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Introduction:
I don’t know about you, but one of the character defects I have
is to read the Scriptures to learn how they apply to everyone else
and forgetting God gave them to me to apply to me. One passage
that quickly comes to mind with which I have been guilty of this
is Ephesians 4:4-6. I
have taught many times from this passage against
denominationalism. Certainly, there is application there. However,
when Paul wrote Ephesians 4:4-6 there were no denominations. He did not have
denominationalism in mind. Instead, he was fighting against
division within the church as it existed. In fact, though he spoke
of the church universal, he was making application to the local
congregation at Ephesus. He was encouraging them to be united. He
was encouraging them to be one body. With that in mind, instead of
looking at the evils of denominationalism, I want us to look
squarely at ourselves. We’ll consider the concept of the
universal church for a few moments but then look at the context to
see what the members of the local congregation must do to allow
each congregation to be a miniature representation of that one
universal body. Discussion: I.
There is one universal body. A.
Though there are numerous religious bodies in existence,
there is only one universal body belonging to Christ. According to
Matthew 16:18, Jesus
was going to establish His church, not His churches. One.
Singular. It was not to be splintered into numerous sects and
denominations. In fact, the splintering and dividing has not
changed that there is only one body. Do not misunderstand. I am
not saying all those divisions and denominations make up the one
body. The one body is not made up of sects, denominations, or
divisions. Additionally, the one body is not made up of all the
local bodies. The one universal body of Christ is made up of the
individual Christians God has added to His church (cf. Acts
2:47; Colossians 1:13). B.
If we are not part of Christ’s one body, being part of
some church or some religious organization does us absolutely no
good. We should not rest upon membership in a local church.
Rather, we should endeavor to be part of the universal body of the
elect and saved. C.
Paul provides six qualifications to be part of the one
body. If these things are not true for us, we are not part of the
one body no matter how many religious organizations we are part
of. 1.
We must be led by the one Spirit (cf. Romans
8:14; Galatians 5:16, 25). If our spirituality is led by
anything other than the one Spirit, we are not in the one body. 2.
We must rest in the one hope of our calling (cf. Ephesians 1:18-19; I Peter 1:3-5). If our hope is anything other
than resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ, we are
not part of the one body. 3.
We must submit to the one Lord (cf. Luke
6:46). If we do not do what Jesus says, we are not part of the
one body. 4.
We must be growing in the one faith (Jude
1:3). If we are growing in something other than the faith
delivered through the apostles by the revelation of Jesus Christ,
we are not growing in the one body. 5.
We must enter through the one baptism (Acts
2:38). If we were baptized in any way other than immersion in
water for the remission of sins or not baptized at all, we are not
part of the one body. 6.
We must worship and be empowered by the one God and Father
of all (I Corinthians 12:6).
If we worship, seek or gain strength from anything or anyone other
than the one God and Father of all, we are not part of the one
body. D.
Again, keep this in mind. This body exists and there is
only one. There is one for every age, race, gender, socio-economic
class, politics, level of intelligence, background (cf. Galatians
3:28). This is important for everyone, including us, to
understand. We are not part of this one body because we are
members of any particular congregation. We are not part of this
one body because we are members of a congregation that has
“church of Christ” written on its sign or letterhead. We are
part of this one body when the above six requirements are part of
our lives. Yes, we should also be part of a local congregation but
being part of that local congregation does not make us part of the
Lord’s one universal body. II.
Congregational unity A.
In other lessons, we can learn more about these
requirements. For now, let it suffice to say we must be part of
the one universal body. However, Paul was not merely writing about
the theoretical aspects of that one universal body. He was
bringing up these general principles of the universal body to make
application to the local congregation in Ephesus. For the
remainder of our lesson, let’s look at how we, as individual
members of a local congregation, must live so this body can have
the unity of being one body just as Paul was encouraging Ephesus.
We will take from the context of Ephesians
4 and also the parallel passage in Colossians
3. B.
Walk
in Christ and His Word
(Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 3:16): If we will have unity, we need to
grow up into Christ, our head, and let Christ’s word dwell in
us. As Colossians 3:17
says, everything we do and say must be done in the name of the
Lord. When we begin to go outside of His authorization, we will
always end up with division. We are going to say a lot about our
attitudes in the remainder of the lesson. However, we need to
understand our attitude is not the foundation of our unity. Our
attitudes are what help us build on that foundation properly.
Jesus is the cornerstone and His word revealed through the
apostles and prophets is our foundation (cf. Ephesians
2:19-22). When we make Christ and His Word the foundation for
our unity, we will no longer be tossed about by every wind of
doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).
At the same time, keep the other side of this coin in mind.
Sometimes we do not go outside the authority of Christ, but where
Christ has left us open to judge what is expedient, we easily set
up our personal preference as if it is the only way Jesus
authorized. We must not allow our preferences, our think-sos, our
desires to be the standard. Instead, we must stick with God’s
word. Even if we don’t like something, if it is not an issue of
violating Christ’s word but is an area where Christ has left us
free to determine what is expedient, do not remotely let it cause
division. Maybe you don’t like the order of the assembly, the
Bible class curriculum, the songbook, etc. You may even be able to
provide good human reasoning. You may have an opinion that some
other course would be wiser. Maybe it would; maybe it wouldn’t.
