Striving for Unity in Your Walk

Good morning, Faith – we will be in the beginning of Ephesians chapter 4 which is on page 1171 of the Bible under the seat in front of you.

While doing research for this sermon, I came across a story about a wealthy woman who was found dead in her home. Cause of death – extreme malnutrition.

So the natural question anyone would ask is this: How does a wealthy woman die of extreme malnutrition?

She had all the world’s resources at her doorstep, only to pass away in such a way?

Hetty Green was called “The Witch of Wallstreet.” She actually made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the greatest Miser of her day – a miser is a person who hoards wealth and spends so little money such that even the most basic comforts of life are neglected.

She lived from 1834 to 1914. Perhaps some of you have heard of her. She was said to be the richest woman of her time. Her estate was valued at one hundred million! In Today’s standards, she would be valued between 2.7 to 5.4 billion dollars.

She was so wealthy that even the City of New York called on her a number of times to get them out of their financial problems. She even bailed out JP Morgan during the panic of 1907. She was by all accounts the Donald Trump of her day.

The New York Social Diary said this about her family life

The family was deprived of anything money could buy that would create comfort. When she went to the desk she kept in a Wall Street office, it was reported that she took her lunch – a can of oatmeal that she heated on a radiator in someone else’s office, and ate it dry. In a story in the New York Herald in 1888, it was reported that “Mrs. Green’s table expenses did not exceed $5 a week and her others were less than $4.” (“Hetty Green: The Woman Who Loved Money” The New York Social Diary)

Hetty had two children – Ned and Sylvia. Her son suffered from a leg injury, resulting in a dislocated knee when he was a teenager. And because of her unwillingness to pay for the medical procedure, he had to have his left leg amputated. How much was the medical procedure? 50 cents – she was a miserable woman.

Upon her death, her children took all of her money and willed it all to friends and family – they wanted nothing to do with her money. Not a single penny!

The resources that Hetty Green had available to her was astounding, to say the least. She was not believer, yet the Lord gave to her the ability to make money like it was easy – yet she was a horrible steward and hoarded it for herself.

The book of Ephesians was written to Christians who had an infinite supply of spiritual resources in Christ, yet did not take advantage of What God had already given to them.

Note what one commentary said about the book of Ephesians

“The book of Ephesians has been given such titles as the believers bank the Christians checkbook, in the treasure House of the Bible. This beautiful letter tells Christians of their great riches, inheritances in fullness is in Jesus Christ and in his church. It tells them what they possess and how they can claim that enjoy their possessions. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many banks would allow their customers to withdraw no more than 10% of their accounts during a given period of time, because the banks did not have enough reserve to cover all deposits.

But God's heavenly bank has no such limitations or restrictions. No Christian, therefore, has reason to be spiritually deprived, undernourished or impoverished. In fact, he has no reason not to be completely healthy and immeasurably rich in the things of God. The Lord's heavenly resource are more than adequate to cover all our past debts, all our pressing liabilities, in all our future needs – and still not reduce to heavily assets. That is the marvel of God's gracious provision for his children.” (John MacArthur “The MacArthur Bible Commentary: Ephesians, viii.)

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, Paul made known to God’s people “the riches of God’s grace” (1:7). Paul made known to them the “riches of God’s glory” (3:16).

Then in chapter 4:13 Paul said to “attain to the unity of the faith, and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

The Apostle Peter said that God has given to us “all things pertaining to life and godliness, through the full knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” – 1 Peter 1:3

When it comes to our spiritual progress – God has opened the blessings of heaven made available to every believer the promises of God in Christ.

So when it comes to striving toward unity, God has also granted his spiritual resources to bring about that unity in the faith once and for all delivered to the saints.

So for this morning, I want to highlight

3 truths to embrace concerning your walk as a Christian

Because we have been given a repository of God’s spiritual blessings, we have a heavenly obligation to…

I. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling (4:1)

Ephesians 4:1 “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.”

We must walk worthy of the calling to which they’ve been called. – Paul uses a standard a metaphor that all of us ought to understand – it’s that of walking. He is referencing a believers daily routine – day by day living.^[1]

Since we have been called by God into the family of the redeemed, our practice as believers in Christ is an overflow of our position – of the reality of our salvation – the reality that redemption has truly taken root in our lives and the fruit of our position is manifest in our walking – our day-to-day routine – You can’t have one without the other.

“To serve the present age,
my calling to fulfill,
O may it all my pow'rs engage
to do my Master's will!”

