This is from my daily Greek exercise of sight reading a few weeks ago, courtesy of Vincent S Artale Jr.
Our text is Ephesians 2:4. Here’s my translation:
“ELABORATION 3 σπουδάζοντες τηρεῖν τὴν ἑνότητα τοῦ πνεύματος ἐν τῷ συνδέσμῳ
Being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bondage ofτῆς εἰρήνης”
peace
Here’s some observation:
- Unity of the Church is important. It is important enough for Paul to command the church at Ephesus to keep this.
- “Being diligent” is a Present participle and has the idea of continuously doing. Keeping the unity of the church cannot be a one time action.
- The source of this unity is the Spirit. Meditated upon this truth: The same Spirit who worked mightily in the Exodus narrative (see Isaiah 63:11-14) and in the early Church is the same Spirit who is able to work in your life and your church to bring about unity!
- The manner of peace is identified: “in the bondage of peace.” Why would anyone put themselves in any bondage, even the bondage of peace? It is because of God’s grace already given to us concerning peace, note the following in the book of Ephesians:
- At the start of the book Paul’s salutation is a call upon God to give the church peace! Note: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2)
- Christ’s work is to bring about peace! Note:
- “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” (Ephesians 2:14)
- “by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace” (Ephesians 2:15)
- “And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:17)
- The Gospel itself is a message define by peace with God! Note: “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15)
- At the end of the book Paul’s closing is a call upon God to give the church peace! Note: “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2).
Application:
- Do you see the importance of unity of the church?
- Are you actively working towards the unity of the church?
- Have you rely on the Spirit instead of merely yourself and others for the unity of the church?
- How do you rely on the Spirit? Have you prayed for the unity of the church?
- How do you rely on the Spirit? Have you been motivated to pursue peace and unity given the peace God has given you through the Gospel and also through union with Christ?
- How do you rely on the Spirit? If the source of the unity is the Spirit we should see how the fruit of the Spirit contribute to the Church’s unity. How are you bearing fruit of the Spirit? It is worth studying from Scripture the fruit of the Spirit in your own personal study to cultivate the fruit mentioned.
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MEANWHILE HAPPY EASTER !
I wish there was a love button! I enjoy these so much! Have a wonderful Easter and God Bless!
Wow thank you for that encouragement for me to know it is a blessing…which motivates me to make more of these kinds of devotionals! May you have a blessed weekend and Easter tommorow as well, God bless you and your loved ones!
I agree with you, this is an awesome devotional. Keep it up SlimJim!
Awesome devotional by the way
Thanks for this devotional. Because of our backgrounds and the things we have learned over the years, my wife and I often find we are not on the same page with the folks in our church small group regarding certain issues. In that setting, unity is more important than our getting on a soapbox so we overlook things that can be overlooked. But as more and more churches bend towards ecumenicity, it’s getting tougher and tougher for discerning believers. As just one example, maybe a year ago, a couple of ladies in the group were raving about “The Shack” movie. In that setting, I reasoned that voicing my objections would be more harmful than helpful, but it’s getting hard.
Biblical illiteracy has certainly hurt true unity rather than help it contrary to the superficial view of some. I personally feel that even when I disagree with a Christian who really love the Word it still foster unity rather than the lack of biblical knowledge, lack of Christian discernment, etc. I think the conversations on our blogs with brothers and sisters on here is an example right?
Yes, we can definitely promote unity by not focusing on the non-essential secondaries as we do here on WordPress.
SlimJim
Thank you for this labor of love for the Lord, for the church. Unity in love was the theme of the Lords real prayer in the passages surrounding John 17:21..
Tom this a thorny issue, how to practice this along side with church discipline and with boldly defending the faith. The balance between love and truth is rare to find in practice. Is conformity necessary for unity. Far to often It is the pastors way or the highway. They are looking for clones rather than converts.
You’re welcome. Good to hear from you T.I Miller. I think sadly you are right that sometimes some pastors want to make clones more than convert of Christ. On a pastoral end I also find sometimes such clones drone what their celebrity pastors say with little understanding. How we need to go to the Word for truth and true unity Amen? May you have a blessed Lord’s Day brother.
This is a little off subject but the other day I was talking with a friend. I mentioned that I truly believe the Lord got me into blogging because I am learning to walk in peace and fellowship with those who I know love the Lord but may have some different thoughts than mine. You and Wally are very good examples. We may not always see eye to eye but we do know that we are brothers in Christ.
Amen I do appreciate the fellowship with you brother. You make good points and I especially appreciate your comments and further observations with my posts on Bible contradictions
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The book of Ephesians is an amazing book. Love this devotional. The application points give much to ponder on. Thank you pastor Jim.
Thank you; where are you now in your study of Ephesians? Still praying for you
There is 11 sessions in chapter one. I am up to the 4th session.
Thank you for your prayers pastor Jim.
No street evangelism for me today. Praying I can catch the bus next week.
Blessings