Ephesians 4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Let us here inquire — I. INTO THE STATE AND CHARACTER OF THOSE TO WHOM THE ADVICE OF THE TEXT IS GIVEN. The persons to whom the advice is given are all members of one body; they are members of Christ and of one another. All inhabited by one Spirit. Called in one hope of their calling. The property, the subjects, the servants of one Lord. Professing and possessing one faith. This God is "above" them "all," superintending and governing them, although infinitely exalted: through them "all," and they live and move and exist in Him; and "in them all," for they are "an habitation of God through the Spirit." II. WHAT THIS ADVICE IMPLIES. 1. The "unity of the Spirit," of which the apostle speaks, it should be observed, is an internal unity, an unity between the spirits of men. It may subsist, therefore, between persons of different nations, educations, conditions, etc. 2. It is an unity of affection — mutual love, viz., desire of, and delight in, each other — mutual sympathy. 3. It is an unity of intention; one and all must have the same end in view, the glory of God in our own salvation, and the salvation of others. 4. It is an unity of resolution to prosecute that end. 5. It is an unity of operation (1 Corinthians 3:9), their work in the field. III. THE REASONABLENESS OF THIS ADVICE. Inhabited as they are by one Spirit, which can no more set them at variance with each other, than the soul which resides in the human body can set the members of it against each other. Called from similar misery to a similar state of safety and happiness, in the same way and manner: having one object of hope, and one hope, is it not reasonable they should be united? (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.WEB: being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. |
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