Four Requirements For Local Church Unity

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Four Requirements For Local Church Unity

Ephesians 4:3

September 17, 2023 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • Ephesians 4:3

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Introduction:

Local church unity exists on a foundation larger than that unity — it’s experienced when we do more than proclaim our commitment to unity —we aim at what unity requires.

And what is true for the church’s unity is true for all genuine Christian unity.

What is true for the church’s unity is true in our homes.

Unity exists on the foundation of the chief ambition that belongs to the Christian life.

We aim to live in a way that accords with our unity in Christ because it glorifies God — it is a part of the life worthy of our calling.

Unity exists on the foundation of character — internal virtues.

The Christian life is lived from the inside out. Godly attitudes lead to godly behaviors. The experience of unity requires a heart that allows for unity.

Humility

Gentleness

Patience

And then those qualities are particularly manifested in the forbearance that is explained by the love of God and demonstrates the love of God.

These are the internal fruits produced by the Spirit of God necessary for a congregation to live in peace.

BUT HAVING SAID THIS, WE MUST NOT BE CONFUSED TO THINK THAT UNITY IS NOT A CONSCIOUS PRIORITY.

WE LIVE OUT OUR UNITY IN CHRIST WHEN UNITY MATTERS TO US — WHEN IT IS PURSUED LIKE A PRIORITY.

Knowing that unity requires more than simply aiming at it does not negate the fact that we must aim at it. It requires MORE than just being mindful of it, but it INCLUDES being mindful of it.

And that is what our verse tonight makes plain.

Tonight, we think about making unity a priority. We think about Four requirements for the preservation of church unity.

I. UNITY REQUIRES SINCERE PASSION

Unity requires a sincere desire for unity.

Unity requires a zealous pursuit of unity.

Now, before I talk about the desire and effort on display in this verse, I want to think about what the desire pertains to.

A. THE UNITY GOD HAS GIVEN US

“The unity of the Spirit”

What does Paul have in mind?

I agree with those who see this genitive τοῦ πνεύματος (of the Spirit), referring to source or origin. I say this because what he’s speaking of already exists. We are called to MAINTAIN it, not CREATE it.

This is not something we produce; this is something the Spirit of God created.

This is the unity that our Lord prayed for.

ESV John 17:11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

ESV John 17:20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

I also understand the genitive as one of source or origin because of what follows our verse.

What follows are a series of statements about all the ways that we are FACTUALLY AND OBJECTIVELY unified.

ESV Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

So, the unity that Paul is referring to is the unity that SALVATION has produced, THE SPIRIT OF GOD has granted to us IN JESUS CHRIST.

Because that unity exists, he is calling us TO ACTION.

B. THE ACTION CALLED FOR

The action that is called for, then, is PRESERVATION.

τηρεῖν – to keep (to preserve, to maintain).

BDAG – “ⓒ of holding on to someth. so as not to give it up or lose it (Diod S 17, 43, 9 τὰ ὅπλα, the shields; τὴν ἀρετήν Did., Gen. 87, 4. Cp. τ. τὰ μυστήρια … καὶ ἐξειπεῖν μηδενί Hippol., Ref. 5, 27, 2) τὴν ἁγνείαν Hm 4, 4, 3. τὴν ἑνότητα τοῦ πνεύματος Eph 4:3.”[1]

WE HAVE A UNITY GRANTED TO US BY GOD’S MERCY TO US — NOW WE ARE TO TREASURE THAT IN A WAY THAT IS REFLECTED IN OUR TREATMENT OF EACH OTHER AND OUR COOPERATION WITH EACH OTHER.

C. THE ZEAL FOR THAT ACTION

So, God has created this unity, and we are to live in a way that values that and is careful to preserve that (guard it), but what I also want us to see is that this is something we HAVE SINCERE ZEAL FOR.

