In what ways can we live out the unity described in Ephesians 4:5? Ephesians 4:5 in Context “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Paul nests this seven-fold confession (vv. 4-6) inside his appeal to “walk worthy” of our calling “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (v. 2). Unity is not optional; it is woven into the very gospel we believe. One Lord — Submitting to Christ Together • Christ’s absolute lordship is the anchor of our unity. (Colossians 1:18) • When every believer bows to the same King, competing personal agendas lose their grip. • Practical outworking: – Let Scripture, not preference, settle disputes. (John 17:17) – Speak of fellow believers first as “blood-bought siblings,” not as representatives of camps or styles. – Celebrate the diverse gifts Christ gives to serve His single purpose. (Ephesians 4:11-12) One Faith — Guarding the Truth • Jude calls us to “contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3) • Unity never asks us to dilute truth; rather, shared truth produces unity. • Practical outworking: – Teach sound doctrine in every age group. (Titus 2:1) – Correct error gently but firmly, keeping restoration, not winning, as the goal. (2 Timothy 2:24-25) – Memorize core passages together (e.g., Isaiah 53; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). One Baptism — Displaying Our Shared Identity • Baptism is the visible sign that we have died and risen with Christ. (Romans 6:3-4) • Regardless of background, every believer passes through the same waters, declaring the same gospel. • Practical outworking: – At baptisms, rehearse the gospel publicly; let seasoned saints and new converts rejoice side by side. – Use baptism anniversaries to remind one another of shared covenant commitments. Practical Steps Toward Visible Unity • Prioritize gathered worship; hearing the same Word sung, read, and preached knits hearts. (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Foster intergenerational friendships; wisdom flows down and vitality flows up. (Psalm 78:4) • Share meals; the early church “broke bread from house to house” and enjoyed “gladness and sincerity of heart.” (Acts 2:46) • Serve outwardly together—mercy ministries, missions, neighborhood outreach—so unity moves from concept to concrete action. (Philippians 1:27) Guardrails for Protecting Unity • Keep short accounts; confess and forgive quickly. (Ephesians 4:26-27, 32) • Resist gossip; speak “only what is helpful for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29) • Pray for one another by name; genuine intercession softens grievances. (James 5:16) • Remember the Lord’s Supper; examine hearts, discern the body, proclaim His death “until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26-29) By living under one Lord, holding to one faith, and celebrating one baptism, we display to a watching world the supernatural unity that the gospel creates and sustains. |
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