The Centrality of the Love of Christ - Ephesians 4

Thank you for joining us as we continue digging into our Keeping it Real series on Ephesians.To dig deeper read,Eph. 3:16-19 and Eph. 4:1-16.Before taking a look at Ephesians chapter four, it is important to note that in chapter three Paul prays that we might “have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge”. This is a pinnacle statement in the letter and sets the stage for the next chapter. We are to spend our lives collectively focussing on all dimensions of the love of Christ. The power of God is made available to us to empower us to grasp or comprehend the multi-faceted, boundless love of Christ. In chapter four, where Paul unpacks what it means to live a life worthy of the calling we have received, we see that the love of Christ must be the centre of all we do and all we are. We are called to be completely humble and gentle, patient, and bear with one another in love. We are called to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” If we are called, then we are also empowered to do so. Paul’s statement that we are to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (v. 3) leads into a discussion regarding doctrinal unity within the church and how it is maintained (v. 4-6): He states that there is “one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” This revelation was given to those with the “proclamation” gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers - the “bringers” of revelation) and was disseminated throughout the body. Paul looked forward to a time when the body would be well equipped with the truth and would rise into maturity, no longer being “infants, tossed back and forth by the waves”, but equipped to speak the truth in love (v. 15). Paul ends this section of Ephesians chapter 4 by returning to centrality of the love of Christ in all things.REFLECTION QUESTIONS1. What does it mean for you to focus on the centrality of the love of Christ in your life today? 2. Take some time to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how he wants to work more of the love of Christ into your life. 3. We are told that the mature body of Christ will “speak the truth in love”, as a response to the “deceitful scheming” of “cunning and crafty” people. Take a moment to reflect on how you have been challenged to bring the Love of Christ into difficult situations. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into how you are uniquely empowered to "speak in love" into difficult situations.Thanks again for joining us. We pray you were blessed.Connect with us on:https://www.instagram.com/dayspringchurch/https://www.facebook.com/dayspringchurchwww.youtube.com/@DayspringChurchAUListen to Dayspring Worship https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCQM5_jWUv_VAOxpvK7D571Qhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/331972RySiV4WcoYTTJHeB?si=4b8N7CVQT2ysAeBiMGr1BAhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/dayspring-worship/1035339614