Introduction

Good morning, dear friends, it is a joy to gather together once more in the house of the Lord, isn't it? I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share with you today from the heart of the Apostle Paul, as we turn our attention to his letter to the Ephesians.

Our passage today is Ephesians 4:1-6. Let's read it together, shall we?

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

What a rich text! It's like a treasure chest, full of precious jewels waiting to be discovered. Isn't it amazing that these words, written so many centuries ago, still speak to us today with such relevance and power? Paul's message to the Ephesians is our message too, as we strive to live out our calling as a community of believers, demonstrating Christ-like character and cultivating unity in the church.

Calling to Community

As we reflect on the words of Paul in Ephesians 4:1-6, we see a clear call to community. This community is not just any community, but a community of believers, united by a common faith in Jesus Christ. This is the community to which we, as followers of Christ, are called.

This calling is not a casual invitation. It is a compelling summons, a divine mandate. It is a call to live in a manner worthy of our calling, to embody the values and virtues of the kingdom of God in our interactions with one another. It is a call to humility, gentleness, patience, and love. It is a call to bear with one another, to forgive one another, to encourage one another, and to build one another up in love.

The community to which we are called is not a community of uniformity, but a community of unity. It is a community where diversity is celebrated, where differences are respected, and where each member is valued for their unique contributions. It is a community where everyone is welcome, where everyone belongs, and where everyone has a role to play.

This unity is not a product of human effort, but a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who unites us, who binds us together in love, and who enables us to live in harmony with one another. It is the Spirit who empowers us to overcome our differences, to resolve our conflicts, and to maintain the bond of peace.

The unity of the Spirit is not a static state, but a dynamic process. It is a journey of growth, of transformation, and of maturation. It is a journey that requires effort, commitment, and perseverance. It is a journey that challenges us to let go of our selfish ambitions, to put aside our personal preferences, and to prioritize the common good.

This unity is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. It is a means to the fulfillment of our calling, to the advancement of the kingdom of God, and to the glory of God. It is a means to the manifestation of the love of God, the grace of God, and the power of God in our midst.

The calling to community is not a burden, but a blessing. It is a blessing that enriches our lives, that deepens our faith, and that strengthens our witness. It is a blessing that brings joy, peace, and fulfillment. It is a blessing that reflects the heart of God, the nature of God, and the purpose of God for His people.

The calling to community is not a privilege for the few, but a responsibility for all. It is a responsibility to contribute, to participate, and to serve. It is a responsibility to uphold the values of the kingdom, to promote the unity of the Spirit, and to pursue the mission of the church.

This calling is not a matter of convenience, but a matter of obedience. It is a matter of responding to the call of God, of aligning our lives with the will of God, and of fulfilling the purposes of God in our generation. It is a matter of living out our faith, of demonstrating our love, and of bearing witness to the hope that is within us.

The calling to community is a central theme in the letter to the Ephesians. It is a theme that resonates with our own experience, that challenges our assumptions, and that inspires our aspirations. It is a theme that invites us to reflect, to respond, and to rejoice in the grace of God, the love of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Christ-like Character in Community

As we immerse ourselves in the richness of Ephesians 4:1-6, we are drawn to the image of the believer's life as a walk ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO