1. Walk in Unity
A look at Eph 4:1-3

2. Introduction
The previous 3 chapters we have looked at doctrine dealing with our riches in Christ
The last 3 chapters will focus on our duty/ responsibilities in Christ
The key idea of the first three chapters is wealth
The key word for the remaining 3 chapters is walk
Walk in unity (Eph 4:1-16)
Walk in purity (Eph 4:17-5:17)
Walk in Harmony (Eph 5:18-6:9)
Walk in victory (Eph 6:10-24)
These 4 walks perfectly parallel the basic doctrines Paul has presented in the previous 3 chapters

3. Comparison between 1-3 & 4-6
Our Wealth (Chap 1-3)
Our Walk (Chap 4-6)
Called by grace to belong to His body (Chap 1)
Made alive after being dead in sin (Eph 2:1-10)
Reconciled by His blood (Eph 2:11-23)
Christ’s victory is available to all (Eph 3)
Walk worthy of the calling (Eph 4:1-16)
No longer walk in the path of death, walk in purity (Eph 4:17-5:17)
Walk together in harmony (Eph 5:18-6:9)
Walk in victory (Eph 6:10-24)

4. Attitudes That Maintain Unity (Eph 4:1-3)
With all lowliness (vs2)
Humble in attitude, behavior, or spirit, meek
Putting Christ first, others second, and ourselves last
Couple verses to consider
Rom 12:3 “3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
1 Pet 5:6 “6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,”

5. Attitudes That Maintain Unity (Eph 4:1-3)
With all Gentleness (Eph 4:2)
Can be translated mildness or meekness as well
This idea is not that of weakness but rather power under control
Moses was a meek man who exercised tremendous power (Num 12:3)
Jesus was “meek and lowly in heart” (Mt 11:29) yet still showed great power in driving the money changers out of the temple (Jn 2:15)
Couple verses on gentleness/meekness to consider
Mt 5:5 “5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.”
Jam 1:21 “21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
1 Pet 3:15 “15 But sanctify the Lord God[a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

6. Attitudes That Maintain Unity (Eph 4:1-3)
With longsuffering (Eph 4:2)
The ability to “Suffer long” or endure discomfort without fighting back
This includes the idea of patience and forbearance, and slow in avenging wrongs
Because the Church is filled with imperfect members, there will be issues between members and maintaining unity is not possible unless we learn to deal with one another’s imperfections
Couple verses to consider
Col 3:12-13 “12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
1 Tim 1:16 “16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
2 Tim 4:2 “2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

7. Attitudes That Maintain Unity (Eph 4:1-3)
Bearing with one another in love (Eph 4:2)
This is very similar to longsuffering
The only way bearing with others is possible is if we have love for them
Paul deals with this concept in 1 Cor 3:4-5 where he teaches “Love suffers long…is not provoked”
Couple more verses to consider
Jn 13:34-35 “34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Rom 12:10 “10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;”
1 Pet 3:8 “8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;”

8. Attitudes That Maintain Unity (Eph 4:1-3)
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit (Eph 4:3)
To do or exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive
Maintaining unity does not come naturally or easy and Paul is letting us know that it will require work or effort on everyone’s part
Couple verses to consider
Rom 16:17 “17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”
Phil 2:1-5 “2 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

9. Conclusion
Ask yourself, am I displaying the virtues Paul writes of today
Are there areas we have studied that I need to improve upon
Where can I find an example of what has been taught today
Acts 2:42-47 “42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”