Unity of the Spirit
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Paul a prisoner by choice to the Lord, his servant and bondslave,I plead with you to walk worthy of the calling given to you.
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
With humble service and respect for one another, show your love by trying to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We have heard, "keep the peace", and the peace is of the Holy Spirit. Being united in love by one spirit assures the presence of the spiritual fruit and the glorious presence of our Lord. To keep the unity, one must put off the works of the flesh and cast down the thoughts given of the devil. The Spirit is the Spirit of truth and the fruit are sown in the love of God and for one another. Be sensitive and invite the presence of the Lord, for he does not dwell in strife and discord.
Prov 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Prov 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Prov 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Prov 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One body, the church is the body of Christ, all who have been born again have His Spirit. One Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit of truth that comes after receiving Jesus as Lord. One hope of our calling, we are called as ministers to the King, and his kingdom is eternal. This is our hope, eternal life with Jesus who we are to serve in Spirit and in truth.
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
For those who do not receive a three persons in one God, this is proof; one Lord Jesus, one baptism in the Holy Spirit. Now this may stir up the theology of some of the denominations; baptism, is it sprinkling with water, is it immersion, or is it by the Holy Spirit? One denomination insists that baptism in water is the way of salvation The baptism of Jesus is in the Holy Spirit, yet we are also to follow in obedience with water baptism. I believe that the one baptism refers to the immersion in water.
John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
John 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
The one baptism that converts a soul, is the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
One God, the Father of all saved in Christ. He is the creator of all, yet some have another father. The Jewish leaders who could not accept the words of Jesus were of another father. We are to discern the spirits, for the devil knows the scriptures and is still a devil. We are to speak the word of God by the Holy Spirit. This is the Rhema word, the spoken word of God with his convicting power.
John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
So then, unity is for those of Christ that are in the spirit of truth in the bond of peace. There is harmony when all are in the Spirit of God, speaking hymns, praises, Psalms and speaking the word of God to edify the body and to reconcile the sinner back to God.
He Ascended
Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Our position in Christ has given us grace and favor with God. We have not yet ascended with him, so we have work to do while we are here. His grace is given to accomplish the work we are to do, for we were saved to be the servants and saints of God. We are to show forth our new nature as sons of God in Christ Jesus doing whatever we find to do as unto the Lord. We are to obey the Lord and be his witnesses.
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Psa 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Psa 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
This was the fulfillment of David's prophecy. Jesus has led captivity captive, he has defeated the enemy; Satan and his fallen angels have lost their power to the Son of God. He has triumphed over them with his shed blood and resurrection. The devil has lost his power over you and me unless we give him permission to torment us.
1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
With our new life we also receive gifts of the Spirit to overcome the devil and to be a blessing to others.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Jesus with his eternal soul and Spirit descended into Sheol and announced the good news. All who trusted in him shall live with him and all who opposed him shall lose out.
Jesus with his eternal soul and Spirit descended into Sheol and announced the good news. All who trusted in him shall live with him and all who opposed him shall lose out.
Five Fold Ministries
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
An Apostle is a messenger of the gospel sent forth by the Lord, usually to a new area of ministry. The apostle Peter spoke of appointing an apostle to fill the vacancy of Judas. He gave the LORD two choices and cast lots.
Acts 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Acts 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Acts 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen,
Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
To be of the twelve according to Peter, they had to have followed Jesus from the baptism of John and have seen the resurrected Jesus. Does this mean there are to be no more than the twelve, as apostles? Jesus chooses the apostles and he chose the apostle Paul, not of the twelve.
Acts 22:10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
Rom 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
Rom 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
1 Cor 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1 Cor 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Cor 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1 Cor 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1 Cor 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1 Cor 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
1 Cor 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1 Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
1 Cor 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
Paul is an example of an apostle chosen by Jesus by divine appointment, not having been with the twelve. If Paul was selected, then Jesus may select others to be apostles, not of the twelve, but as those sent to special ministries. Perhaps there is an apostle sent to the Internet? An apostle sent to Africa? If Jesus sends, who can deny? We are not to add to the Bible. A modern day apostle is sent to minister, not to add to the Holy Scriptures. The apostles of the early church built upon the foundation stone, the is Christ. The Bible is finished. There is to be no adding or taking away from the word of God.
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Some prophets: A prophet; one who is moved to speak by the Holy Spirit a message from God. This is not a made up message from a person's thoughts, but a message from God.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
A prophet does not exalt himself, but speaks the word of God with boldness. There are no prophets adding to the Bible; the Bible is complete.
An evangelist; one who brings the good news of salvation to others. The first evangelists were not apostles, they were from the seven deacons, full of the Holy Spirit. These were Philip and Stephan, the martyr.
Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
We have seen evangelists like Billy Graham and many others who speak to thousands the gospel message. Pastors and teachers must follow up after the evangelist leaves and teach the new converts the Bible truths. We are to do the Lord’s command and make disciples of the nations.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
A Pastor is a shepherd who should also be a teacher. He cares for the well being of the church flock and feeds them the word of God. They are to shepherd the flock. Jesus us is our example of a good shepherd.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
A teacher is one who teaches concerning the things of God. A teacher is to explain the Bible so it can be understood. He is to teach from the Bible with illustrations, by the Holy Spirit. It should be easy to understand, not just to impress others with his knowledge; he is to teach on the level of those being taught. Wisdom is needed from God to edify or convict the hearer to do God's will.