If what you are saying is not a matter of violating Christ’s
authority, then do not let it cause division among you. If we will
ever have a one-body unity, we must make sure we are wholly
relying on God’s word. C.
Walk
in humility
(Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12): I love one of the definitions
Strong’s gives this term. “A deep sense of one’s (moral)
littleness.” There is no room for self-righteousness, for
looking down on others because they aren’t as moral or spiritual
as you are. There is no room for the Pharisee who prays, “God, I
thank you I’m not like all these other people” (cf. Luke
18:11). Romans 12:3 says we must not think more highly of ourselves than we
ought. We must not be the Diotrephes type of III John 9, wanting to put ourselves first. Instead, as Philippians
2:3-4 says, we must put others before ourselves. We are all
sinners who can’t overcome our sins on our own and can’t
attain salvation on our own. How dare we act like others should
not be part of our fellowship just because they don’t measure up
to us? We need a deep sense of our own littleness to have a
one-body unity in the congregation. D.
Walk
in compassion
(Colosians 3:12): The KJV says “bowels of mercies” in Colossians
3:12. These ancients viewed the abdomen or bowels as the seat
of the deeper and stronger emotions. Instead of bowels of anger,
violence, resentment and bitterness, we are to have bowels of
mercy and compassion. This is the opposite of vengeance and wrath.
When others are suffering, we must not sit in judgment about how
they brought it on themselves. We must not sit in vengeance simply
stating how much they deserve it. We must not sit in happiness,
feeling vindicated because they are experiencing bad things. We
need to be compassionate, merciful, sympathetic and empathetic. A
great example of this kind of compassion is in Psalm
35:13-14. Certainly, we are not to be enablers (cf. II
Thessalonians 3:10). Yet, the general outlook we are to have
when our brothers and sisters are suffering is compassion. We need
to walk in compassion and mercy to have a one-body unity in the
congregation. E.
Walk
in kindness
(Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12): The compassion/bowels of mercy is
an attitude of heart. However, having this attitude is not all it
takes to have unity. Rather, we push that compassion into action.
Then we are being kind. Kindness is goodness in action. We must
move from sympathy to help. Matthew
7:12 provides the principle that will help us pursue this
course of action. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
What kindnesses would you want for yourself in their shoes? Offer
that to your brethren. If we will have a one-body kind of unity,
we must each walk in kindness. F.
Walk
in gentleness/meekness
(Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12): Meekness/gentleness is not
weakness. It does not mean submitting to others because we are not
strong enough to do otherwise. Meekness/gentleness refers to
controlled strength. It was used of a tamed horse. The horse is
strong enough to trample its rider, but instead submits to his
direction. Though we must certainly be meek in our relationship
with God (cf. Matthew 5:5),
in this context, Paul is talking about our relationship with each
other. This principle demonstrates that just because we can do
something, doesn’t mean we should. As Galatians
5:13-15 says, we must not use our freedoms as an opportunity
for our flesh, but instead serve one another. As Romans
15:1-3 says, instead of striving to please ourselves, we work
to please others for their edification. Instead of demanding our
rights, we reign in our power and freedom that we might serve
others and strengthen them, following where they lead instead of
demanding they follow ours. In order to have a one-body unity in
this congregation, we must all walk in submissive meekness and
gentleness. G.
Walk
in patience (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12). Often, when we see the word
“patience,” the Bible is referring to the ability to bear up
under pressure. The term here is different. The word translated
“patience” in these passages actually refers to a
self-restraint that does not quickly retaliate against a wrong
done. We’re human. We mess up. We are going to wrong each other
now and then. If we can remember the humility and moral littleness
we learned about earlier, we can remember that we are not only
wronged, but we have often wronged others. With that in mind, we
can approach those who have wronged us with gentleness. Our goal
must not be to see them grovel. Rather, it must be to help them
grow just as others have had to help us grow. How much unity might
we have if we learn how to patiently face it when other growing
Christians wrong us, just as we have often wronged others because
we are growing Christians? If we will ever have the unity of the
one body, we must have patience when wronged. H.
Walk
in forbearance
(Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13): This principle cuts to the heart of
unity more than all the others. Forbearance means we’re not
looking to get away from others. Rather, we are looking to prop
them up and help them stand fast. As I
Corinthians 13:7 says, we bear and endure all things. Instead
of looking for excuses to cast off and sever the relationships we
have in the local congregation, we’re looking for ways to help
hold each other up, strengthening each other. To me, this is
interesting. We often ask, “When should I leave a
congregation?” Paul’s teaching stresses figuring out how to
stay together and bear with others. By the way, the forbearing
implies enduring hardships with each other. This also deals with
the all too common feeling of saying, “I wish they would
leave.” Instead, we should be bearing with whatever is going on
there that frustrates us or puts us in hardship. In order to have
unity and remain one body, we must learn to forbear/bear with one
another even through hardship. I.
