Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6
Benefits of Walking (source: diabetes.org)
- Blood sugar levels go down
- Heart health improves
- Metabolism increases
- Weight loss or maintenance becomes easier
- Balance improves
- Blood pressure decreases
- Mood is better
- More focused and alert
- Memory and cognition improve
Series
We are continuing our sermon series in Ephesians. The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage and teach the believers in the city of Ephesus. This city was larger than Buffalo and had sports arenas, gymnasiums, theaters, a library, debate centers, and lots of temples to many different religions. People there spoke several languages and because it was a seaport, there was a melting pot of different cultures and ideas. It’s not very different from our present day. We can learn a lot from this letter as we dig deeper into its mysteries.
The Calling
Called – invitation to God’s Kingdom
Romans 1:7, 8:28-29
1 Corinthians 1:2
Called to follow Jesus
A Worthy Walk
Worthy (axios) = equal weight
Walk – as you go about; every day life
Philippians 1:27
Two Commands
* Bear with one another
* Maintain Unity
Bearing with one another
* Humility – Philippians 2:3
* Gentleness
* Patience – Luke 6:45
in Love (agape) – 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 4:7-8
Maintain Unity
Eager – make every effort
No rivalries or cliques!
* Don’t be a Sneetch
Jesus is our example – Phil 2:6-8
Unity – example in the Trinity
One body
One Spirit
One hope
One Lord – Acts 4:11-12
One Faith – Eph. 2:8
One baptism – Romans 6:4; Matt 28:19
One God and Father – 1 Cor 8:6;
Eph 5:23; 1 Cor 12:11
“The unity of the church is as indestructible as the unity of God himself. It is no more possible to split the church than it is possible to split the Godhead.” – R. Kent Hughes
Peacemakers:
* Are honest
* Don’t hide from problems
* Don’t sweep problems under rug
* Willing to risk awkwardness & discomfort
* Willing to fight for peace
* Willing to correct & build up
Take Aways
Have you answered God’s calling?
Is your walk worthy of Jesus Christ?
Would people characterize you as humble, gentle, and patient?
Do you go out of your way to help your church family members?
Peacemaker or troublemaker?
