YOKED
Joel Gilbert / General
CommU.N.I.T.Y. / Ephesians 4:25–32; Ephesians 5:1–2
Introduction
There are organizations for people with any number of interests. Often, membership in these societies comes with an expectation for some advocacy or education, financial support, or simply awareness. Many organizations come with privileges - like newsletters, access to certain properties, information about events, discounts, and more. For example, if you are interested in
• The appreciation and preservation of seaside piers - you might want to join the National Piers Society - https://piers.org.uk/
• Tying knots - you might consider joining the International Guild of Knot Tyers - https://igkt.net/
• For the mathematically minded - consider the Dozenal Society of America - https://dozenal.org/index.html - in order to advocate for the base 12 mathematic system.
• For those with a sweet tooth - or at least a business of candy making - the American Association of Candy Technologists - https://www.aactcandy.org/ - provides an environment where candy makers can collaborate.
• Interior decorators might appreciate the Wallpaper History Society - https://www.wallpaperhistorysociety.org.uk/
• For the guys who play Santa each year at Christmas time - and have genuine white beards - there is the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmalgamatedOrder/
• For Scandinavian background attorneys, there is the The Half-Norwegian (on the Mother's Side) American Bar Association - http://lawzone.com/half-nor/
• There are traveling societies
• Sports societies
• Organizations for preservation of the weirdest things - old rectories/parsonage, follies.
• Nerdy theological associations,
• and so many more.
For some people - they look at church as being just another of these strange organizations. There are certain beliefs and traditions that are taught, promoted, and recognized. And then there is the idea of membership. What does membership really mean? What are the benefits? What are the responsibilities?
Today, we conclude our brief series on biblical community. We’ve reflected on the idea that as a church, as people who have been saved by Jesus Christ, we are
• UNITED - with one another through Jesus Christ. ?Next, Eric Bass helped us to understand some of the...
• NORMS - of our assembly that church is so much more than a building.
We also learned that we are intended to be...
• INTIMATE - There is a closeness that is intended for God’s people - involvement in each others’ lives.
Last week, we considered the idea that while we were saved at one point in time, we are a people in the process of...
• TRANSFORMING - God is doing a work in each of us - if we will let him.
Today we’re going to conclude by considering the idea that we are
• YOKED - together. In other words, as members of a church, we are really members of one another. As a result, Scripture has certain expectations of us.
Our participation in the body of Christ essentially has two major implications
• position - as members of one another
• practice - certain ethics in how we live
Let’s begin by reflecting on the idea that we are positionally -
Members of one another
So often, when people consider the idea of membership, they think of it as though they are joining an organization or an association. There might be a standard membership or certain dues that must be contributed.
› I remember a few years ago, when Zack was playing Lacrosse for the Olney Boys and Girls Club, that we not only had to pay fees for him to play, but we also had to volunteer a certain number of hours in the snack shack. For those who couldn’t volunteer - they had to contribute more financially to the organization. We felt like we had paid enough - so we spent some time selling candy during games. Those were some of the expectations for members/families of that organization.
But in the church, there is something a bit different. Sure, there are standards and beliefs to which each church uniquely adheres. For example, while there are similarities among all of the churches in town - there are some big theological differences. There are also different governing structures
But where things really get to be different in churches is that we’re not just members with the organization - Scripture tells us that we’re yoked together - we’re members of one another.
There are seven different times in the NT where believers are referenced as being members of one another or with each other.
• Romans 12:4-5 “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
• 1 Cor. 12:12 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
• 1 Cor. 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
Over the course of our brief series, we’ve run across this concept a few times. In fact 4 of the 7 references to communal membership in the NT are in the book of Ephesians.
• Eph. 2:19 “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,”
• Eph. 3:6 “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
• Eph. 4:25 “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
• Eph. 5:29-30 “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.”
