Unity

(Husband & Wife like Christ & Church)

 

A Two-fold unity…

 

1. Jews & Gentiles (Races) united in Christ.

 Ephesians 3:1-6, The Covenant

2. Christians & Christ united in God.

      Ephesians 5:22-33, The Love

 

What God has joined together, let no one separate, Matthew 19:6. Just as there is only one reason for divorce, (fornication), there is really only one reason for a Christian to lose God, (spiritual fornication). Matthew 19:9, 1st  John 2:15-17.

 

The relationship we have with our God, Jesus Christ may best be described in the love a wife has for her husband.

a. Love, Titus 2:4 (philandros)

b. Submit, Ephesians 5:22-24 (the voluntary attitude of pleasing others)

c. Respect, Ephesians 5:33 (reverential obedience)

d. Chaste (pure) conduct, 1st  Peter 3:1-2

 

The relationship Jesus has with you as a Christian may best be described in the love a husband should have for his wife.

a. Love, Ephesians 5:25-33 (agape)

b. Honor, 1st  Peter 3:7 (elevate, esteem)

c. Understand, 1st Peter 3:7 not epistemai, but gnosis, the investigative type knowledge.

d. Prayer, 1st  Peter 3:7 wife – husband – Jesus is our mediator.

e. Don’t be bitter, Colossians 3:19 (exasperated or irritated) Christ never tires of us!

 

As we grow from being children into adults, we become aware of our own sinfulness and the division or disunity we once had with God as children. The only way to restore that unity is to be reunited with God through the victorious death and resurrection of  Jesus. Romans 6:1-7. Baptism in this context, takes on the act of God re-birthing us personally by faith. Then we all have the personal responsibility of learning how to promote love in the proper working of each individual’s talent.

 

HOW DOES A CONGREGATION MAINTAIN UNITY?

 

1. Each member reading, memorizing and praying about Ephesians 3:14-4:7

 

2. Each member expressing the following attitudes in our behavior towards each other:

Prayer, Love, Thankfulness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Friendship.

 

3. Each member learning and/or sharing the truth in these subjects:

One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God.

 

This weeks prayer pointer: How often do we pray as Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers? John 17:20-26.