So we…

a. You must understand your calling.

klésis – referring to the Lord’s sovereign call to salvation (Rom. 11:29; 1 Cor. 1:26; Eph. 1:18; 4:1, 4; Phil 3:14; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:9; cf. Heb. 3:1; 2 Pet. 1:10)

With reference to our calling in the Beloved, our Lord said to his disciples,

John 15:16 “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain.”

John MacArthur “without God's calling, without his choosing us, our choosing him would be futile. In fact, if God did not call men to himself no man would want to come to Him, because the natural man - every natural man - is it enmity with God (Rom. 8:7). The marvelous truth of the gospel is that God not only sent his son to provide the way of salvation (Rom. 5:8) but that he sent him to seek the lost in order to save them (Luke 19:10). God was not content simply to make salvation available. He has called the redeemed elect to himself.” (The MacArthur Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 120)

So then, our calling is a high calling, indeed, from the Father of lights in whom there is no shadow of turning. And our service to Him is such that we ought to take our walk more circumspect than we do now.

b. You have a choice in how you walk

Paul expands on this in ways. Once a person believes in Jesus Christ and becomes a member of God's family of the redeemed – what must he do to walk worthy of God's great calling-to bring honor to the name of Christ and His church?

II. Your walk should display godliness (4:2)

Ephesians 4:2 “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.”

a. Character is the identifying trait

Brad Bigney^[2] “Over a period of time if someone continues to think, emote and act in the same way in any given circumstance it becomes a habit and can become ‘rooted’ in them so that it becomes a part of their character. It represents who they are. It now characterizes them. For example, everyone has gotten angry on occasion, but some people could be characterized as ‘an angry man’ or ‘angry woman.’ They stay angry. It is who they are. They get in a rut, and it is very difficult for them to not go right down that same path without even thinking. One event will trigger them and they are on their way – they think, feel and begin to act the same way they did the last time – all in one short moment. To go that direction requires little or no effort on their part, and to try to do otherwise will ‘feel’ so hard that they will exclaim, “I can’t do differently. That’s just how I am. I can’t change.” For the Christian this is never true. The Christian can change, but it will be hard work.” (“See it and Say it: Helpful Diagrams in Counseling”, pg. 4)

Paul said to that God’s people are to be about the work of exercising in their walk all humility as an identifying trait, striving for Unity!

Tapeinophrosune, refers to a lowliness of the mind. – This is a distinctively Christian virtue.

If our character trait is not walking in humility, strife and empty glory will rear its ugly head and strive against unity amongst believers in Christ.

It will stunt our growth in Christ, such that the Lord will providential intervene for the sake of his church to “smash our pious platitudes, to strip us of our self-righteous notions, and to leave us standing before him naked and embarrassed with our unruly idols.”^[3] So our hearts need regular alignments.

• jealousy

• envy

• loving flattery

• desire for position

• desire for recognition

• opposition

• forming cliques

This is not indicative of one who is striving toward unity – striving toward lowliness of mind.

Matthew 20:25-28 “Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. ²⁶ It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

(offer commentary here)

Second, Paul said we are walk with all gentleness –

Prautés – refers to power under the control of God. The meek man walks in a humble, tender, but strong state of mind; he denies himself, giving utmost consideration to others. He shows a control and righteous anger against injustice and evil. A meek man forgets and lives for others because of what Christ has done for him.

Jesus displayed this kind of meekness during his earthly ministry, just prior to his crucifixion at the time of his arrest. When Peter was defending Christ, Christ ordered Peter to sheathe his sword back in its place – then Christ said this

Matthew 26:53 “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” – power under control

King David had every opportunity to King Saul – but he didn’t – why? Power under control. He was gentle/meek?

Dr. Martin Loyd Jones “To be meek means you have finished with yourself altogether.” (“Studies in the Sermon on the Mount”, p. 69)

John MacArthur “Listen, the one who made the world, the one who flung the billion galaxies into space, the one who calls every star by name, the one who preserves the innumerable orbits in their courses, the one who weighs the mountains in a balance and the hills in a scale, the one who takes up the islands as a very small thing, the one who holds the waters in the hollow of His hand, the one before whom the inhabitants of the world are as grasshoppers – this one says, “I am meek and lowly.” Can you do less? (“The Lowly Walk,” Part 5)

In striving for unity in Christ, this is a character trait we are to strive toward – because “he who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city (Prov. 16:32)

Then there longsuffering –

c. The believer must walk with longsuffering – that’s another word for patience.

Makrothumia – refers to a person who endures negative circumstances and doesn’t give in to the pressure.

