UNITY

by Steven Ford

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).  

With it we can glorify God and do much good in the world.  Yet, without it our progress is stymied and our overall effectiveness is hampered.  Of course, I am referring to unity. Unity is fundamental in realizing the great potential for all true believers in Christ.  Its importance is such that the apostle Paul, in some way, mentioned UNITY in nearly every one of his inspired letters.  In one such letter he wrote. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

In an effort to highlight its significance, three questions need to be answered.  The first question is, “Why should one seek unity?”  To begin, it follows a divine pattern.  As recorded by John, our Lord prayed that we might be one.  “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-21).  There is no division within the Godhead.  Thus in seeking to be shaped into the image of our Lord (Romans 8:29), we follow the divine pattern of being “one” or unified.

We should also seek unity because it is a blessing to all involved.  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion...” (Psalm 133).  In this Psalm, unity is referred to as being both good and pleasant.  There are some things in life that are good, but not pleasant.  Still others may be pleasant, but not good.  Unity meets both criteria.  Not only is unity good and pleasant, but it is “precious.”  Its quality is compared to the anointing oils running down onto the beard of Aaron and the life giving waters that descended from the peaks of Mt. Hermon.  True unity is precious and should be sought after diligently.

Finally, we should seek unity because it allows for focus and stability. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).  The answer quite obviously is, no. Yet, to the contrary when the two are agreed, they can walk hand in hand to accomplish the goal that is set before them.

Further where there is NO UNITY, there is NO STABILITY.  “But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth” (Luke 11:17).  Now knowing its benefits, HOW is unity ACCOMPLISHED?  First, by all men walking the same godly “walk.”  “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye WALK worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1).  The apostle Paul encourages us to walk a “WORTHY” walk and NOT a “WORLDLY” walk. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world...” (Ephesians 2:1-2).  One must also “walk” in good works according to the eternal plan of God.  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

The second question to be answered is, “how is unity achieved?” We achieve unity by having the right attitude.  “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). There must exhibit an attitude of lowliness.  That means we should be humble; recognizing that it is not about us, but our Lord.  Further, we should have an attitude of meekness.  We should be gentle, kind, and under control.  This would make us like Christ himself.  For it was He that said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart...” (Matthew 11:28-29).

In achieving unity Paul says we should be longsuffering.  We should be patient with each other.  To compliment the longsuffering, he says we should “forbear one another in love,”  [literally to hold up, endure, and tolerate each other].  We should not be so quick to write someone off just because they don’t act like we would hope they would.  Consider the ways of God, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Finally, unity can be achieved by making the effort to do so.  “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).  Unity will not be achieved by sitting idly by and wishing for it.  By use of the word “endeavoring,” Paul indicates that we should exert ourselves, strive for, and make an earnest effort to be one through Christ.

Having noted the benefits and methods for attaining unity, the final question to answer is, “in which we are to be unified?”  Brother Winston Temple noted that Paul knew that on the divine side (the Godhead), there was perfect unity.  However, he also knew that to bring such a great number of people with different backgrounds into one body, the Church, could cause divisions. Therefore to curb these potential divisions he presented the perfect standard of unity as recorded in Ephesians 4:4-6.

1. There is “one BODY” - Therefore we have unity in ORGANIZATION.
2. There is “one SPIRIT” - Therefore we have unity in GUIDANCE.
3. There is “one HOPE” - Therefore we have unity in ASPIRATION.
4. There is “one LORD” - Therefore we have unity in AUTHORITY.
5. There is “one FAITH” - Therefore we have unity in DOCTRINE.
6. There is “one BAPTISM” - Therefore we have unity in OBEDIENCE.
7. There is “one GOD” - Therefore we have unity in WORSHIP.

We do not strive to accomplish “uniformity” wherein we all dress alike, have the same hobbies or interests, or even think alike on trivial matters. Yet, as it relates to all things spiritual, believers must be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement” (1 Corinthians 1:10).  

We should seek unity because it follows a divine pattern, blesses those involved, and gives us focus toward our spiritual goals.  Unity is accomplished by walking the right “walk,” having the proper attitude, and exerting oneself.  Finally, we are unified by appealing to the sacred standard as presented in Ephesians 4:4-6.  

