 |
| Return to Library>>>>>>> |
|
| Return to Library>>>>>>> |
 |
|
|
|
Unity in the Body
Ephesians 4:1-16
Today we are going to deal with unoity in the Body of Christ. Too often, because of disunity, the church (wich is the body) is weak, frail, and dysfunctional. Too often the body tries to tell the head (Christ) what to do in stead of letting the head tell the body. Because of pride the church doesn't want to admit it. Jesus, in John 17, prayed that the church would act as one unit, in harmony.
A typical military strategy is one body, one mind, one spirit, one action. The strongest churches I have ever seen are the ones that function as one body. Those that are the weakest show patterns of rebellion, selfishness, and wanton disrespect for leadership. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!!
In chapter 4 Paul lays out the pattern for a healthy and unified body. Blindly following a leader is unhealthy. The leader needs to set the vision and the plan as he sees it unfolding. Those following need to be in agreement with that vision. If we aren't the we need to get in agreement, or find out where our place is. If we don't then we could be the cause for hindering the movement of that body. We could even be guilty of sabotaging the vision. Each of us has his place in the body. we are placed by the spirit according to the gifts and calling the Lord has given us.
In verses 1-3 Paul exhorts the believers to exercise the fruit of character (something that is seriously lacking in many charismatic churches.) Too often we are way out of balance: on one side we have those who display a whole lot of character, but no spiritual power; { they are honest, forthright, loving, but do little if anything in the spirit) on the other we have those who display a powerful anointing, but no character. {This bunch are doing mighty things in the name of the Lord but treat people like dirt. Thet lie, cheat, steal, are selfish, etc.}
Paul lets it be know that he is a prisoner (in jail) because he is standing with (and for) Christ. He says we must leada life worthy of our calling as Christians. A worthy life is one that is ever increasing in purity, love, and power. In vs 2-3 he lays out how to do this: Be humble and gentle. Humility isn't weakness, wimpines, or cowardice. It is controlled power. Learning to be humble is a process. It may take years to get there. Some never learn. It totally depends on what we want the Lord to do in our lives. Look at the Life of Moses, it took him 40 years to learn. (See Exodus) Gentleness is being mindful of how others will respond to how you deal with them. This doesn't mean babying anyone, or walking on eggshells. It does mean treat everyone fairly, and with honesty, with love and truth. In verse 3 Paul says to be united in peace. This means to be 'at rest' with everyone. This may mean you will have to refrain from asserting your 'rights' and priviledges. To do these things we need to be plugged into the Holy Spirit.
In verses 4-10 Paul describes the essence of unity. In verse 4 we are identified as one body with the same spirit, called to the same glorious future. Our future is in Jesus! The one body is all of us working together ( see 1 Pet 2:4-6.)
In verses 5-6 Paul reminds us there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father who is over all and lives through us. This doesn't mean three seperate Gods, but one God in three persons. (The trinity is a mystery that can only be explained partially--it must be taken as a matter of faith.) Our faith is in Him, and we are baptized in Him by his spirit.
In verses 7-10 we see that we have been given gifts by the Lord. Before those gifts could be activated, a special gift had to be given-Salvation. Jesus had to come to earth, die, and be resurrected. This is the only way we could be empowered to do his work. The key is accepting the gift. You will then be filled with his spirit. Then the other gifts flow to you.
In verses 11-13 We see what these gifts are: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. This is the five fold ministry.
These are not the only gifts, but from these gifts the body learns how to use all of their gifts. (Look in 1 Cor 12, and Romans 12 for a listing of other gifts. There are about 25 listed in all. You may know of some others that you may have yourself.) The purpose of the five fold ministry is to equip the body for service, and bring the body to maturity. Many charismatic churches only teach the concept of equiping the body with "super-powers." Maturity also involves character development. That part is rarely ever taught. We must also learn to think, feel, and act as Jesus did (Romans 12:1-2 [the renewing of the mind]) Many churches don't relay all of the truth involved in that scripture. We are experiencing a new type of teacher, preacher, apostle, and prophet today. The fire of the spirit is rising in men and women charging them to "tell the truth" about Jesus and what the Bible says. We can no longer play paddy-cake with the Word or the Holy Spirit. Either follow God or follow the Devil. There is no fence sitting!!
As we line up with the Word, we will no longer be deceived (vs 14.) Instead we will walk in 'truth and love' becoming like Christ. No longer will we need to spendas much time asking Jesus what to do, wear, or be. we will know!! There will always be some things we will need to ask him, and other things that will remain a mystery, but those who are always asking what to wear, do, be, etc. are still immature spiritually. We must rely upon each other and the gifts God has given us. That way we will all grow to maturity in Him (vs 16.)
|
||