Preschool
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
Walk in Unity
Memory Verses
Primary
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
Junior
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
Background Scripture: Ephesians 4
Lesson Scripture: Ephesians 4:1–16
Introduction
The dictionary defines unity as “the quality or state of not being multiple: oneness.” Unity blends different identities together under a common or universal standard. In Amos 3:3 the question is asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
God has given people the power to make choices and come to proper conclusions. The way we look at things is influenced by our personality, our past experiences, and our present circumstances. God invites all people, regardless of background or nationality, to be members in his kingdom. With all these many differences, the individuals in the body of Christ come into agreement by the love of God. God’s love in a humble heart is the unifying force that makes the believers one in heart. As we study this lesson, may we find a greater appreciation for the gifts and grace God has given to each one for the edification of the church.
Key Verse
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1).
Lesson Scripture
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are 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.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Studying the Lesson
Ephesus was a major city in Asia, located on the banks of the Aegean Sea. It was a major seaport because of its commerce, tourism, and worship. Many people came, bringing their beliefs and religions. New and old forms of worship could be found in Ephesus, including a synagogue of the Jews. The temple for the worship of the goddess Diana was there as well. Tourists bought replicas of the image of Diana as souvenirs, which brought much gain to silversmiths such as Demetrius.
Paul, with Aquila and Priscilla, made a stop at Ephesus on his second missionary journey. When he found the synagogue of the Jews, he stayed a short time with them, reasoning that Jesus was the Christ. He left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus, promising to return. In his absence Apollos came and taught them the Scriptures concerning Christ, baptizing them with John’s baptism of repentance. When Paul returned, he found a small group of twelve believers, and when he baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus, they received the Holy Spirit. This was the beginning of the church in Ephesus, a mix of Jews and gentiles.
This church grew and prospered. After some time, Paul wrote the epistle to the Ephesians for their encouragement, which letter we have for our instruction today. In the previous lesson, Paul reminded the Ephesians of the sins and error God had delivered them from, how they had been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and how both Jews and gentiles had been brought together into one body of believers.
The theme of Ephesians is unity: a common experience of faith, belief, doctrine, and practice. Chapter 4 begins with a declaration and an invitation. We too, with the sacred writer, might say, “Because I am a love-slave of Christ, I invite you to join me in the call to keep the unity of the Spirit by meekness, love, and lowliness.” With a united vision of God, we are comforted and guided by his Spirit and carry the same anticipations of coming glory. We have a single mind to be of service to God, bound together in the bond of peace.
God, in his wonderful design, has given to the united body of believers the gifts needed to make a functioning and prosperous fellowship. Just as the church of Ephesus began with both Jews and gentiles, so the church today is made up of people from all walks of life. People of different backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities come together to make up the body of Christ. This brings a need to blend in one body so there can be peaceful fellowship. God’s love is the unifying force that binds our hearts together.
In this letter the Ephesians are exhorted to unity. In Revelation, the letter to the church at Ephesus reveals to them a spiritual need. The Spirit commends them for their works, labor, and patience and how they have proven those things that are untrue. They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, who followed a form of worship mixed with gross immoral practices. There was, however, one thing amiss: they had left their first love. They would need to repent or they would lose their salvation. To fully appreciate and experience unity, God must have the first place in our hearts. If the bond of peace becomes frayed, and unity between brethren is lacking, the renewal of first love to God is the answer.
Practical Truths for Today
Second Timothy 3 contains prophecies regarding the last times. These will be perilous times; men will be lovers of their own selves, false accusers who despise those that are good. Peter, in his second epistle, also describes the condition of the kingdom of the world in the last days. Men will walk after their flesh, despise governments, be self-willed, and speak evil of authorities. As God brought the first world into judgement, so will He judge the world we live in now. However, there is another kingdom—the kingdom of peace. God calls all men to leave the old life and live where love, peace, and unity reign.
The lesson scripture begins with an entreaty to walk worthy of the kingdom into which we have been called. In this beautiful kingdom God provides for every need. He is the Head of all things and has called all members into one faith and one purpose. God supplies the gifts needed for the work of his kingdom. All members’ gifts are needed for the kingdom to prosper, and God requires us to faithfully work in our gifts, whether we have one, three, or five. We may be disheartened because our gift seems small, but we need to remember that God will bless our obedience, and our gift is not given to us to bring honor to ourselves.
The functions of our church society offer many opportunities to sanctify our spirits. As we work together in church functions, on committees, or in leadership positions, we will not always agree. But as each one brings his thoughts with humility, we come to united direction by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In the first early church conference, Christians met to discuss the keeping of the Jewish law, especially for the newly converted gentiles. After much discussion they came to an agreement and said, “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us” (Acts 15:28).
The united, undivided church is an attractive expression of God’s love and harmony. God is the Head, Jesus is the Savior, and the Holy Ghost gives direction and interprets the will of God. We have an adversary, however, who wants to destroy everything good. Satan will tempt us to exalt ourselves, bringing dissension and threatening our unity. May we be one another’s keeper and humbly work together in harmony for the salvation of souls and the prosperity of the kingdom.
Questions
- Is it a healthy union if we always agree?
- An adage states, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” When this is the case, are we united?
- Where do we find grace to yield our will in a disagreement between brethren without retaining feelings of resentment?
- When there is disunity, is it ever permissible to look at others?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).