Ephesians (W7D2) Complete Unity
Week 7. Tuesday: Complete Unity
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: Ephesians 4:4-10
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
One Body (Greek: heis sōma): refers to the body of Christ (the Church)
The body must work in unity to be most effective.
Therefore, the church must work together in unity for God’s glory.
One Spirit (Greek: heis pneuma): refers to the Holy Spirit
One Hope (Greek: heis elpis): one confidence or solid foundation
Paul refers to this hope in Romans 5:2 as the glory of God.
We can rest assured that God’s glory is the point of all things.
One Lord (Greek: heis kyrios): one sovereign master and owner
One Baptism (Greek: heis baptisma): the outward, public confession of faith
Over All (Greek: epi pas) Through All (Greek: dia pas) In All (Greek: en pas): God not only is over all things, but also working through and in all things.
He took many captives and gave gifts: Vv. 8-10 can be confusing at first glance. Paul is quoting Psalm 68:18 which is a prophecy of the Messiah. Paul is stating that Jesus left heaven (descended) to provide our salvation. When He returned (ascended) to heaven, after the resurrection, He set us (captives) free and gave us the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts in order to serve God for His glory.
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
Paul is calling believers to be completely committed to unity in the church. Just like a physical body needs all its parts working together, the church body needs each part to work together as well. While there is much division in the church today, this should not be the case. Believers are to seek peace and unity if we want to grow and be effective.
What divisions have you experienced in the church?
Is there any division between you and other believers? If so, why?
What do you need to do this week to seek peace and unity?
PRAY: Ask God to help you seek unity with those you serve and worship God with.
