Main Point: The blessing of God will fall on a community who makes every effort to maintain unity.
Living a Life Worthy of the Calling
Ephesians 4:1 NIV
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Individual: A life worthy of the calling is a complete death to self and a resurrection of Christ in you, the hope of Glory.
Galatians 2:20-21 NIV
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Community: A life worthy of the calling is one that stays connected to a community
Unity in the Spirit
Ephesians 4:2-6 NIV
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Revival Falls on Unity
Psalm 133:1-3 ESV
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”
- The Lord commands His blessing upon people that are dwelling in unity
- Revival is a blessing from God, usually found in community, that leads to widespread transformation
One Spirit, Different Languages
Acts 2:1-4 NIV
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Unity is found in diversity, not conformity
A life worthy of the calling is living from the place of all that God has poured into me. No effort, striving or self reliance. Perfect grace.Perfect rest.
Well said, Joel.
God is the focus and the hero of our faith!