09-01-2019 – Living as Christians

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:2 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | Here is the outline to help you follow along, but full notes are a click below.

9.01.19 ~ Ephesians 4:2, Living as Christians!

Read Ephesians 4:2… To be “completely humble” means, to live in a manner that expresses humility; whereas, the world exalts pride (see 2Timothy 3:1-5).
Christ is the standard by which everyone is judged.
2Corinthians 5:19, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.”
See Colossians 1:15-20; 2:8-10… See John 1:1-4, 14…
See 1John 1:5-7…
True humility forces us to see ourselves as sinners, leading us to repent and be saved.
See 1John 1:8-10…
We are to walk in subordination to God’s holiness.
See 1John 2:3-6…
Godly humility will produce gentleness, as we submit
our heart, soul, mind and strength to the Lord’s honor.
Scripture describes gentleness as power under control, meaning that we willfully place ourselves under God’s authority, in order to live and act in a way that pleases Him, and in fact exemplifies Him.
Colossians 3:12, “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Galatians 5:22, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
If we are (Ephesians 4:2), “completely humble and gentle,” we will relate to one another “with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.”
The Greek word for patience here means “long- tempered,” long periods of struggle and tribulation can cause us to grow and mature in Christian character.
Here are a few examples:
Noah, was a preacher of righteousness, who, while building a large boat for 75-80 years, warned people to repent, or be killed in the coming flood. No one believed him, only Noah’s family was saved.
Abraham was promised numerous offspring, through whom everyone would be blessed; 25 years later his son Isaac was born; his son (Jacob) became the father of of Israel’s 12 tribes; one of which the tribe of Judah, God’s Son, came to bless everyone who believes in Him.
Paul learned humility, gentleness and patience through some very hard times (see 2Corinthians 11:24-27). He learned to trust in Christ (Philippians 4:12-13, 19).
Another distinctive of those who belong to Christ (Ephesians 4:2), is that, along with displaying humility, gentleness, and patience, we are to “bear with one another in love.”
This isn’t simply putting up with one another’s shortcomings or carrying one another’s burdens; but instead it is relating to one another out of love [agape].
True Christian character brings glory and honor to God, by expressing God’s love to those around us, as if we are serving the Lord Himself.
Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” 23-24, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”