Walking In The Bonds Of Unity Series

When we talk about the renovation and revitalization of the Lord’s house, it cannot be separated from revitalizing the people as well. The people must keep focus on the mission.

There is a lost world all around us, and if we are doing anything that takes us away from the proclamation of the life giving message of the Gospel, then we need to re-evaluate what all we are doing.

Ill: In 1917 there was a conference of Russian Orthodox Bishops. Different congregations had different practices about when they used different colors to decorate their sanctuaries.

The main topic for the meeting was to come to agreement about the colors and by doing that to bring more unity to the church. At the same time that the bishops were meeting, the Russian revolution began on the streets of Petrograd. There has never been a starker example of the church focusing on the most minor of issues while failing to engage the culture and address the concerns of the people.[1]

If the church is unengaged with the people, unaware of what all is happening in the culture, and failed to take action rescuing people from hell, while arguing over the color of the new carpet, we have failed. We are called to be “Walking in the bonds of Unity” (sermon title)

In unity we will lift up one another.

In unity we will put aside our petty differences.

In unity we will agree on what needs to be done

In unity we will do the work that needs to be done. And as a result,

In unity we will reach our community with the Gospel

Ephesians 4:1–6 (NKJV)

How did Jesus say that the world will know that we are His disciples?

John 13:35 (NKJV) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This is not the first time I have used this verse and it won’t be the last. We must continually remind ourselves of this fact. As the local body of Christ, we have a great responsibility to our church and to the community around us. Dis-unity will destroy that witness and mar the very imagine of Jesus we share. As we embark on this campaign to renovate and repair our church buildings, we must also make the concerted effort to love one another. There have been tragic church splits over issues less important than arguing over the color of the new carpet.

Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called

Paul was a prisoner of Rome. Writing from the Jail cell he probable understood with clarity what was important. “To walk worthy of the calling” implies heavily that our walk ought to reflect the character of the one who called us.

1 John 2:6 (NKJV) He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Does our walk reflect the walk of Jesus?

Someone asked Gandhi, the spiritual leader of India, “What is the greatest hindrance to Christianity in India?” He replied, “Christians.” [2] Mahatma Gandi was also quoted to say: “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” [3]

What a sad commentary on the church. Paul goes on to describe how Jesus walked and how we should be walking:

Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV) with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Let’s break down this verse. First all, we are to walk in “all lowliness.” Other Bible translations have "humility," which is the opposite of pride. This trait was considered a vice in Greek culture. Humility was only for slaves and servants. But here, part of unity is regarding others before yourself.

Romans 12:3 (NKJV) For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

We need to realistically evaluate ourselves. Sometimes we need to grab someone old and wiser to point it out to us where our strengths and weakness lie. They are not always where we think they are.

“Gentleness” the same Greek root word is translated mean “to be meek” in other verses. Gentleness is a greatly misunderstood word. Often its meaning is taken in the same vein as weakness. But the true meaning of the word is strength under control. Something done roughly or arrogantly is strength without control. We can be gentle yet firm in our actions. We need to remember that these traits are the very traits of Jesus:

Matthew 11:29 (NKJV) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.