“being diligent” (LSB)

“eager” (ESV)

“making every effort” (NET)

Peter O’Brien — “This second participial clause (‘making every effort …’) is stylistically parallel to the previous one, and also functions as an imperative. Paul’s appeal is urgent and cannot be easily translated into English. The verb he uses has an element of haste, urgency, or even a sense of crisis to it… Further, the exhortation is an unusual one. The church’s unity is described as the unity of the Spirit, which signifies a unity that God’s Spirit creates30 and therefore not the readers’ own achievement, yet they are exhorted urgently to maintain it. God has inaugurated this unity in Christ, through the events described in Ephesians 2:11–22, as a result of which believers, Jew and Gentile together, have access to God ‘in one Spirit’ (2:18). In the following verses, this unity, which includes Jew-Gentile relations in the body of Christ but is not limited to them, is underscored by a series of acclamations of oneness, which means that it is as ‘indestructible as God himself’.33 Ultimately, the unity and reconciliation that have been won through Christ’s death (2:14–18) are part and parcel of God’s intention of bringing all things together into unity in Christ (1:9, 10). Since the church has been designed by God to be the masterpiece of his goodness and the pattern on which the reconciled universe of the future will be modelled (see on 2:7), believers are expected to live in a manner consistent with this divine purpose. To keep this unity must mean to maintain it visibly. If the unity of the Spirit is real, it must be transparently evident, and believers have a responsibility before God to make sure that this is so. To live in a manner which mars the unity of the Spirit is to do despite to the gracious reconciling work of Christ. It is tantamount to saying that his sacrificial death by which relationships with God and others have been restored, along with the resulting freedom of access to the Father, are of no real consequence to us!”[2]

TO LIVE IN A WAY THAT VISIBLY MANIFESTS OUR SPIRITUAL ONENESS MUST BE A MATTER OF SINCERE PASSION FOR A FAITHFUL CHURCH.

DO YOU CARE?

DOES THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH MATTER TO YOU?

DOES THE FACT THAT CHRIST DIED TO MAKE US ONE MAKE UNITY A PRIORITY FOR YOU?

II. UNITY REQUIRES THEOLOGICAL SUBMISSION

The very fact that the apostle consistently argues for behavior based on theological REALITIES says that we must be a people for whom theological truth, biblical revelation, spiritual realities, BINDS OUR CONSCIENCES.

LET ME PUT IN A VERY PRACTICAL WAY.

YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE THINGS THAT MAKE FOR UNITY WILL REVEAL YOUR FAITH IN THE WORD OF GOD.

The only way that our unity can be of little importance to you, is if what the Bible says is of little importance to you.

The only way that our unity can be of little importance to you, is if what Christ died to accomplish is of little importance to you.

Will the Son of God desire our unity and you not care?

Will the Son of God have died to make us one and then you live in a way contrary to that unity?

The only way that you can REFUSE to be at peace with your brothers, as much as depends on you, is if God’s revelation doesn’t bind your conscience.

DOES THE BIBLE’S CALL FOR OUR UNITY MATTER TO YOU?

III. UNITY REQUIRES DIVINE POWER

The Spirit of God is the source of this unity. He created this unity. But He is also the one who empowers us to live out its relational implications.

Each of the internal qualities we looked at are explained by His power at work in our lives (humility, gentleness, patience).

ESV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The forbearance that we are commanded to live out is only made possible by His activity in our lives.

ESV Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

This is a question we must all consider — do my relationships to God’s people speak of the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life?

Does my striving for unity in the body of Christ speak of the Holy Spirit’s power at work in me?

AM I BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?

IV. UNITY EXISTS IN DIVINE PEACE

This unity is in THE BOND OF PEACE.

That is, the realm or sphere, of A PEACE THAT GOD HIMSELF HAS CREATED.

The oneness of Jew and Gentile in the same body is a living demonstration of that peace. Peace with God that results in peace with men.

THE REALITY OF UNITY BETWEEN JEW AND GENTILE MUST BE VISIBLE IN THE LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.

AND IN THE SAME WAY, THE UNITY OF EACH MEMBER OF CHRIST’S BODY, MUST BE VISIBLE IN THE LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.

You can’t live out unity where oneness doesn’t exist.

You can’t live out unity where manifesting that oneness doesn’t matter.

Harold Hoehner — “Verses 1–3 may be thus summarized. As a prisoner in the Lord, Paul exhorts the Ephesians to maintain a lifestyle worthy of their call to salvation and to the body of believers. Their lives should demonstrate humility, gentleness, and patience, which are accomplished by forbearing one another in love and making every effort to preserve the unity that comes from the Holy Spirit.”[3]

[1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 1002.

