Ephesus

Ephesus was full of wizards, sorcerers, witches, astrologers, diviners of the entrails of animals and people who could read one’s fortune by the palm of the hand. And yet, after the preaching ofPaul, the magicians publicly burned their books, “so the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (Acts 19:19–20). (Slide 1)

It’s interesting that in Ephesians right before Paul talks about thegreat mystery of man and wife becoming one, he exhorts the people to imitate God. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph. 5:1 ESV). (Slide 7)

1. To do so can bring sacrifice asone gives up their own personal rights for the benefit of others.  Who would know better than Paul who is suffering imprisonment simply because he thought of the needs of others before his own?  WhenPaul brought his work under the control of the Holy Spirit, the LORD was able to develop in him. When the members of a church do not recognize this calling to spiritual integrity, growth, andapplication of gifts, both the members and the church suffers.
2. This is real work.  These four fruit are not the natural attitude of the flesh, and to maintain them takes constant vigilance and effort. Note that Paul states that we are being consistent in making every effort to maintain unity and peace in the fellowship.  We are mistaken when we think that matters of polity and personal opinion aremore important than unity and peace in the body. 
3.  Paul states in 1 Cor. 9:15 that there are no words to express the value of this gift.  Consequently, every believer has received immeasurablegrace.  This grace, the unmerited favor, which we have received from God, is given to us at a level that is equivalent in measure to Christ Himself. Since we fall short of God's glory, without Hisgrace we could never obtain His approval. We can see that, if we apply the same grace to others who do not deserve it, we will find opportunities to encourage and minister in a way that can make a...