The church is one: ‘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’ (vv.4–6). The Holy Spirit unites the church (v.16). Unity is not simply the work of the Holy Spirit but the very instrument through which the Holy Spirit works. What are the characteristics of a healthy church? Paul tells us how the church can grow up ‘healthy in God’ (v.16, MSG). 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 8 This is why it says:ĩ (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.ġ4 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.ħ But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 2 Be completely humble and gentle be patient, bearing with one another in love. Being careful about what you look at is one of the ways to guard against promiscuity and immorality (vv.27–28).Ĥ As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ‘My child, give me your heart’ (v.26a) – this is where everything starts. The Spirit of wisdom gives you a hunger for truth and knowledge. buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight’ (vv.23, MSG). Wise children should make their parents proud of them (vv.24–25, MSG).Īn inquisitive mind is the mark of the Spirit of wisdom: ‘Buy truth. Respect for parents is the mark of wisdom. ![]() ‘ Listen with respect to the father who raised you, and when your mother grows old, don’t neglect her’ (v.22, MSG). We are to be neither ‘drunks’ nor ‘gluttons’ (v.21, MSG). ‘Don’t drink too much wine and get drunk don’t eat too much food’ (Proverbs 23:20, MSG). ![]() Living according to the Spirit of wisdom and understanding means taking care over: ![]() What does a wise lifestyle look like? How do you ‘become wise’ and point your life ‘in the right direction’ (v.19, MSG)? The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2, Ephesians 1:17). ![]() May she who gave you birth be joyful! Saying 18Ģ7 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,Īnd multiplies the unfaithful among men. Saying 17Ģ2 Listen to your father, who gave you life,Īnd do not despise your mother when she is old.Ģ4 The father of a righteous child has great joy Ī man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. 20 Do not join those who drink too much wineĢ1 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,Īnd drowsiness clothes them in rags.
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