Last night I had a wonderful conversation with my Growth Group about a lot of hot issues (theistic evolution, Catholicism, etc...). It was the kind of conversation that could have quickly gone south, spiraling into bitter feelings, suspicion and hostility. However, it turned into an amazing opportunity for the Lord to speak to us on the doctrine of unity from Ephesians 4.
The doctrine of unity found in Ephesians 4:11-16 is interesting, because it is the backbone to the doctrine of doctrine itself! The relevance of doctrine to the church is of the utmost importance. The very fibers of our love towards one another depend on unity, and without commonality in truth, our life together can not exist.
But I am not speaking of the kind of unity that is often preached today - the message of "let's agree to disagree." The unity that Christ calls us to is one founded in truth.
According to Ephesians 4, Christ gave men the following gifts: apostles, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc... so that we might attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph.4:13, ESV).
God accomplishes His unity in us through these men (teachers, pastors, etc.) in a two step process: the equipping of the saints for ministry and the building up the body of Christ.
Both of these aspects require knowledge, understanding (Romans 15:14) and sound doctrine. Our unity and "completeness in Christ" go hand in hand with the pursuit of sound doctrine and truth (Colossians 2:2). We are made mature by the warnings and teaching of truth (Colossians 1:28). It is amazing how every time unity is brought up in the Bible, the reader doesn't have far to look to find words like "wisdom, knowledge, understanding or truth."
In our Growth Group discussion, the Lord used my studying of this passage to bring the following truth to mind: Christians should not get hung up on the scores of hot-topic issues that permeate our generation. Rather, we should get hung up on the matters of the heart.
If a brother holds a view that I would disagree with, why not seek to find which of us is not putting their faith in Scripture?
When we look at our issues through this type of lens, our hearts will be compelled to build one another up in the gospel - strengthening one another's faith and reliance on God's word. This isn't intellectual suicide for the modern thinker, but rather an exercise in faith for the weaker vessel.
My encouragement is this: do not to let these issues slide in the name of "love overlooking a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). But rather, let's use this love to overlook the issue and look straight at the heart.
Monday, March 7, 2005
Unity (The importance of doctrine)
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1 comment:
my only comment on unity is to look at the first part of Philippians 2, where Paul says he desires unity in the church, and then gives the method....
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
When each member has the Christ-like attitude of regarding others as more important than himself, then unity can thrive.
the thing that kills unity is "selfishness or empty conceit." conversely, humility and showing interest in other's needs....leads to unity.
imagine a group of, say, 25 college students having a time of fellowship. if all 25 preferred others and sought to bless them....placing their own needs last in their own estimation....what a wonderful group it would be.
when the meeting was over, one would get up to get a plate of snacks....in order to bring them to SOMEONE ELSE. people would ask others how they could pray for them, etc.
the focus of the group would be on Christ, and following His example of preferring others....to the point of sacrificially loving them....as far as the point of dying for them.
well, that's my input. i agree with Phillip, that unity has to be based on doctrine. Doctrine doesn't divide, it unifies!!
God bless,
jon skramstad
pastor New Life Community Church in La Quinta
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