Posted on 01/25/2024 3:21:01 AM PST by metmom
“Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
The unity of the Spirit must be earnestly maintained by humble, gentle, patient, loving Christians.
Today’s Scripture spells out the goal of the worthy walk: the unity of the Spirit. Jesus prayed for Christians “that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me” (John 17:21). Our witness to the world depends on our unity as believers.
The world is full of discord, animosity, bitterness, and resentment. If in the midst of the world there is an oasis of unity and harmony, people will wonder what we have. Then we have the opportunity to say, “This is what Christ can do.” The world needs to see that the church is not just another social club, but an institution of God, supernaturally born, supernaturally sustained, with a supernatural destiny.
Our unity depends on the virtues we have been studying this month: gentleness, patience, and forbearing love. Without them, unity is impossible. In addition, our unity requires diligence. The word translated “diligent” in Ephesians 4:3 carries the ideas of both zeal and urgency: “Let’s work on it, and work on it now.” We need full dedication. But don’t say first, “I’ll head the committee” or “I’ll make the posters.” This is a personal passage, and if you want to hurry and start working on unity, you need to start in your heart. Commit yourself first to walking worthy by matching your life with your theology.
I am grieved by all the disunity and discord in the church today. One of the main causes is the focus on denominational distinctives—what divides us. We should instead focus on biblical distinctives—what unites us. We need to humble ourselves and learn to love each other. That won’t happen by starting a global ecumenical movement, but it will happen when we become what God wants us to be. Working at unity is a full-time task that demands maximum dedication and obedience from every Christian.
Suggestions for Prayer
Pray that God would unify His church around the world, and that He would begin with you.
For Further Study
Read about the unity of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-37.
What characterized those believers?
Which of their characteristics do you need to work on?
From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Good word, but just a beginning. Really needs further development.
When did you ever hear a sermon on John 17? The Lord’s last prayer with His disciples before the cross? the central burden on his heart?
Heart comes first as McArthur says.
Also central is this truth: “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” needs to be our message - not our peripheral differences - that some make central. Other central messages divide. This one unites.
I believe the true church only is manifest where 3 things are manifest:
* Jesus Christ and Him crucified is the center.
* This is also the only foundation. NOT “Jesus Christ & what we think is most important.”
* And He alone is the practical and real HEAD of the church - no man stands in His place representing Him.
In essence, Christ is ALL.
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