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Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway. I'm your host, pastor Harry Behrens, and in today's episode we're going to be transitioning into Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 1 to 3, living a practical life for Jesus. Before we dive in, I want to invite you to share any questions or feedback you may have by using the Text Us link in the episode description or by visiting our website at thetakeawayfaith. Your input is invaluable in shaping our future episodes, and we are committed to creating content that supports your spiritual growth, so please let us know your thoughts, as we would love to hear from you Now as we get started. In our last episode, we saw that Paul ended with a prayer for believers, giving thanks to God for their faith, and that they would understand what he was revealing to them the mystery of the church that had been hidden until now.

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Paul spent the first three chapters of this letter discussing the plan that God had put into action to reveal his glory in and through us, whom he had chosen from before the foundations of the world. God's desire for each of his adopted children is that we glorify him by living a spirit-filled life, fully submitted to his will. In doing so, we have access to his divine nature, so that we may be effective in our ministry. And now, as we transition into chapter 4, through the end of Paul's letter, we will discuss the practical aspects of this life God has planned for us. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness, but it is our responsibility to submit to his will by living a spirit-filled life that is pleasing to him. We must enact our faith and no longer live as we once did, as Paul described in chapter 2. So be ready to take action as we begin this new section of Practical Christian Living, as this is now your calling, as a believer in Christ, to no longer live for yourself but for Him, who redeemed you and set you free in Christ, that you may be a light into this world to reveal the glory of the Father through the power of Christ that lives in you. 2 Peter 1, 3-4. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him, who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that, through them, you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

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As we open up in verse 1 of chapter 4, paul uses the word therefore to connect his previous thought with this one. It's impossible to read these verses without that previous connection or you will lose the context in which they were written. Remember, paul ended his last thought with a prayer that believers would connect God's plan to the practical aspect of living a life glorifying him. Now, as we look at Ephesians 4.1, I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk ina manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. As we discussed in our previous episodes, paul was in prison when he wrote this epistle, which connects to the statement. A prisoner of the Lord, paul realized that he wasn't in prison because he wrote this epistle, which connects to the statement. A prisoner of the Lord, paul realized that he wasn't in prison because of man. He was there because that's where the Lord willed him to be for the furtherance of the gospel. I discussed this in greater detail in our last episode.

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Now notice Paul said he urges, as in begs, or pleads with us to walk. As he walks, he is trying his best to express what he has received from the Lord and how great it is, desiring with all his heart that others would join him in this endeavor. He knows all too well what they are missing out on and wants nothing more than for them to experience that same joy. Have you ever experienced something so wonderful that you urge those you love to do the same? Maybe it was a vacation you went on, a meal you had or some form of entertainment. We do it all the time. Why? Because we want to share the experience with those we love. We do everything in our power to convince them so we have a shared joy we can talk about and reminisce, to retain it for an extended period of time. Are you seeing the picture? Yet? That's what Paul was doing here, and we should as well, but all too often we don't, because many of us never get to a place where the joy of the Lord is so overwhelming that we can't help but share the good news. Think about that for a minute. Do you think you are to share the good news of Jesus out of obligation? That's not what Scripture teaches, as we see here, which is that we are to share out of the overflow or abundance of the heart. Luke 6.45 A good man, out of the good treasures of his heart brings forth good and an evil man. Out of the evil treasure of his heart, brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the Lord in us.

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First, if we are to share the gospel effectively, think back to those experiences again that you shared because of the joy you had. How effective were you at getting people to do them? My guess is that you had a high conversion rate. Why? It wasn't the details of your experience that convinced them. Your passion, joy and excitement did. They wanted to have what you had, that joy that they knew they didn't have. Why do you think things go viral on the internet? It's not because of how great the products are. It's because we can express our excitement for those things effectively, and that's ultimately what people purchase, more than the product.

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The heart of people wants so badly to have that joy and they are grasping at anything that might offer that. It's that God-sized hole in their heart and they don't know what to place there, so they try anything that seems to work. That's why people get addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex and whatever else. The sad thing about this isn't that people get addicted to all the wrong things. It's that the church doesn't have this joy either. If we did, we would be telling everyone about Jesus in such a way that they would feel like they were missing out. The opposite is true, though. When the world sees us, they pity us instead and think that we have a joyless religion. That should make you tear up.