Pressure and hard work may fall upon us, but the Spirit of God helps us suffer long under it all.

⇒ Disease or tribulations may afflict God’s people, but the Spirit of God helps us to suffer long under it.

⇒ Discouragement and disappointment may attack us, but the Spirit of God helps us to suffer long under it.

⇒ Men may do us wrong, abuse, slander, and injure us; but the Spirit of God helps us to suffer long under it all.

Longsuffering never strikes back. Common sense tells us that a person who is attacked by others could strike back and retaliate. But the Christian believer is given the power of longsuffering—the power to suffer the situation or person for a long, long time.

b. Longsuffering is one of the great traits of God. As pointed out in this verse, it is a fruit of God's very own Spirit, a fruit that is to be in the life of the believer.

God and Christ are long-suffering toward sinners.

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that Gods kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

God saves believers so that they may be examples of longsuffering.

“But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Tim. 1:16)

God withholds His judgment from the world because He is longsuffering, waiting for more and more to be saved.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9; cp.1 Peter 3:20)

The believer must walk forbearing others in love (see note, Love-Ga. 5:22-23. Also see notes, Love-Ga. 5:13-15 for more discussion.)

b. It is shown in your love for others

The believer must walk forbearing others in love (see note, Love-Ga. 5:22-23. Also see notes, Love-Ga. 5:13-15 for more discussion.)

Forbearing love refers to a believer in Christ covering over the sins of other believers – this doesn’t mean we justify or excuse their sin, but it is to say that the believer does everything he can to keep this persons sins from becoming any more known than necessary.^[4]

It is not the kind of worldly Eros kind of love that only cares for others because there is something they want out of that relationship they can get and doesn’t give back in return. This is a self-kind of love – a damaging kind of love – a disunifying kind of love that separates members in the body of Christ.

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing” – James 3:16

And when you see what James describes, you will find the opposite of unity – and we are to

III. Your walk must be defined by unity (vv.3-6)

Ephesians 4:3-6 “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

That is to say, striving for unity takes work!

Spoudanzontes – refers to a difficulty and a resolute determination to overcome it.

Unity is a daily choice

Unity is rooted in God’s character

Unity is seen in God’s redemptive plan

And the absence of these qualities may jeopardize unity, and has in many Christian churches. Lastly, we ultimately have to ask why is Paul emphasizing this unity among God’s people, the church.

And Paul lays out seven reasons – all anchored in God’s character. The reason why are to be resolute in our striving toward unity is because…

First, There is only "one body." - There are not two bodies nor several bodies of believers. There is only one “body of Christ” composed of believers.

Second, There is only "one Spirit." – The same Spirit that dwells within one member of the body dwells in all members of the body. It is God's Spirit that calls and gifts and directs each member to fit in and work within the body. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Ro. 8:14)

Third, There is only "one hope." – Our future lives in the new heavens and earth are to be the pattern for the way we live together now. We shall be redeemed and reconciled to God and to each other-all living together in a perfect world of love and joy and peace for ever and ever. The hope for eternity-the hope that fills our hearts for such a world-is to be the driving force that stirs us to live together in peace and unity.

“training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Tit. 2:12-13)

Fourth, There is only "one Lord." - There is only one Master and King. Every believer has bowed before the same Lord to become His subject and to receive His orders. As His subjects, believers are unequivocally instructed...

Fifth, There is only "one faith." There are not two faiths nor several faiths. There is only one faith that leads into God's presence and that is the faith founded by the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other approach to God. If a person wishes to live with God-to be approved and accepted by Him-that person has to approach God through the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sixth, There is only "one baptism." – Divisiveness denies and brings shame to the meaning of the ordinance. Divisiveness is a reflection of the depth of our commitment. It shows that our sincerity in being baptized was lacking, greatly lacking. It shows that we care little for Christ and for our baptism experience, for the great ordinance which initiated us into the church.

But most notable, it calls into question our spiritual baptism – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Ga. 3:27)

Seventh, There is only "one God and Father of all." – The point is striking: If there is only one God and Father of all believers, how then could He be leading two believers to stand toe to toe against each other? The answer is obvious: He could not. One or both believers are following their own fleshly carnal ways. Someone is not following the only God and Father.

“ For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.” – 1 Cor. 11:19

[1] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary:

[2] https://bradbigney.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/diagrams_counselor.pdf

[3] Brad Bigney Gospel Treason, 61

[4] John MacArthur, MacArthur Commentary, p. 127.