Experiencing True Unity in the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 4:1-6

When we put our faith in Jesus, we are mystically joined to the Body of Christ. We become one with Jesus, vertically, and we become united with other Christians, horizontally, in the Body of Christ. We do not create this unity, but we are called to preserve it. Our fallen nature opposes this but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can experience true unity in the Body of Christ.

The Unity of the Spirit

Scott Risley
Ephesians 4:1-6

In Chapters 1-3, Paul emphasizes the "Sit" phase of a Christian's life, where he learns to embrace all the things God has done for him. In Chapters 4-6, he talks about the "Walk" phase , where the Christian learns to "Walk" in a manner worthy of his calling. Based on all the wonderful things God has done for him, the Christian must walk in such a way that he demonstrates humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. A Christian that walks in this manner will preserve the unity of the Body of Christ that Christ provided for us.

Friendship at the Finish Line

Chris Hearty
2 Timothy 4:6-18

Paul writes to Timothy about those who have deserted him, but then moves on to praise God's faithfulness to him. He requests his friends to come to him and bring some of his belongings, and reflects on his walk with God. \r\n

The Joy and Pain of Close Relationships

James Rochford
2 Timothy 4:9-18

Near the end of his life, Paul reflects upon the joys and pains of close relationships. He recounts the pain of betrayal of former friends and the joy of faithful friends. Loving this present world instead of our future eternal home, is often what leads friends to desert their walk with the Lord and their friends in the Body. We are not destined to become one of these types of friends. We get to choose what sort of friend we will be.

Three Essential Elements of Christian Unity

Gary DeLashmutt
Philippians 1:27-2:2

Three essential elements of Christian unity are we have a common relationship with Jesus, a common source of truth, and a common mission. We are not united by a common membership in the same human organization but we have a common love relationship with Jesus through His Spirit who directs us into truth and His purpose for us.

Giving Away God's Love: Encourage One Another

Patrice McCormac
1 Thessalonians 5:14

A good definition of encouragement is words or actions, rooted in truth, designed to strengthen people to keep pursuing the things of God. Effective encouragement has both loving motivation and the wisdom to discern the needs of the moment of the other person accurately. To become a more effective encourager, prayerfully make it a goal when you get together with people to look for opportunities to listen well and give a timely word of encouragement.

The Difficulties of a Life Based on Self

Dennis McCallum
2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul warns Timothy that in the last days, that period from the resurrection of Jesus until He returns, people will turn away from loving God to loving themselves. This will result in a multitude of relational problems. God designed relationships to be other-serving, not self-serving. God gives us the ability to love others but we often misdirect our love toward ourselves.

Self-Love in the Last Days

Scott Risley
2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul warns Timothy that in the last days people will be lovers of self instead of lovers of God. Self-love is a bankrupt way of life. Remember these are the last days, although they are fierce and difficult, God is creating a safe harbor in the storm for those who know Him.

More Than Worth the Hardship Involved

Chris Hearty
2 Timothy 2:3-7

Paul writes to Timothy to persevere in suffering and reflects on three metaphors to illustrate this point. The first being a soldier trying to please his commanding officer, the next being an athlete that competes according to the rules, and the last being a hard-working farmer receiving a share of his crops. Paul urges us to call on God for insight into perseverance through suffering.