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Jesus is offering us the fullness of joy that satisfies us continually, and most Christians have no clue what that is or how to obtain it. When you read Paul's letters, you could tell he had it and wanted nothing more than for all believers to have that passion as well. That is exactly what I, too, am trying to do. I have that joy, and I want so badly for those I interact with to have it also. It drives me to share Christ with everyone I can do it with. It's not an obligation for me. It's a joy and a great way to be fully satisfied in God. That's why I do this podcast, write books, preach on Sundays and disciple anyone willing to learn. I can't pour myself out enough, because the more I do, the more I have gained a brother and sister in Christ that I can share this joy with, making it much more incredible. Philippians 1, 3-5. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy because of your partnership in the gospel, from the first day until now.

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So now the question is how do you get there? How do you get this tremendous and incredible joy that Jesus is offering all of us? First ask yourself do you want it? If so, are you willing to do anything to get it? It's not something you can buy. It requires you to give up your life in faith. That's a big ask, but the reward is greater than the sacrifice. Why do you think so many people have been able to die for the gospel? I promise you they are not doing it out of obligation. They are doing it because they have received a joy that surpasses the understanding of this world, and they will do whatever they have to to maintain that joy, even if it costs them their lives. That's the ask Now.

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Are you ready and willing to take that journey, because that's where we're going to be going in these last few chapters? If you're not, then you're wasting your time going any further than this. All the knowledge of God's plan is worthless if that's all you're after. Everything moving forward is a call to action on your part. That's why Paul urges us. He knows how easy it would be for us to stop here and never move forward, but this is the point at which you take the step and enter into the joy of the Lord.

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Could you imagine paying for a cruise, getting on a plane to fly to the port, carrying your luggage to the gate and saying I think I've come far enough? How ridiculous would that be. You have accomplished the most challenging part and stopped short of entering the experience you paid and signed up for. I've been on many vacations and I can tell you no one does that. The opposite is true. If something gets in their way, like a flight delay or bad weather, we see the worst of people come out as they will do whatever they have to to get what they've paid for. They want what they want and they will kick and scream until they get it or have exhausted themselves trying to. I can't say I have ever met a Christian who wanted Jesus that bad and the joy that he offers. But I want to be that person and I want to ask you to join me on that journey, to experience this joy together. We will then have an eternity to share this experience with each other and those in the kingdom, so that our heavenly Father is glorified Now.

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Paul also stated this in Romans 12, 1-2. I appeal, which is the same word for urge. I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. And in Philippians 1, 27 to 30, he said only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God, for it has been granted to you that, for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in him, but also, here it is, you should also suffer for his sake. Engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. Our beliefs should manifest in a manner worthy of the one who called us, even if it leads to suffering, which we should embrace.

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This can be challenging for Christians, as they may struggle to reconcile the joy we are supposed to have with the suffering we will experience. Let me put it this way the love of a parent for the child is immeasurable. It surpasses all boundaries and is a source of infinite joy. A loving parent would willingly sacrifice their own life for their child because of the immense joy they received from them. This selfless love compels them to endure suffering and even death. Now, likewise, believers are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the faith in Christ because of the unparalleled joy they find in Jesus. It is this joy that binds us together on our journey I'm moving on to Ephesians 4, 2-3.

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With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The word humility is not found in the original Greek or Latin and was coined by Christians Lowliness is another word used or poor in the spirit Philippians 2.3. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. The first beatitude in Matthew 5.3 is blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Now, are you characterized by humility, or do we seek out the flaws in others?

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True humility involves looking inward before criticizing others. It's important for us to assess our own faults before addressing the issue we have with them. Matthew 7, 1-5, judge, not that you be not judged, for with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother let me take the speck out of your eye. When there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite. First take the log out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

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Now, the qualities of gentleness and patience are closely connected to humility, as they are the outward manifestations of it. Bearing with one another is a natural outcome of practicing these virtues. Do we treat each other with kindness and respect, or are we constantly focusing on the negatives and complaining? If you find yourself doing the latter. Maybe it's time to swallow your pride and seek forgiveness from those you may have wronged. This act of humility allows you to realign yourself as a believer. As Jesus once said, you will be forgiven as you forgive others. And it all begins with us humbling ourselves and seeking forgiveness. Matthew 6, 14 to 15,. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. First, peter 4.8 says Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Verse 3 says 1 Corinthians 12.4-11.

