STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT

Philippians 1:27

The true and actual understanding of this “unity in the Spirit” in fact the very essence or core consists in living according to Eph.4:1-3.

¹I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ²with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, ³endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. NKJV

¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. NIV

1- The KJV says…” I beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called.”

The word vocation comes from the Greek word klay'-sis - an invitation (figuratively):—calling.

We are called Christians; we have been invited to accept Christ, to align ourselves and wear His name - we must react to that name, and live like Christians. We are called to God’s kingdom and glory; that kingdom and glory therefore we must mind, and walk as becomes the heirs of them.

2- Unity in the Spirit is not and cannot be made by any human.

It is present and exists for each believer - those who have grasped the truth and received Jesus Christ.

This unity is kept as we endeavor to do as Eph.4:1 says.

This unity cannot happen thru our own or anyone’s efforts or even organization.

3- Ephesians 4:2 says, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Matthew Henry wrote,

By lowliness, we are to understand humility, entertaining mean thoughts of ourselves, which is opposed to pride.

By meekness, that excellent disposition of soul, which makes men unwilling to provoke others and not easily to be provoked or offended with their shortcomings and faults and it is opposed to angry resentments and peevishness.

Long-suffering implies a patient bearing of injuries, without seeking revenge.

Forbearing one another in love {forgiving} signifies bearing with their shortcomings and faults out of a principle of love, and so as not to cease to love them on the account of these. The best Christians need to bear one with another, and to make the best one of another, to provoke one another’s graces and not their passions.

In fact, Paul goes on to say in verses 30-32 not to grieve the Holy Spirit … if we are to be in unity then those things listed in verse 31, actually have no part in our lives as Christians. But we will do what verse 32 says.

4- We are to stand firm together – In one mind, one spirit, and one purpose.

That mind is the mind of Christ.

That spirit is His spirit.

That purpose is His purpose.

If we expect to be Christ’s disciples then we will do our very best to follow in His steps –

He was and is, humble – meek – long-suffering – forbearing – and forgiving.

We must remember – Spiritual unity is preserved and maintained by being completely loyal to the truth and by walking in the Spirit.