Ephesians 4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I. Observe, in the first place, THERE IS MUCH SAID IN THE WORD OF GOD ON THIS VERY SUBJECT OF THE TRUE UNITY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD (John 17:20-23; Romans 14:19; Romans 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 3:1-3; Colossians 3:12-15). But there is an expression in the text, that I would not pass over: the apostle speaks of it us "the unity of the Spirit," because He secretly inclines heart to heart in the children of God. II. But, observe, secondly, SOME OF THOSE HIGH MOTIVES THAT WE HAVE. The world thinks that we are full of discrepancies; that our differences are unutterable, and that we have no real unity. But we say that in the midst of it all there is a solid, real, substantial, veritable unity. 1. It is the unity of a flock. Many folds; but one flock. 2. It is the unity of one body. There are many members in that body. 3. It is the unity of a temple. 4. The unity of a family. III. Observe we now, beloved, THE PRECEPT GIVEN TO US IN THE WORDS OF THE TEXT — "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." And here I would desire to give tender counsel, that in order to bear with infirmities and to avoid all needless separations, all causeless divisions, I must be effectually called and renewed by the Holy Ghost. Observe, further, that the words imply difficulty. "Endeavouring." It is a hard thing; it is easy when the love of Christ constrains, but in itself we find abundance of difficulty. How little can I understand my brother's position! How little can I see a secret principle of his spirit! How little can I comprehend the prejudice that works through him; that he has been brought up in from his infancy. Labour for it in all things possible. It is not the surrender of principle; it is not the sacrifice of truth; it is not the giving up of conscience. No, beloved; that is a sort of union the Spirit of God never would sanction. Do not attempt that which is actually impossible. We may "endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit" in a way that never can be attained. It is the unity of a flock; various are the grades in that flock. It is the unity of a temple; various are the stones in that temple. It is the unity of a body; various are the members of that body. It is the unity of a family; but all the family do not speak alike, all the family do not think alike. To attempt it, is to attempt that which is unattainable; and we forget that, although these things have their source in our sin and ignorance, yet the eternal God overrules them for good, and brings good, and educes good out of evil. (J. H. Evans, M. A.) 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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