[2] Peter Thomas O’Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999), 279–280.

[3] Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002), 513.

The Lord’s Church - It’s Importance Part 2

September 1, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Timothy 3:14–15

Introduction: The importance of the church is on display in Paul’s life and ministry. We saw it in Paul’s passion for the church. We saw it in Paul’s patience with the church. We saw it in the urgency and authority of the message committed to the Lord’s church. We saw it in the detailed instructions given to the Lord’s church. We saw it in the problems faced by the Lord’s church. BUT NOW WE SEE IT IN YET ANOTHER WAY. The importance of the church is seen in its GOD-GIVEN IDENTITY. What is the church? How are we to understand ourselves? Why are we here and what are we to be about? I. THE CHURCH IS THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD (The church considered as a family) When the church is described as a household — the FAMILY OF GOD — it communicates several truths. This speaks of HONOR — His name is upon us. This speaks of AMBITION — We desire to please our Father. This speaks of UNION — We belong to a family so that we have been brought into a union with our God in Christ and are members of each other (brothers and sisters). This speaks of AUTHORITY — We are under His headship — His rule (Christ is the head of His church). This speaks of NEW BIRTH — We are God’s by means of adoption, but also by means of new nature. There are two families in the earth. Those who have God as their Father, and those who are of their father the devil. This speaks of RESPONSIBILITY — We have care for each other that has been assigned to us. ESV 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler-- not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you." II. THE CHURCH IS THE ASSEMBLY OF THE LIVING GOD (The church considered as an assembly) ἐκκλησία ekklesia Meaning: an assembly, a (religious) congregation We are not just God’s family, we are, at the same time, His assembly. A. THIS SPEAKS OF ORGANIZATION As we said earlier, there is a proper way to conduct ourselves in the Lord’s church. There is a leadership structure. There is an organization God has set forth. ESV 1 Corinthians 14:37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ESV 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. So, the church is the family of God, organized in accordance with the Word of God, for the purpose of carrying out the ministry of the local church that has been assigned by God. B. THIS SPEAKS OF REPRESENTATION The church of the LIVING (the God who really exists) God. In a sea of paganism and multiplied false gods, the church belongs to the true and living God. This is a test of a healthy church — do they represent God in the FULLNESS of His character? Do they preach the whole counsel of God about EVERYTHING, including what God has revealed about His own NATURE and ATTRIBUTES? C. THIS SPEAKS OF PROTECTION The church is cared for by its OWNER. ESV Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The Lord’s Church - It’s Importance Part 1

September 1, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Timothy 3:14–15

Introduction: To love the Lord Jesus is love what He loves. It is to be devoted to all that He would have us be devoted to. And if you love what Jesus loves, then you must love the local church. If you are devoted to what He would have you be devoted to, then you must be devoted to the local church. He loved the church and gave Himself for her, and He has promised to build His church, and He has, and He is. But we are living in times when there is a gross misunderstanding of the local church. We don’t know who we are, and we don’t know why we are here. And what is sad and amazing about that is that God has given us His Word for the very purpose that we would never find ourselves in that position. As the title of one book about elders reads, “When all else fails, read the directions.” Well, here in the word of God, and specifically, in the Pastoral Epistles, we have the directions. What do they teach us? I. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH This is perhaps the first thing that we have forgotten, just how important the Lord’s church is. There is error on both ends of the spectrum when it comes to this issue. **There are those who treat the church as if it isn’t important to God, or to genuine Christianity. -Some place the church on the same level with any Christian teaching organization. -Some place the church on the same level with Christian television or radio -Some see the church as a tragic failure and abandon it altogether -Some give the church their time and their attendance as it fits into their schedule *If it doesn’t interfere with their work, or their pleasures *If it gives them what they want *If it can be fit into their retirement plans and travel plans **There are others who treat the church as important, but they don’t really understand why it is important. They see the church not through the eyes of the New Testament, but through the eyes of their own ideas. They see the church as important, but not for the reasons that they should and what they really desire is not at all what the Lord intended His church to be. Indeed, it is a sad reality that with many professing Christians the more the church becomes what it was intended to be, the less they desire it. A. SEEN IN PAUL’S PASSION FOR THE CHURCH 1. RECENTLY RELEASED FROM ROMAN IMPRISONMENT 2. VISITING CITIES WHERE HE HAD MINISTERED, LEAVING TIMOTHY IN EPHESUS TO SET CERTAIN THINGS IN ORDER 3. HOPING TO COME TO THEM PERSONALLY IN A SHORT TIME 4. GIVING THEM CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS UNTIL HE CAN BE PRESENT Why did Paul have such a passion for these assemblies? HE CARRIED THESE CHURCHES IN HIS HEART. ESV 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one-- I am talking like a madman-- with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. BECAUSE OF HIS LORD’S LOVE FOR THE CHURCHES ESV Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, To love the Lord Jesus is to love what He loves.

