The Health of the Body in the Health of the Members

1. The body formed by the call of God v15.
   The effectual call of the Spirit and the expression of oneness in Christ through fellowship of the members.

2. The members are called to peace v15.
   Peace and contentment in Christ to be sought and cultivated - the effect of which makes us watchful against all malicious thoughts and disturbances which threaten the peace and unity of the body.

3. The members are thankful v15b.
   Peace and contentment beget thankfulness to God. We need a greater sense of our undeservedness to foster an esteem of the mercies in Christ already received.

4. The members are joined by love v14.
   Love among brethren promotes holiness. Love is to be sacrificial not just freedom from strife and contention. Love proceeds from truth rightly understood and is not in opposition to it.

Summary:

• learn to distinguish between godly contending and proud-fuelled wrangling.
• seek a godly contentment in Christ.