Ephesians 4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 1. Christians should strive for unity in faith and opinion. Lowliness of mind and patience will conduce to this; as pride, self-love, and impatience make men easily dissent in affection and opinion. Satan is constantly trying to stir up strife in the Church. 2. Means to be taken for the attainment of unity. (1) Abandon a striving spirit. (2) Renounce vainglory. (3) Esteem others better than self. 3. It is not enough for us to entertain peace; we must give diligent endeavour to compass and maintain it. (1) Because the wisdom from above is peaceable. (2) A contentious nature is bred within us, and must be rooted out. (3) The devil is always ready to sow discord. (4) Unity is a comely thing, and a credit to religion. (5) God takes to Himself the title of "the God of peace" (Romans 15:33; 1 Corinthians 13:11). 4. A peaceable disposition is an excellent means of concord. (Paul Bayne.) 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. |
    |