How can we apply Ephesians 2:18 to promote unity in our church? Setting the Verse in Context Ephesians 2 centers on how Christ’s finished work reconciles both Jews and Gentiles into “one new man” (v. 15). Verse 18 is the climax: “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18) The entire Trinity is engaged—Son, Spirit, Father—showing that unity is God’s own design, not a human invention. The Core Truth of Ephesians 2:18 • “Through Him” – Jesus alone removed every barrier by His blood (v. 13). • “We both” – every believer, regardless of background, enjoys equal standing. • “Have access” – a permanent, welcome invitation into the Father’s presence. • “By one Spirit” – the same Spirit indwells each believer, knitting us together. Practical Ways to Live Out This Unity 1. Emphasize Shared Identity • Speak often of “our” Father and “our” Savior (Matthew 6:9; Titus 2:13). • Celebrate testimonies that highlight God’s grace, not personal achievement. 2. Cultivate Spirit-Led Worship • Sing songs that center on Christ’s cross and resurrection (Colossians 3:16). • Blend musical styles to reflect the diverse body while keeping lyrics doctrinally sound. 3. Practice Open, Gospel-Shaped Hospitality • Host mixed-age, multi-background small groups (Romans 15:7). • Rotate leadership to demonstrate trust and equality in Christ. 4. Pray Together as One Family • Schedule regular elder-led corporate prayer, inviting the whole congregation (Acts 1:14). • Include time for members from different demographics to pray for one another’s needs. 5. Teach the Whole Counsel of God • Expositional preaching keeps focus on Christ, not personalities (2 Timothy 4:2). • Provide classes that unite generations around sound doctrine rather than segregating by preference. Guarding Against Barriers to Unity • Personal agendas—submit preferences to Christ’s Lordship (Philippians 2:3-4). • Gossip—replace rumor with direct, loving conversation (Ephesians 4:29). • Unforgiveness—remember the forgiveness we received (Matthew 18:21-35). • Cultural pride—stand under the banner of the cross, not ethnicity or politics (Galatians 3:28). Fueling Unity through Shared Practices • Communion: a visible reminder that all partake of the same body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • Baptism: publicly declaring the same death-to-sin, life-in-Christ reality (Romans 6:3-4). • Service projects: partnering across age and background to meet practical needs (James 1:27). Encouragement from Related Scriptures • John 17:21: “that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You, that they also may be in Us.” • 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body… and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” • Philippians 1:27: “Stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel.” Christ has already secured our access to the Father; our call is to live like people who share the same doorway, the same Spirit, and the same eternal home. |
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