Paul talks to the Ephesians of unity.
Unity is one of the essential characteristics of Zion. If we would be a Zion people, we must be one. He gives us a formula by which we may more easily achieve this unity -
Ephesians 2 -
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
And continuing on in Chapter 4 -
11 And he agave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledgeof the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Thus we can see that it is important for us to follow the counsel of inspired leaders. If we are able to do this, we will not only be one with each other, we will be one with the will of the Lord. But I think that there's a more personal appeal to this section of the scriptures as well. It has to do with becoming one with ourselves.
But wait a minute, Bill! How can one person be divided? How can one person really be two?
I believe that this has to do with overcoming our baser natures. We are in a constant struggle against the weakness and sin which so easily besets us. We have a minimum of two sides within us, one that is the "natural man" and one that is the spiritual man. We overcome our baser natures when we take the name of Christ - not only in word, but more importantly in deed. Paul points out that we are saved by His grace, but that does not absolve us from our duty to ourselves. We must constantly be seeking for the refinement that comes through the Lord and following His example. Paul gives us instructions on how to do that. It mainly involves love for each other. As we come to love each other as Christ loves us, we will not only find peace with those around us, we will find peace within our own hearts. Forgiveness will become easy. We will no longer have any desire to do evil, but to do good continually. And we will be happy.
Unity is one of the essential characteristics of Zion. If we would be a Zion people, we must be one. He gives us a formula by which we may more easily achieve this unity -
Ephesians 2 -
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
And continuing on in Chapter 4 -
11 And he agave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledgeof the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Thus we can see that it is important for us to follow the counsel of inspired leaders. If we are able to do this, we will not only be one with each other, we will be one with the will of the Lord. But I think that there's a more personal appeal to this section of the scriptures as well. It has to do with becoming one with ourselves.
But wait a minute, Bill! How can one person be divided? How can one person really be two?
I believe that this has to do with overcoming our baser natures. We are in a constant struggle against the weakness and sin which so easily besets us. We have a minimum of two sides within us, one that is the "natural man" and one that is the spiritual man. We overcome our baser natures when we take the name of Christ - not only in word, but more importantly in deed. Paul points out that we are saved by His grace, but that does not absolve us from our duty to ourselves. We must constantly be seeking for the refinement that comes through the Lord and following His example. Paul gives us instructions on how to do that. It mainly involves love for each other. As we come to love each other as Christ loves us, we will not only find peace with those around us, we will find peace within our own hearts. Forgiveness will become easy. We will no longer have any desire to do evil, but to do good continually. And we will be happy.
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