Members of One Another
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The document discusses the diversity within the church and the necessity of unity among believers despite differing backgrounds, opinions, and spiritual maturity. It emphasizes the importance of humility, using God-given gifts, and following exhortations to maintain a unified body. Ultimately, it asserts that through God's grace and mercy, Christians are called to serve one another for the edification of the church.
Members of One Another
- 1. Members of One Another Using our diversity for the edification of the body. Romans 12
- 2. Introduction The church of our Lord is made up of such diversity it is a wonderful amazement that unity exists: Physically: cultural and/or ethnic differences. Spiritually: levels of maturity, knowledge of God’s word, wisdom employed.
- 3. Introduction Having diverse backgrounds coming together locally is a testament to our Lord, but a challenge to the faith of believers that make up His body. What one deems acceptable another may despise and vice versa. Where one has understanding of a passage but another disagrees. When one has great desire and zeal to glorify the Lord, another exercises indifference. Yet, for all these differences we are still regarded as “one body.”
- 4. Introduction The following are important if the church is to truly be a united body of believers. We must heed the exhortation to be one body. Follow the divine instructions that bring about unity within the Lord’s body of believers.
- 5. The Urge For Brethren to Be “One” Being “one” body starts with our service unto our Lord. Rom. 12:1-2 Through God’s mercy we have been made to be one with our gracious God. By the “renewing of our minds” we learn how to prove what is the “good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
- 6. The Urge For Brethren to Be “One” Subsequently, God’s mercy should lead us to think soberly about ourselves. Rom. 12:3-5 Contextually, the Gentiles shouldn’t “look down” upon the unbelieving Jews. Rom. 11:31-32 Principally, we need to look at ourselves with humility because it is God who gave “each one a measure of faith.”
- 7. The Urge For Brethren to Be “One” Christians should our God given gifts accordingly. Rom. 12:6-8 Contextually, some of the gifts given to the saints then included: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy. Principally then, we need to use the gifts God has given to us “in proportion to our faith”. V. 6
- 8. Exhortations toward one another in the church Exhortations that help the body to be one. Rom. 12:9-10 Loving without hypocrisy. Abhorring what is evil while cling to what is good. Being devoted to one another in brotherly love. Giving preference to one another in honor.
- 9. Exhortations toward one another in the church Our attitude and practice that help the body to be one. Rom. 12:11-12 Not lagging in diligence. Fervent in spirit. Rejoicing in hope. Patient in tribulation.
- 10. Exhortations toward one another in the church Specific ways we can help one another. Rom. 12:12-15 Continuing steadfastly in prayer for each other. Distributing the needs of the saints. Given to hospitality. Blessing those who persecute you. Rejoice with those who rejoice.
- 11. Conclusion God’s people, whether in the local body or world wide, is one body in Christ Jesus. Through God’s grace and mercy we all must humbly submit our lives – to the glory of God – for the edification of the body.