A Very Important Exhortation:
Believers Are to Endeavor to Keep
the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace
Ephesians 4:1-6

Lesson 11

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. Believers should keep the unity of the Spirit in peace.
   1. An appeal for Christian unity
   2. The basis for Christian unity

practical application

Remember, unity is not uniformity.

questions

1. The word “walk” is used seven times in Ephesians. What does walk mean in this context?
2. As believers, are we exhorted to keep the unity of the body? Are we exhorted to keep the unity of the Spirit?
3. How can believers keep the unity of the Spirit?
4. List the four graces of Ephesians 4:2.
5. What is the seven-fold oneness in the unity of the body of Christ?
6. Which Persons of the Trinity are mentioned in Ephesians 4:4-6?

answers

1. Walk has to do with our conduct or way of life, which should be godly in view of our calling.
2. We are not exhorted to keep the unity of the body, because we are already brought into the body of Christ by the Lord Himself. We are, however, exhorted to keep the unity of the Spirit.
3. With all lowliness in humility and gentleness. That is the quality that comes from a mind and spirit kept under control.
4. Lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, and love.
5. One body, one Spirit, one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father.
6. God the Father (4:6), the Son (4:5) and the Holy Spirit (4:4)

discuss / consider

1. Review Ephesians 4:4-6 as three concentric circles or spheres. List these spheres and discuss how all three are needed for Christian unity. How do these spheres impact your life?
2. Review the four graces of Ephesians 4:2. Are you practicing these graces daily in your life?

challenge

Unity is not uniformity. Do you recognize the oneness of the body? How do you deal with differences? Take, for example, the area of Christian music.

memorize

• “Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2
• “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6