Ephesians | Session 7 May 23rd | Unity of the Body of Christ ( 4:1–16 ) (Nate) Big Ideas: · Rooted and Grounded in Love · Koinōnia vs. Simple Gatherings · Exhortation to unity Ephesians 4:1-6 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. The term “one another” is used 100+ times in the New Testament speaking in the context of Christians in community. Codependent-in a relationship with someone (typically with an addiction of some sort) in whom you enable in a cyclical pattern. You are dependent on them to meet your issue or need and they are dependent on you to get their fix. (people pleasing, I’m ok if you’re ok) Interdependent-mutually dependent or dependent on each other. Independent-The danger of self care gone wild (“I don’t care what others think” vs. I won’t allow my identity to be grounded in what others think but what others think does matter to them and to me. Loving them means I care what they think. Proverbs 18:1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. Koinōnia vs. Simple Gatherings Koinōnia means fellowship, communion, joint participation, contribution, sharing, community. Acts 2:41-42 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:43-47 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Identified by His Presence Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Known by His Love John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Active in Producing Fruit John 15:15-16 “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. Exhortation to unity John 17:20-23 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.