May 3, 2020
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Framework for Identity

Ephesians 4:1-2
4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love

Our calling is:

1. High

Philippians 3:14
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

2. Holy

2 Timothy 1:8-9
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began

3. Heavenly

Hebrews 3:1-2
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.

“Five Stones of Unity”

1. Humility

2. Gentleness

3. Patience

1 Peter 2:21-23
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

4. Love

II. Fashioned for Unity

Ephesians 4:3
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

We are a church for one, but not of one

III. Forged for One

Ephesians 4:4-6
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Colossians 1:3-6
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth

Two concepts of Lordship—
1. Ownership
2. Authority

Galatians 3:27-28
As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Next Steps

• I choose to put my trust in Jesus for the first time.
• I commit to partner with this church family. I want to become a member.
• I will convey unity as I walk according to the Spirit’s call in my life.

Deep Dive

1. Read 2 Timothy 1:8-9. How has God called us to live and what impact does that make on our testimony to others?
2. If God has called me to walk according to His will, this implies His authority and guidance. Read Ephesians 5:1 and discuss the benefit of His example for how we should live.
3. If God has called us to walk together, what are factors that tend to fracture our unity? What can we do about that?

Springboard

1. If the family has a growth chart, take time to measure everyone. How does this timeline of growth tell a story of the family? Share some family memories as you reflect.
2. Individual growth impacts church growth. Read Ephesians 4:11-13 and discuss why maturing in Christ matters.
3. Read Colossians 1:28. How does a commitment to encourage and teach others about Jesus develop the people of God to better fulfill His mission?