FOCUS TEXT: Ephesians 2:11-22, 4:1-6

Sunday was the 5th week in our “We Are Family” series. Our focus was on oneness and unity in the Family of God. Let’s review:

• From Ephesians 2:13-16 we learn that the death of Jesus put human division to death and makes way for a diverse people to be one in Him.

• From verse 17 we discover that the proclamation of the Gospel opens the way for peace to be realized within our world. When the Gospel is proclaimed, and people come to faith in Jesus, and they join the Church—everything needed for peace is in place.

• Then verse 18 teaches us that oneness among the Family of God is accomplished by the the Spirit, through the Son, in relationship with God the Father.

And this is where we must focus in for a moment. Relationship with the Father is key to the Family of God realizing true oneness and unity. How? The Father’s love for us heals the brokenness in us that causes human division. As we walk close with our true Father and experience more and more of His perfect love our insecurities, wounds, and brokenness are obliterated. The Father’s love for us transforms our identity, value, and worth and we begin to see ourselves the way our Father sees us. This leads us to walk in our new identity rather than the failures of our past. And the Father’s love leads us away from what feels natural and causes us to seek the supernatural leadership and power of the Holy Spirit.

All of this is not accomplished overnight but in time the transformation is dramatic and beautiful. The more God’s love transforms our hearts and minds, the more we are able to give His perfect love to others. People transformed by God’s love give God’s grace and love to others which leads to increased oneness and unity.

Ephesians 4:4-5 say: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Our true Father is over all, through all, and in all working in us by the Spirit to make us ONE.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

• What might it look like for you to grow in your understanding of the Father’s love for you?

• What might it look like for you to walk and rest in the Father’s love?

• What might the Father transform in you if you were to submit to His loving care

• What does your relationships with others say about your intimacy with the Father?

PRAYER RESPONSE

Take time to be still before the Lord. Ask God to remind you of scriptures that demonstrate or speak to His love, grace, and care for you. Thank God for His great love for you.

MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 4:4-5