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The unity of the Spirit implies that we should eagerly uphold the unity created by God in the church through His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12, 4-11. Now, there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good, for to one is given, through the spirit, the utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge. According to the same spirit To another. Faith by the same spirit To another. Gifts of healing by the one spirit To another, the working of miracles To another, prophecy To another, the ability to distinguish between spirits To another, the working of miracles to another, prophecy to another, the ability to distinguish between spirits to another, various kinds of tongues and to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who appoints to each one individually as he wills. The gifts and diversity presented within the church are meant to be used to maintain unity within the body of Christ.

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It is important to remember that our gifts serve the purpose of keeping the church united before reaching out to this lost world. If the church is divided, its ability to effectively reach out to the world will be compromised. It is not enough to simply share the gospel. The way the world perceives the church is crucial. If the church is perceived as sad, pathetic, complaining, sick, hypocritical, sarcastic and divided, our message will be dismissed as untruthful. On the other hand, a church that is united in love, forgiveness, correction, patience and steadfastness will serve as a living testimony to the truth of the message it proclaims. John 13, 34-35. A new commandment I give to you that you love one another just as I have loved you. You also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.

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In order to have a thriving and impactful ministry that reaches a world in need, it is vital that we are part of a community characterized by unity. This is God's intended design for us. The Christian life is not about going solo. Rather, it is about coming together in fellowship. Jesus teaches us that it is through this unity that we bring glory to our Father. Within the church, our role is to support, encourage and uplift one another so that we may effectively spread the message of the gospel. As we do this, it leads to a sense of worship and praise within the church that not only glorifies God but also brings joy to us.

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So please take time today to reflect on finding a church that embodies this unity and teaches the Bible. If you aren't currently in one, it's important to find a community that aligns with God's word so that you can mature in the faith. If you can't find one, consider starting a small group with friends and family to pray for and encourage one another. Building genuine relationships takes time and effort, but it's worth it. Keep praying and seeking and you will find the right place. If you need help, feel free to reach out to us, as we would love to pray for and help you on your journey.

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Let's pray, father. Thank you so much for your word today. Thank you for the gifting of the Holy Spirit. I thank you for the teachers and the leaders that you've given us. I thank you for the plan that you have laid before us and that you've made it clear that your desire is for all the children that you have called to yourself to love one another, to care for one another, to be united in Christ together. God, you did not call us to run this race alone. You've called us to lift each other up, to strengthen each other, to pray for one another, to use the gifts that you've given to us for one another. God, I pray this for our listeners today God that you will help them find a place that embodies these traits, that they can use their gifts to love and to support and to care for other believers in Christ. God, that your son, jesus would be exalted, that he would be glorified, that he would be praised and that he would be preached into this lost world and that we would see lost souls saved because of it. Father, we love you so much and we thank you for the plan that you have revealed to us, that you've made us a part of it, and we ask, father, that you help us to bear much fruit, that you are glorified. We love you and we thank you in Jesus' name, amen. Now I want to thank you for joining us today and I hope this message helped you take a step closer in your relationship with Jesus and that you have a better understanding of just how much God loves you and wants you to know Him.

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In our upcoming episode, we will dive further into the concept of unity in verses 4-8. Paul discusses the various gifts and emphasizes their essential role in nurturing the church. Each individual has a unique and important part to play in fostering the health and prosperity of their church fellowship. If we aspire to witness to the loss and prepare the church for its divine mission, it is imperative that we utilize the gifts bestowed upon us as faithful servants of the Lord. Failing to do so not only grieves God, but also may lead others astray. When we shirk our responsibilities and allow others to take on our intended tasks, we unnecessarily burden the body of Christ and compromise the testimony we are meant to uphold.

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Paul's objective in the remainder of this letter is to fully equip you for the ministry to which God has called you by utilizing the gifts he has bestowed upon you. Now, before we go, I want to encourage you to visit us at thetakeawayfaith. On our website, you can sign up to receive email notifications or send us a text message from the link provided in the description of this episode. We hope that you would use this podcast as a resource to help others and that you would send us a message, a word of encouragement or any questions or comments, as we would love to hear from you. God bless, and we'll see you next time on the Takeaway.