Oct 1, 2023 "Community" (Ephesians 4:3-16)

Ephesians tells us we need to maintain the community that the Holy Spirit has formed. We do not need to make a community for Jesus. It has already been made and our one goal for us and that is to worship Jesus. 

 

[3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call. 

Ephesians 4:3-4 ESV  

The early church struggled with whom to follow. Did they follow Peter or Paul? Paul tells us that we should just follow Jesus. We have the same problem today. There are so many Denominations, but our concern should still be a focus on Jesus. 

 

There are reasons for all the denominations and there are pros and cons for the different denominations; however, we should focus on Jesus and not the differences. 

 

[10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)  

Ephesians 4:10 ESV

Paul reminds us that Jesus came down and then returned to Heaven to fulfill His duties. Jesus did this so that we would build community.  

 

[11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  

Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV 

We all have different abilities and are unique. None of us can be thrown away or ignored. None of us can also just sit back and do nothing. We are to harmoniously work together. We may argue and have different ideas than others, but a Christian community should work together through Jesus to make efforts to secure a Christian community.  

 

We cannot just be content that we are all different. We have to make efforts to improve the community. How do we do this? 

[15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. 

Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV 

We do this through the foundation of love. We love through helping each other. Practically we do this by supporting all the other parts. We help each other through love.  We help each other to become better people.  

 

How to use our love is addressed this passage. Help others in the Christian community to become better. This is how we can love each other.   

I Will Run To You

Complete

With All I Am