Studies in Ephesians Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Unity is a must! 1 Corinthians 1:10 Philippians 2:1-2 John 17:20-21, Jesus’ prayer John 13:34,35 – a message to the world Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Paul the Prisoner A “prison epistle” (Eph. 6:20, cf. Acts 28:30- 31) A prisoner of the Lord Galatians 2:20 Romans 6:15-18 Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Walk worthy of your calling Walk, one’s manner of life – 7 times in Ephesians Worthy – a manner consistent with one’s claims in Christ Rom. 6:4, 2 Cor. 5:7 cf. Gen. 5:24, 6:9 An improper walk Philippians 3:18 Ephesians 4:17 Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Walk worthy of your calling Our calling, Not miraculous or arbitrary – available to all An invitation to follow Christ – 2 Thess. 2:14 Philippians 3:14 Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Attitudes of unity Lowliness Humility, to act without arrogance. Romans 12:3 1 Peter 5:5 Philippians 2:3 To achieve unity, I need to have a humble attitude! Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Attitudes of unity Gentleness Mildness in dealing with others. Meekness, courtesy Gal. 5:22-23, 2 Tim. 2:25, James 3:13, Prov. 15:5 Soft answers will accomplish much in achieving unity! Unity is seldom found with flaring tempers Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Attitudes of unity Longsuffering Patient endurance, even when facing provocation or misfortune Gal. 5:22-23, 1 Cor. 13:4 Hebrews 6:12 Overcoming differences doesn’t always happen on the first try. Sometimes people fail - but we can’t quit! 1 Thess. 5:14 Consider God – Rom. 2:4 Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Attitudes of unity Bearing with one another in love Bearing – showing tolerance & endurance in our dealings with each other 1 Cor. 13:7, Col. 3:13 Rom. 15:1 Galatians 5:15 – don’t bite and devour We all have differences and weaknesses. Will we let these hinder unity? Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Attitudes of unity Bearing with one another in love In love - agape 1 Cor. 13:1-8, 12:31 – a more excellent way Can you think of a better application of love, than our endeavoring for unity? Cf. Philippians 2:1-2 Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Attitudes of unity Endeavoring to keep the unity Putting forth intense effort and motivation to accomplish what is needed, diligence 2 Tim. 2:15, 2 Peter 1:10 Romans 14:19 – pursue that which makes for peace Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

Attitudes of unity Endeavoring to keep the unity Unity of the Spirit – based upon His standard. NOT compromise of truth The bond of peace – is the goal we seek to achieve! 1 Thess. 5:13 Achieving and maintaining unity is not an easy thing to do – but it can be done! Attitudes of Unity Ephesians 4:1-3

What are we doing to keep the unity God desires us to have?