This idea of being members of one another or of Christ - has with it the connotation that we are working together for a mutual benefit, edification, mission. Sure, we might gather in part because of musical preferences or comfort or proximity, but as members of each other - we’re also knitted together in a way that creates interdependencies. While we are headed by Christ, our gifts, talents, strengths, weaknesses, passions, and more work to unify and strengthen us corporately and individually. We don’t necessarily gain strength because our numbers grow (which that can happen), but we gain strength, because we are individually and collectively maturing and strengthening our bonds with each other and with Christ.
If we had been taking a closer look at the book of Ephesians, we’d be able to see some things quite beautifully displayed. As we begin looking at our specific passage for today - Ephesians 4:25-32, we have to recognize that we have come to these comments based on the spiritual and theological foundation that Paul has been establishing.
John Stott sets this up beautifully...
These chapters are a stirring summons to the unity and purity of the church; but they are more than that. Their theme is the integration of Christian experience (what we are), Christian theology (what we believe) and Christian ethics (how we behave). They emphasize that being, thought and action belong together and must never be separated. For what we are governs how we think, and how we think determines how we act.
So, in light of who we are as people of God and members of one another and what we believe, we get to “behave” in a way that is fully becoming of God’s people. Practically speaking there are…
Ethics of membership (4:25-5:2)
Again, this isn’t so much church-organization or institutional membership, but spiritual membership with one another as a part of the Body of Christ. In these verses, Paul points out several commands - both negative and positive - that guide how we live in community - how we walk in “a manner worthy of the calling.” These ethics or behaviors touch on various aspects of life, but they are not random or haphazard. Each of them have profound spiritual, biblical, or theological motivations.
In speech - speak truth , build up (25, 29)
In the list of commands, Paul seems to point out that our language impacts our community.
Ephesians 4:25 ESV
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Just as we saw last week when we considered the decision to “put off” our old selves, so too here, Paul uses that same verb form to remind us that we have already put away or put off once-and-forall falsehood. In our age of posting about our best or worst life in order to garner attention, truth can be a fuzzy endeavor. Whether it’s exaggeration, half-truths, or straight up lies - Paul is communicating that this is unbecoming a person of God.
Notice that he gives a “motivation” (Snodgrass) for why telling the truth is so important.
Motivation: “for we are members of one another”
Think about the metaphor of a body. Imagine what it would be like if your hand was constantly communicating a sensation of burning/heat/fire - but when you look at it, it’s normal. Your hand is not on the stove or in a flame - it’s simply a phantom pain. Imagine how frustrating that would be to have your nerves communicate something to your brain that is not there. Your nerves would in a sense be lying.
Falsehood undermines trust in the body of Christ.
But there is another thing that undermines trust, and that is corrupting language. Paul notes a couple of verses down:
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
What is “corrupting talk”?
One translation refers to this as “foul or abusive language.” (NLT) Another takes a more literal approach and calls it “rotten” language (LEB). In Greek that word is the same word that would be used for rotten fruit. The decay, stink, and unsightliness of rotting fruit is unappetizing and disgusting. That same word can be used to refer to crumbling stone.
Gossip would fall into this category - talking about someone with someone else in a way that does not build up.
we might even refer to things like name calling, or belittling, or being overly critical as being corrupting talk.
Paul contrast that with a positive affirmation to use language that is uplifting.
Notice again, Paul provides a...
Motivation: “that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Language that builds up is sweet, encouraging.
So, how is our speech? Are we building up or tearing down? Are we building trust with truth or are we ripping it apart with lies?
Next, Paul addresses our emotions by encouraging a biblical ethic...
In anger - don’t sin (26, 27, 31)
So many of us might see anger as something that is completely uncharacteristic of a Christian, but Paul doesn’t prohibit anger - he seems to accept the fact that we will get angry. There are always things that will frustrate and infuriate us. The question becomes, what will we do with our anger?
Ephesians 4:26–27 ESV
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
How can we be angry and not sin?
Deal with it quickly. Paul’s admonition to “not let the sun go down” gets us a long way.
