Ephesians 4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. So long as imperfect men are gathered together in a Christian society — men of different types of character sad different powers, and with a special fondness for their own way; men liable to mistake excited feeling for intensity of conviction, and to treat their own opinions with the reverence due to absolute truth — they will require to be admonished to "endeavour," etc. I. THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH. Spiritual — not formal. 1. Unity of life. Bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit; their affections set on things above, etc. 2. Unity of service. Christians have one Lord, towards whom they cherish one faith. He inspires the same loyalty; it is into His service they have been all baptized. 3. Unity of worship. We have not an unknown God; he that hath seen Christ hath seen the Father. We know Him to be righteous in all His works, and holy in all His ways. To worship is to perceive His excellence, and to love Him for it; to be strengthened by communion with Him, calmed by submission to Him. II. HOW TO PRESERVE THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT. 1. By recognizing it. 2. By cherishing a peaceful mind. (A. Mackennal, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.WEB: being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. |
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