A United People
Notes
Transcript
Intro: Series Intro
Importance of the local Church
Who we are
Why we are
before what we do in the next few weeks.
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 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— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
From this text I want us to look at 3 aspects of how we at Graceview are to be a united people.
One Encouragement to walk United (vs. 1)
One Encouragement to walk United (vs. 1)
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Encourage you to live in a way that is corresponding to the saving faith life in Christ to which Jesus has effectually called you to.
Not a command but an encouragement, why? the last three chapters of motivation.
We desire to walk in a worthy manner when we see how great of a salvation we have.
My “Why” - New Year’s Resolutions
As Christians, our why is always the person and work of Christ.
Died
Rose again
Called us to Himself
Gave Us Life from Death and Faith to Believe
Justified Us by giving us his sinless account
Works in us as we accomplish the works he has prepared for us to accomplish
the list goes on and on and this should be enough for us to want to live together.
Four Ways to walk United (vs. 2-3)
Four Ways to walk United (vs. 2-3)
Humility and Gentleness
Humility - the attitude born of a proper estimate of self. Seeing self in proper relation to God.
Gentleness - conveys the notions of gentleness toward men and submission to God. It is a disposition that manifests itself in mildness, patience, and quiet restraint.
Pride Issues
Patience
More than two people are killed every day on U.S. roads by impatient and reckless drivers blowing through red lights, according to data analysis performed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The most recent crash data available shows 939 people were killed in red light running crashes in 2017 — a 10-year high and a 28% increase since 2012.
“I just want to do what I want in my timing” attitude.
Anger Issues
Bearing with One Another
Ephesians I. Practice Basic Christian Virtues (4:2)
The man who is “forbearing” is able to make allowances for the faults of his fellow believers, to bear with them in their weaknesses and failings. “In love” shows that this is not to be done grudgingly but in a loving manner, with a sense of “family affection” (Moule, Epistle to the Ephesians, p. 104). The Greek word suggests the attitude that seeks the highest good of others.
Arrogance Issues
Eager to Maintain Unity in the bond of peace
Bond - Tied or cuffed together in the peace Jesus has given so we are eager to not pull against it but work for the best in it.
Pulling against handcuffs hurts
Selfishness Issues
Seven Reasons to walk United (vs. 4-6)
Seven Reasons to walk United (vs. 4-6)
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
One Church
One Spirit - not other Spirits
One Hope
One Lord
One Faith
One Baptism
One God and Father
People to God movement for the reason to walk United.
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
In one simple paragraph our Church Covenant says just this.
This is who we are and this is how we live together.
1 - Am I a Christian?
2 - Am I striving to Live Together with the other members of GV or am I about myself?
3 - Prayer and Fasting in January