I think there are a few ways that we can do that.
1. Give someone the benefit of the doubt - or as the the characters in the movie Frozen would say “let it go.” I realize that this can be difficult, but there are things that will happen to us - in the car, at school, at work, in the foyer, in community groups, that will cause us to get frustrated and angry. We may not be able to address the cause of that anger directly. That poorly chosen word or unfiltered facial expression directed at you may not require a full blown interrogation. The best response may simply be to let it go.
2. Take a deep breath and respond in love - So often, situations go from bad to worse when we react negatively - rather than responding intentionally. That kind of response may require a beat to gather thoughts and assess what’s really going on.
3. Seek Godly counsel and take action - In other words, get some advice. Now this could easily devolve into gossip - but seeking counsel from a godly brother or sister can help you navigate a godly response. There are so may times that I will discuss things like this with Danielle. I believe God has given her the spiritual gifts of wisdom and discernment.
Now these are just some of my thoughts, but Paul gives us a little bit of help with that in verse 31.
Ephesians 4:31 ESV
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
When we allow our anger to fester - we almost can’t help but leave room for things like
• bitterness or a feelings of resentment
• wrath - wanting to get back at someone, wanting to get revenge
• clamor and slander - seem to get back to our speech - when our anger festers, it’s likely to affect how we talk about others.
• malice - an intention or desire to do evil.
I think the point here is that our response to anger-inciting situations should not lead to any of these things.
As with the other ethics - Paul provides a...
Motivation: “give no opportunity to the devil.”
Some translations talk about a foothold or a place for the devil. When we sin in our anger, we are inviting the devil to act divisively - sowing seeds of bitterness, resentment, wrath, malice. It’s a bit like injecting a poison into our bodies. The result is an infection that is difficult to root out. Let’s not make any place for Satan in our midst because we sin in our anger.
Go ahead, get angry when it’s appropriate, deal with it biblically, and then move on.
In addition to challenging us with our speech and our anger, Paul provides some encouragement...
In vocation - work productively (28)
When I initially looked at this list of ethics, I began to wonder if these vices (lying, anger, theft) were common among the people of Ephesus. Several commentators have suggested that these are really more indicative of our sinful nature. There may have been a group of people who had a passion to take things that don’t belong to them, but it doesn’t seem like it was a core part of Ephesian culture.
Paul encourages:
Ephesians 4:28 ESV
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
We could get into all sorts of minute considerations around stealing, but it may be better to reflect on what a thief does - takes or removes things.
So, are known more as takers or contributors?
Paul encourages us to work honestly, diligently in order to...
Motivation: “have something to share with anyone in need.”
I’m so encouraged by what I see in our congregation. When it comes to things like benevolence (which today is a day to give) you all clearly give generously. There is an abundance of funds available to meet needs that come our way. Thank you for having something to share with those in need.
For those who work in the thrift shop - thank you for sharing your time and talents with those in need.
For those volunteering in Kids Connection - thank you for working in your spiritual lives that you might share with those who do not have yet.
Musicians
Tech
Deacons - talents
In addition to these specific ethics about our speech, anger, and work, Paul seems to provide a general ethic. One commentator even suggested that this is an overarching motivation for all of the others...
In general - don’t grieve the Holy Spirit (30)
Ephesians 4:30 ESV
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
There are a lot of implications to this encouragement.
First of all - the fact that the Holy Spirit can be grieved points to the personal nature of the Spirit. Jesus has referred to the Spirit as an advocate or counselor. The Spirit walks along side us and resides within us. The Spirit gifts us with spiritual gifts for the encouragement, edification, and expansion of the church. Jesus said that the Spirit’s role would be to “convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 18:8). He also said that the Spirit would provide words to say in our time of need (Mark 13:11).
So how then do we grieve the Holy Spirit? I think there are several ways.
• Ignoring his convicting work in our lives
• Refusing to use the gifts He has given us.