A Sure & Steadfast Hope

July 14, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • Lamentations 3:19–24

Introduction: The sorrow expressed in the book of Lamentations is something foreign to us. There are different kinds of sorrow. In some respects, a broken heart is a broken heart, but there are some things that will be unique to each one of us in our particular sorrow. There are tears that we will shed, at some point in our life, that no one but our Great High Priest will ever be able to fully understand. We do our best to comfort one another in the love of Christ, but we sense, even as we desire to be ministers of mercy, our great limitations. We sense our own limitations in trying to help those who are hurting, and we sense the limitations of others when WE are hurting. And when you have tried to pour your heart to another human being who hasn’t faced your particular trial, you can appreciate their love toward you, but there is also a loneliness felt in knowing that they really don’t completely understand. What the prophet Jeremiah describes in this book, we read, and we benefit from, but in a sense, we can only sit in silence and listen as he tells us what he feels, and as he tells us what he has seen. For we have never seen anything like what he saw. For over 40 years this prophet gave to his people the warnings from God. He told them that destruction was coming. They despised him for it. They mocked him, they persecuted him, and they rejected him. But what he was given to proclaim — arrived. Everything that God said, through the prophet Jeremiah, one day came. And what came was horrific. Jeremiah writes this sometime between the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., and when he was forced to depart to Egypt in 583 B.C. (Jeremiah 43:1-7) Throughout the book he tells us of his sorrow in 5 poems. You get a taste of the entire book and a context for our verses by paying attention to his 3rd lament which is found here in this 3rd chapter. In chapter 3 he is the afflicted man. He is telling us of his overwhelming grief. *He is in absolute darkness with the hand of God turned against him again and again all day long. (vs.1-3) *His flesh and skin waste away, and God has broken his bones, and enveloped him with bitterness and tribulation and made him to dwell in darkness like the dead. (vs.4-6) *He is a man who is walled in without escape, and his chains are heavy. He calls and cries out for help but God shuts out his prayers and his ways are blocked, and his paths are crooked. (vs.7-9) *His despair makes him feel like God has become like his enemy. Like a bear that has ripped him to pieces, or a lion. He has been reduced to desolation. He is the target for the bow and the arrows of God and the arrows have gone right to his innermost parts. (vs.10-13) *He is a laughingstock. He is taunted. (vs.14) *His life feels like nothing but unending bitterness and misery (vs.15-16) *He is so sorrowful that he can find no peace, and he can’t remember goodness, he has forgotten what happiness is. (vs.17) *His mindset is that he cannot endure anymore and he has no hope. All he can think about and remember are his afflictions. (vs.18) And before you think Jeremiah to be a bit dramatic, realize what he has seen. His people, God’s people, have been conquered by Babylon. The city walls are broken down. The walls, the towers, the homes, the palace, and the temple have all been destroyed. It was in mid-July when the city fell and it was in mid-August when the temple was burned. (MacArthur Commentary – 883) It is the HEAT OF THE YEAR time in Jerusalem. So conditions would have been miserable. The enemies of God have triumphed, and they are gloating. The children of Zion are treated like trash. Many, many have been slain by the sword, and in fact their bodies lie in the dust. Many have been carried away captive, and those who live and remain are in misery.