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Ephesians 4:1-3 – How To Tolerate One Another
Are we living the gospel story in our congregation? Let’s look at Ephesians 4:1-3
I. THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR GOAL
Therefore (the “therefore” goes back to the gospel story “in Christ” that we bless God for – chapters 1-3) I, the prisoner in the Lord, (Next Paul issues our challenge) urge you to live worthy of the calling you have received
II. INWARD TRAITS – HOW TO ACCOMPLISH OUR GOAL?
(How do we walk worthy?), (#1) with all humility and (#2) gentleness,
III. OUTWARD ACTIONS TOWARDS OTHERS – HOW TO ACCOMPLISH OUR GOAL
with (#1) patience, (#2) bearing with one another (#3) in love, (This leads to our purpose) making every effort
IV. OUR GOSPEL GOAL
to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Unity came through the cross – chapter 2).”
History shows with all the local church splits, with all the hurt feelings and animosity, that many have stressed their rights, plans, knowledge, or sinful desires more than they have stressed the “therefore” gospel story as their gospel story. Do we accept the challenge?
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