Kingdom Conduct
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Text: Ephesians 4:1-3
Church - the called out ones - OHC: a great church. Why? God’s Spirit! Unity, reality - Why? In the world is disunity, division. Here at OHC is home! The evidence of Kingdom Conduct! Thesis: God’s people are called to live with the conduct becoming the kingdom! How do we answer the call?
1) Live Humble
Not natural! Christ first, others second, self last!
A) “Blessed are the poor in spirit..” Always remember your salvation!
B) Look out for pride - Prov. 13:10 - “Only by pride cometh contention”
C) Learn how to boast - Jeremiah 9:24 - experience the blessing - Proverbs 22:4 - “Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.”
2) Live Gentle
Door at SMS - Power under control - Intentional in how you push!
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1
Pig Pen Christians - the air around them is harsh! For God so Judged the world!!
Blessed are the meek - the bottom line is you are kind! The kind are approachable!
What would you prefer? A warm breeze or cold wind? Be intentional in how you push!
3) Live Patient
“I have no patience with ____” -- My life verse: Galatians 6:9
A) Longsuffering - able to endure even terrible people! New people
B) How was Jesus long suffering? The Pharisees, yet Nicodemus came - The Cross - You came
Stanley and Livingstone - Stanley wrote in his journal, "When I saw that unwearied patience, that unflagging zeal, and those enlightened sons of Africa, I became a Christian at his side, though he never spoke to me one word." All for Christ’s sake
4) Live Everlasting In love
Bearing - Put up with! Someone’s going to rub you wrong - What do you do? Leave? Complain? Avoid? Gossip? Love! Take a beating and keep on loving!
Agape love is given continuously and unconditionally:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” - 1 Cor. 13:4
5) Live for Peace
When the rope starts unraveling? We are on a quest for peace because it keeps the Unity of the Spirit! Threads of peace. Protagonist – antagonist - “Blessed are the peacemakers…”
Conclusion
OHC: A truly wonderful body that is becoming of Christ! We will see God do great things here. Will we continue to have the conduct becoming a child of the Kingdom?