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. It is a reverent awe of God's majesty and a deep respect for His commandments. As we seek wisdom, we must be willing to submit to God's authority and guidance. By doing so, we will experience the blessings of wisdom, including peace, prosperity, and a closer relationship with God. Let us seek wisdom daily, asking God to fill us with His understanding and discernment. [34:38]

James 3:17 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

Reflection: What decision are you currently facing that requires God's wisdom? How can you seek His guidance and apply His Word to that decision today?

Quotes

1. "We need an altar where we can go before Him and offer Him the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and worship. See, we can't offer an animal or nothing like that right now, but we can offer ourselves. We can offer the sacrifice of worship and praise. There's a way to bless the Lord. See, we always wanted Him to bless us. Well, one of the greatest things you can do for the Lord is worship Him. Obey Him. Walk in His ways." [01:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Even when we're not so faithful, He's faithful. Come on, somebody. Even when it seems like we're weak, He's strong. Hallelujah. We need to walk in His ways. I said it and I'm going to say it again. I'm going to sound like a broken record. I believe it's in the Spirit of the Lord to bless you. I believe He wants to bless you. I believe that's the character of God to bless His children." [03:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Don't put your faith in man. Put it in the Lord. Don't put it in government. Put it in the Lord. Don't put it in religious leaders. Put it in the Lord. Don't put it in a pope or rabbi or preacher. Put it in the Lord. Come on, somebody. That's what God wants. We come before Him in unity as one body in worship. The call of God on your life. Is to honor. To honor the Lord and worship Him. And serve one another." [06:02] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We come together to unite ourselves in Christ. As one body. See, I'm a finger. You're a toe. Somebody's an ear. Somebody's an eye. Praise God. But it takes all of that to make one body. Right? Working together in unity. You know, I feel good about the church right now. I feel that we're in pretty good shape. We're in pretty good unity right now. I'm not saying we're not going to have our trials. But right now, I really feel there's a good spirit of unity here." [06:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You can't walk in darkness and claim to walk in the light at the same time. When the sun comes up, you got light. When the sun goes down, you got darkness, right? They never dwell together. When they're at their full strength, the sun sits up at 12 noon, high bright. There's no darkness, no light, as long as there's no clouds or anything. Right. When? When? When? When the sun goes down, it starts getting dark. There's no light. You never see it dwelling in full strength together." [11:44] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Love is not something you should say. It's something you do. Right? And we're learning that every day that we're to be the imitators of God as he gave himself for us. We ought to give it for our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Right? We ought to be able to sacrifice for others, especially those of the faith, especially those that belong to the body. Your brothers and sisters in the Lord. That is what I'm talking. About this morning. Praise God. We're to walk in love." [13:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The blood of Jesus is the most valuable thing God ever made. But yet the only one that could receive it was the father himself it was poured out before the lord hallelujah that's love people say well what is the love of god like i don't know i can't explain it i can't open a dictionary and explain the love of god to you it's too vast it's just it covers too much but i know it's powerful i know it's the most powerful thing that god ever gave man." [15:59] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If you're born again, listen to me, you're going to change. Right? If you were serious, your life changed. Your whole life is different. That old man ain't there anymore. Come on, somebody. We're to walk in the light. We're to walk in the light. You can't live and eat at the devil's table and the Lord's table at the same time. You're to go toward the light. You're not to follow corruption and sin. The things of this world." [24:13] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you follow his word and do what he says and love him and serve him and worship him and place your life and surrender unto him, praise God, nobody will take you out of that will. He'll never let you go. My, I feel that, praise God. He'll never let you go. You're a new man, new woman, a new person in Christ. That old lady died, Yvette. Stop looking for that old person, the puppet. He's dead. He died. He died. We buried him in the river somewhere. Hallelujah. He's gone." [25:29] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "You can't be in darkness and have fellowship with God. I didn't write this, okay? You cannot walk in sin and rejection of Jesus and think God's going to hear you. The only prayer he wants from you. God, I need to be saved. I've sinned against you. Forgive me. Pray and help me to overcome. He loves those kind of prayers. He loves that when you do that. Because it shows a surrendered heart. Right? He says that God is light and in him there's no darkness. If you say you have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie." [29:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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