• Based on the context here, speaking to one another in a deceitful or corrupting way, letting anger fester, taking rather than contributing, etc.
Paul reiterates here what he has already told us earlier in Ephesians - that we have been sealed by the Spirit (Eph. 1:13). That means that we get to be with Him for eternity. This is a long-term relationship.
Finally, Paul includes ethics...
In relationships - walk in love (4:32-5:2)
This is a little outside the scope of what we read, but I think should be included in our consideration.
Ephesians 4:32–5:2 ESV
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ??Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Klyne Snodgrass notes:
“The command to imitate God is breathtaking to us, but it is a thoroughly biblical idea and not unusual in Jewish or Greek thought.”
God has invited us into relationship with him. As we saw last week, He invites us to draw near.
When we begin to fully grasp the depth of God’s love for us - it should elicit kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love.
When we see the love of the Father demonstrated through Jesus Christ - as he willingly laid aside his glory and took on human flesh in order to relate to our humanity - then willingly laid aside that flesh by dying on the cross for our sins - we should respond by acting in kindness, love, compassion, forgiveness.
Holding on to anger is not loving or forgiving
Lying is unkind.
Un-forgiveness lacks compassion.
Walk in love - as God does.
Romans 5:8 ESV
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Snodgrass summarizes this ethic by noting:
Love is the sphere in which the believer lives.
Everything we do should be marked by love - just like Jesus did.
One of the things that I often challenge couples with during their wedding ceremony is to ask the question: “What does love require of me?” I think that’s a good encouragement for us in how we relate with and are members of one another. Maybe it’s repentance or forgiveness, compassion or grace, time, encouraging words, patience....
Closing thoughts.
Life in community has implications, expectations. There are always going to be adjustments to make, mistakes to learn from or overlook.
When I had the opportunity to go to Saudi nearly 2 years ago, we were camping for the week. I’ve not been much of a camper. But there was a camping faux-paux that I committed on the trip. I did not alternate sleeping position with the guys around me. I didn’t know that was a thing. Apparently you’re supposed to alternate head/feet when camping with a group like that. The guys were so gracious. They simply adjusted to my ignorance and let it go. I’ve learned now and will certainly lay out my sleeping bag appropriately next time.
But life in the body of Christ is more than just adjustments in a camping or living community. It’s more than just membership in a club that we can take or leave. Because we are members of one another - yoked together in ministry and in interdependent cooperation, we get to learn to act in certain ways. We get to lay aside our old selfish ways. We get to...
• Speak truthfully and in a way that builds up each other and the body of Christ.
• Deal with anger biblically
• Work productively
• Heed the Spirit’s prompting diligently, and
• Imitate God by living lovingly - as Christ does.
May we be quick to repent when we fall short, even quicker to forgive when others fall short, in order to foster health in this body, for which Jesus laid down his body.
Let’s pray.
Lord’s Supper
As we go, rather than dismissing with a benediction and a moment of silence, let’s be depart by reading the commission to which we’ve been called.
Matthew 28:18–20 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Discussion Questions:
How does the idea of being members of one another or yoked together affect our actions/ethics?
Why does Paul focus so much on our speech (truth/building up)?
How does lying affect the body (members of one another)?
What are some examples of building up speech, vs. corrupting speech?
Where are we most prone to react poorly or sin in anger? (school, work, family, social media, politics, athletics, etc.)
How is a biblical work ethic different from a worldly work ethic? Why do people typically work today? How should it be different for believers?
How can we grieve the Holy Spirit?
How have you experienced the love of God (the Trinity)? How should we live in light of Jesus’ loving example? What does love require of me? Have you received the salvation that His love/sacrifice offers?
Sources:
Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008.
O’Brien, Peter Thomas. The Letter to the Ephesians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999.
Snodgrass, Klyne Ephesians. NIVAC. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.
Stott, John R. W. The Message of Ephesians. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1979.