Walk
in forgiveness
(Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13): While we forbear one another, sin
may enter the picture. We’re not perfect. We’re going to hurt
feelings, cross lines, and sin against each other at times. We
have two choices, we can either allow those times to drive a wedge
between us so we can’t get along and finally are driven apart.
Or we can pursue reconciliation and forgiveness. Remember, Jesus
said if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). This doesn’t mean we simply forget when someone
sins. However, it means instead of seeking vengeance, holding
grudges, maintaining bitterness, we work to make things right with
them. We go to them and talk to them alone (Matthew
18:15ff). Yes, if our brother or sister refuses to repent then
we must pursue a disciplinary action within the congregation.
However, most of our brethren want to serve the Lord and when we
approach them privately about any sins they’ve committed against
us, they’ll listen and repent. When they do, we’ve gained our
brother. When they repent, we must forgive (Luke 17:3), even if it happens seven times in a day (Luke
17:4). There is no way to have a one-body kind of unity if we
do not learn to forgive. J.
Walk
in love
(Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:14): Above all these things, put on
love. I Corinthians 13:4-7
defines how we should treat each other when we love. It includes
all we have said and lifts them up to an unconditional nature. We
do not treat others with kindness, compassion, gentleness if they
treat us properly. No, we love them unconditionally, therefore
each of us is to live by these principles no matter how anyone
else in the congregation is living. Statements like “He started
it,” “She did it first,” “When they do such and such it
makes me act in this negative way,” are childish and not to be
among us. No matter how others treat us, we are to love them.
Isn’t that how we want God to treat us? Isn’t that how we want
others to treat us? When we love others, we are looking out for
their best interests no matter what they have done for us, can do
for us, or have done to us. If we are going to have unity as one
body, each of us must learn to walk in love. K.
Walk
in Christ’s peace
(Ephesians 4:3; Colossians 3:15): No doubt we are to be peacemakers
among men (Matthew 5:9).
Certainly, as much as it depends upon us we are to be at peace
with all men (Romans 12:18).
However, within the context of Ephesians,
Paul is dealing with a specific issue. While we often view these
issues of unity as teaching against denominationalism, Paul was
actually dealing with the division between Jews and Gentiles. One
of his main points in this letter was that Christ brought peace
between Jews and Gentiles by bringing peace between both groups
and God (Ephesians 2:11-22).
Jews are reconciled to God by entering Christ. Gentiles are
reconciled to God by entering Christ. If we are all in Christ, how
can we war with each other over petty differences like cultural
background? In context then, we recognize Ephesians
4:4-6 meant there is one body for Jews and Gentiles, one
Spirit leading Jews and Gentiles, one hope for both Jews and
Gentiles, one Lord of both Jews and Gentiles, one faith for both
Jews and Gentiles, one baptism for both Jews and Gentiles, and one
God and Father of both Jews and Gentiles. If that is the case, why
then should Jews and Gentiles be divided from one another? Today,
we don’t see a division as much between Jewish Christians and
Gentile Christians. But what about black Christians and white
Christians? There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one
faith, one baptism, one God and Father for black and white. We
should practice all of the principles we have just discussed with
impartiality among our brethren no matter their race, gender,
socio-economic class, educational background, etc. Rick Warren
aside, we are not to have some congregations for yuppies, some for
older folks, some for white, some for black, some for rich, some
for poor. We should not try to focus our congregation on one
group. The gospel is for all. Christ is the Lord of all. We must
learn to work together in congregations and have peace. If we will
ever have a one-body kind of unity, we must walk in Christ’s
peace toward everyone, no matter how different they are from us. L.
Walk
in work (Ephesians 4:15-16): Unity comes when every joint does its work. The
world may be happy with the kind of unity that merely means we are
getting along. Paul encouraged us to have a unity so we can work
together and grow in the same direction. We are not united simply
to feel good. We are united to accomplish growth for ourselves as
individual Christians and for the congregation. We may not be able
to do what others can do. We may not have the same skill level as
others. However, there is something we each can do. Let us not be
satisfied with showing up. Let us not be satisfied with merely
getting along. Let’s not be satisfied until our unity is
building up the congregation. Conclusion: Sadly, we often preach sermons on how bad the denominations are for being so divided and dividing up the one body. The fact is, the one universal body is never divided up. It exists apart from all these religious organizations. We must be part of that body to be saved and we must not assume that because we are a member of a local congregation we are part of the universal congregation. However, we are to work with other Christians in the context of a local congregation. Nothing is more sad than to hear lessons on the evils of all that denominational division from brethren that can’t ever seem to get along. We in churches of Christ are often just as bad as the denominations at being divisive. Every time there is division, one or more of these principles has been violated. Certainly, there is a time to let folks leave (cf. I John 2:19). Certainly, there will be divisions. Paul said as much in I Corinthians 11:18-19. But as much as depends on us, let there be peace and unity. Let’s make sure we’re rigorously honest about this. We must walk in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1). Then and only then will we be pursuing the one-body unity God has asked of us.
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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