When Christians stand as one, arm in arm, upholding the truth, and contending for the faith without any divisions, we can do exactly what the church should to do: Bring glory to God through faithful service in the name of Jesus the Christ.  “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen (Ephesians 3:21).

Steven's Bio: Steven Ford is the local evangelist for the Highway church of Christ in Benton, Arkansas. Benton is located in Central Arkansas just minutes from the capitol city of Little Rock. Steven is also a 2013 graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching. He, along with his wife Carlisa, and two daughters Savannah and Summer are originally from Detroit, Michigan. While in Michigan Steven was blessed to serve with two faithful congregations both both in the pulpit and with their youth.

Links:
http://www.highwaycoc.com

The Precious Blood Of Christ

Redemption is defined as the act of delivering from sin or saving from; Repayment of the principal amount of a debt or security at or before maturity; the act of purchasing back something previously sold.[i]  Josh McDowell wrote: “If Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be, and He did die on a cross at a point of time in history, then, for all history past and all history future it is relevant because that is the very focal point for forgiveness and redemption.”[ii] The apostle Peter wrote:

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:18-25).[iii]

As Peter unfolds by inspiration that which is most “precious” when it comes to our redemption, we are reminded: that it is not with “corruptible things” (v. 18), that it was planned before the foundation of the world (v. 20), that it is found in the Gospel (v. 21), that in it souls are purified (v. 22), and that we are born again of incorruptible seed, the word of God (v. 23-25).  Let us consider verse nineteen of this passage noticing the precious blood of Christ.

PRECIOUS

Thayer defines “precious” as that which is of great price, held in honor, esteemed, held especially dear.  Consider its use in scripture: “There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat” (Matthew 26:7), “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.  Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it…” (James 5:7).

The apostle Peter speaks in chapter two of Christ as “chosen of God, and precious” (2:4) and as the “chief corner stone, elect, precious…” (2:6).  In Second Peter, Peter wrote of the Christian’s “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1).

As the definition indicates something of a great price, consider the great price of the church.  Luke wrote: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).  The church is held in high honor, esteemed, and held especially dear because of the great price which was paid: The Son’s Blood!

BLOOD

Why blood?  While most cringe at the mere thought of it, few like to speak of it.  Yet, it is vital for atonement.  The closest literal meaning from the origin of the word means: “AT – ONE”.  This idea is seen in both testaments:

Exodus 32:30 “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.”

Leviticus 1:4 “And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.”

Leviticus 9:7 “And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.”

Though the English word “atonement” is not found in our New Testaments in the KJV, it is seen in the word “reconciliation” of Romans 5:11 - “More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”  It is also seen throughout New Testament teaching in the following verses:

Hebrews 10:4 “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”

1 John 1:6-10 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Revelation 1:5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

Not just any blood will do!  Not mine, not yours, not an animal’s…only that of Christ.  The Hebrews’ writer spends a great deal of time dealing with this subject under the theme of “the blood of Christ is better” (Hebrews 9:6-14).

OF CHRIST

The designation of “Christ” occurs 522 in the KJV denoting that Jesus was anointed or consecrated to His great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of His people.[iv]  Jesus of Nazareth was proved to be the Christ.  John the Baptizer spoke of Jesus as “the true Light”, the “Word made flesh”, “one preferred”, and “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world” (John 1:6-29).

Jesus spoke of himself: “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions” (Matthew 22:41-46).

Peter spoke of the Christ answering Jesus: “thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), and his entire sermon on the day of Pentecost was concerning the Christ: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you…” (Acts 2:22).  Peter went on to say:

“Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:29-32).

Paul spoke of the Christ, as well:

Acts 17:2-3 “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:23 “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;”

1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

Acts 18:5 “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.”

Because Jesus is the Christ, His precious blood can wash our sins away.  To the Christian, the blood of Christ is SO DEAR!  To the Sinner, the blood of Christ is SO VALUABLE!  To the God of Heaven, the blood of Christ is SO HONORED AND ESTEEEMED!

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[i] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption

[ii] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/joshmcdowe299815.html#Yfw1c5o4kAHDKvj1.99

[iii] All verses from King James Version of the Bible, electronic edition unless otherwise noted.

[iv] Easton’s Bible Dictionary, electronic edition.

This article was published in the Preachers Favorite Passage at: http://thepfp.weebly.com