1 Tim 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1 Tim 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
2 Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
The five ministries are to edify the church; to build up those of faith.
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for
the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:
The five fold ministries were given to mature the Church, to perfect or mature the saints for the Work of the ministry and to edify the Church. We are to be as Jesus, united as one in His Spirit. This is the atmosphere of the early Church during and following Pentecost and is to be for the Church now.
What has happened? A recent study has shown that there are more divorces among Christians then for non-Christians. A selfish worldly church must receive from the five ministries and do the will of Jesus Christ. He is coming for his bride the Church, pure and undefiled by the world. Let's get ready!
Winds of Doctrine
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
The five fold ministry is gifted by God to mature each person who receives Jesus as Lord. Please, do not look for answers to your questions from the world and it's free thinkers. For most are not free but bound to unbelief, lacking the Spirit of truth as their guide. Many listen to another, demonic spirit even lofty sounding things, but with no truth. Be not blown about, tossed to and fro by every wind (spirit) of doctrine. By deceiving men and women lying in wait to capture your soul in darkness and confusion.
2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2 Tim 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2 Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Tim 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2 Tim 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Where do we learn of the things of God? From the Bible, the word of God. Comparing scriptures with scriptures. The Spirit in you will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Jesus is the Lord of truth. Follow him and he will keep you in the light of his word and in his love. He is the head of the Church, which is all who trust in him. He is the mind of God and the word of God. His word is in the Bible. Study it and hide it in your heart and you will not be deceived.
Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
We are important to one another. Each part of the Church body supplies the need of another. No one person has completion being apart, completion is in Christ and the fulness of his body. See Romans 12 (Romans 12:4-8) for the gifts of the Church body. All work together to build one another up in love.
Put off, Put on
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Paul witnesses in the Lord's will, not his own, that you no longer go forth as the Gentiles, ignorant of truth and full of evil actions. We are to be holy as the Lord is holy.
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Darkened understanding, having no knowledge of God's things, separated from God and blind to His ways. Jesus spoke of these people;
Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Eph 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
These were self made reprobates, giving themselves over unto evil. God also will give some over to their path if they continue in it.
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Eph 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
This is not what Christ has taught you in his word. We are to be conformed to Jesus. How? By studying his word in the Bible. If we are new creations, we will want to learn of the new life in Christ.
Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
This we must do ourselves. We put off the old man, the person we once were, with it's bad habits and incorrect thoughts. We, must put them off. Seriously, this may take time, but we are being made in his image, day by day.
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Where is the power for change? It is within, the spirit of the mind. The Holy Spirit that has made you new in Christ, shall change you.
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Again, it is our responsibility to put on the new man in God's Spirit, which is righteousness and true holiness. True, not false, not error and corruption, but truth and incorruption. Each day we must put on the new man, much as we are commanded to put on the whole armour of God. The purpose is to be equipped to lead a holy life and to resist the old man and the devil. The world, flesh and the devil are the enemies to our new Spiritual walk in the new man. We must learn our authority and walk in it, it is our choice.
Keep from Sinning
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Putting off the old man who is so easily influenced by the devil, the liar.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Put on the new man and truth, for we are members one of another in Christ Jesus. Jesus is our foundation and he is the truth of God, the word of God is truth; Christ Jesus is the word of God.
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
It is ok to be angry at sin and injustice, Jesus was angry at the money changers in the temple, who had made the temple a den of thieves.
But, we are not to continue in anger,it has a way of destroying us. Forgive, and give your anger and it's cause to God. Do not keep it overnight. This gives the devil an opportunity to enter in you with guilt and torment.
Men? if you are married, anger or disrespect can keep your prayers from being answered.
1 Pet 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
We are not to steal, but live honorably providing for our own families and providing for the needy. Men are to work to support their families.
1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Put off the old man and his foul talk. We are not to tell stories or "jokes" that degrade another. We are of Christ, and he came to reconcile the lost back to God. Remember this; everything we do leaves an impression. Are we leaving others with God's loving grace? We are to bring life and hope wherever we go because we are new in Christ Jesus, working for him and making him Lord of all we do.
Grieve not the Holy Spirit
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
To grieve the Holy Spirit is to cause heaviness, sorrow and sadness to the Holy Spirit within you. Should this not be a warning to stop and think and listen to the still small voice inside? He isn't going away as he did in the old testiment, we are sealed by God's Spirit. But I can assure you from experience, if you grieve the Holy Spirit you will be very miserable.
What are ways we can grieve the Holy Spirit? Look at the preceeding verses; by lying, anger, stealing and speaking corrupt words. A broader definition would be sin and unbelief.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Paul makes it clear that these things must be put away, put down so we can be the children of God. Whose children are we? We are like the one we love and serve. Do we want to grieve God? It is he that we grieve by these evil actions.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
These are the things we are to put on as God's children; kindness, a tender loving heart and forgiveness. Perhaps this starts with remembering it was Jesus who from kindness drew us to himself, his tenderheart spoke words of comfort to us and he has forgiven our sins by his shed blood on the cross. Can we take this lightly ?
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