One Another (Ephesians 4:1-6)

Sermon Notes from May 3, 2015

4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as 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 above all, and through all, and in you all.

I.  Elements of The Christian Walk

• Walk Worthy
• Lowly and Gentle
• Longsuffering
• Bearing With One Another
• Unity
• Peace
• One
  • Lord
  • Faith
  • Baptism
  • God and Father

II.  A Picture of Unity

A.  One Accord
Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV)
2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

One accord – Homothumadon in the Greek:  with one mind, by common consent, together, unanimously

B.  Fellowship

Acts 2:42–45 (NKJV)
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
John 13:34–35 (NKJV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

κοινωνία (koinonia)
① close association involving mutual interests and sharing, association, communion, fellowship, close relationship (hence a favorite expr. for the marital relationship as the most intimate betw. human beings—Abs. fellowship, (harmonious) unity Ac 2:42
② attitude of good will that manifests an interest in a close relationship, generosity, fellow-feeling, altruism
③ abstr. for concr. sign of fellowship, proof of brotherly unity, even gift, contribution. Under this head we may perh. classify κοινωνία τ. αἵματος (σώματος) τοῦ Χριστοῦ a means for attaining a close relationship with the blood (body) of Christ 1 Cor 10:16ab.
④ participation, sharing τινός in someth. παρόντων=in the present undertakings;