SCRIPTURE
GEMS – 14
One:
unity, undivided, identical, the same, inseparable, harmonious. Why so much emphasis on this word? This was Jesus’ prayer for his disciples and
for us. As the Father (God) and the Son
(Jesus) are one, so Jesus spoke of He and His disciples being one. Jhn.17:11 Then Jesus extended this to believers,
His church. Jhn.17:20 I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but
for those also who believe in Me through their word. (Scripture)
Paul explained the oneness of His church
in Gal.3:28. Whatever we were before we became a
Christian, that identity now makes no difference for we are one in Jesus. A lot of enmity existed between Gentile and
Jew. That was erased through the
cross. Eph.2:16 This oneness is
further explained in Eph.4:4,5
As we become a Christian, we are not
alone. We become part of Christ’s body,
His church. The “body” is used as an
illustration of the church in Scripture.
Rom.12:4,5 This is fully illustrated in 1 Cor.12:12-20. Each one of us is gifted in a different
way but in our individuality we worship and work together as one. Jesus’ disciples were different in personality
and gifts and yet were one with Jesus as we have noted.
Paul had great joy if he could hear of
the Philippians being of same mind, same love, united in spirit, and intent on
one purpose. Phil.2:2 This quote helps
to define oneness in a Scriptural way.
As Paul wrote to the Romans he wanted them to be of the same mind with
one another. They could glorify God with
one accord and one voice in this way. Rom.15:5,6
Peter sums up our oneness by being harmonious as well as sympathetic,
brotherly, kindhearted, and having a humble spirit. 1
Pet.3:8 If we are like-minded and
live in peace, then God will be with us in love and peace. 2
Cor.13:11 Paul was in prison when
he wrote to the Philippians, but he told them that whether he was released and
was able to come and see them or if he remained imprisoned, he wanted to hear
of them being firm in one spirit and with one mind as they strove together for
the faith of the gospel. Phil.1:27
As we are one in Christ, so we are one
with each other. Rom.12:5 We interact with
one another. Eph.4:25 This reminds us
that “No man is an island.” We might go
off into the woods to meditate and worship but that does not suffice for our
being part of the body of Christ. Even
Paul received encouragement when he was with other Christians. Rom.1:12
Just because we are in the body of
Christ, the church, this does not mean we don’t sin. Jam.5:16 One of the well-known examples if given
in Phil.4:2. These two women were not living in
oneness with one another. This harms the
church in the sight of the world. Jhn.13:35
It must grieve the Holy Spirit.
Scripture instructs us against sins that distract from our oneness.
We cannot think we know all the
answers. That would be wise in our own
estimation. Rom.12:16 Another very
common sin is judging one another. Rom.14:13
It is true we must discern faithfulness in following the Word but
even then Timothy was instructed to be gentle and not quarrelsome. 2
Tim.2:24 Are we exempt from that
instruction? When we “stand” for the
Truth, hob-nailed boots are not the answer.
One goes, then two, then the false doctrine problem or moral problem
goes before the church. Doing this in
love accomplishes much more to keep our oneness in Christ and save the soul in
the wrong.
A method or decision does not follow our
idea so we challenge another. Gal.5:26
This causes us to speak against another one in Christ. Jam.4:11 Complaining goes right along with
this. Jam.5:9 Rather we need to
follow the instructions of Phil.2:3.
To counteract these sins in our attitude
against one another, we are given instruction.
Pursue peace and build up one another.
Rom.14:19; 1 Thess.5:11 As one in Christ, we have great care for
one another. 1 Cor.12:25,26 We rejoice
when our brother rejoices but have compassion when he is sad and needs
comfort.
In our differences it is so important
that we just accept one another. Rom.15:7; Rom.12:10 Our thinking is not the answer
but we are subject to one another in Christ.
Eph.5:21 This attitude requires patience and
forgiveness as we remember that is what Christ did and is doing for us. Col.3:13;
Eph.4:2
When we possess the sinful attitudes
mentioned, we don’t really have a sincere love of the body of Christ of which
we are all a part. You don’t love your
ear but not your foot. Love is the
answer to overcome our lack of these attitudes.
1 Jhn.4:7-12 Love will cause us to interact with one
another properly. Eph.4:32; Col.3:13; 1Pet.4:9
May we all be one as Jesus prayed in Jhn.17:21-23. I
do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me
through their word. Jhn.17:20
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