Spirit Life Church-MN

I Am Called
Ephesians 4:1 (NASB) Therefore I, [Paul] the prisoner of the Lord, implore you [beg, plead, to call to] to walk [tread all around - as proof of ability, to regulate one’s life] in a manner worthy [worthily, of weight, of worth] of the calling with which you have been called [to call in a loud voice, to invite, to name by name].
1. You Are Called To Kingdom Living!
Kingdom living doesn’t make you better than other people. It Makes You Better Than Yourself!
Ephesians 4:2 (NASB)  ...with all humility [lowliness of mind] and gentleness [not occupied with self, considering others first], with patience [endurance, steadfastness, long-suffering], showing tolerance [putting up with] for one another in love [especially toward those who may try your patience]. [This is now possible because of Christ & His indwelling Spirit]
2. You Are Called To Kingdom Unity!
Ephesians 4:3 (NASB) Be diligent [make hast, effort, labour, study] to preserve [watch over, guard from loss or injury] the unity [oneness, of undivided opinion] of the Spirit in the bond [binding, a joint tie - ligament] of peace.
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NASB) There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
3. You Are Called To Grow God’s Kingdom!
Ephesians 4:7,11-16 (NASB) But to each one of us grace was given [gifts, abilities, divine enablements] according to the measure of Christ's gift.
11 He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints [to get ready, prepare, complete, make perfect] for the work of service [ministry, mission], to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain [arrive] to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working [measure, operation, efficiency] of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
 
4. You Are Called To Show God’s Kingdom!
Ephesians 4:17-32 (NLT) With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles [unbelievers] do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn't what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don't use foul or abusive language [hateful words]. Let everything you say be good and helpful [as beautiful gifts], so that your words will be an encouragement [empowerment] to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live

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