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The Book of Ephesians part 6 – Week 43 / October 20th
Walking with Jesus
“Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”
“No longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk.”
“Walk as children of light.” See then that you walk circumspectly.”
Ephesians 4-6:9
Paul, having set out his theological segment of the book known as that which presents the mystical union between Christ and His Church, now turns his attention to the practical outworking of this “mystical union”. The great Chinese preacher Watchman Nee wrote an exposition on the book of Ephesians once and called it “Sit, Walk, Stand.” He was right to do so as the first three chapters deal with our unique position with Christ Jesus in Heaven; we are seated with Him. From chapter four onwards we are called to walk out our belief system and so Paul sets this out giving priority to the things that should really concern us. We need to look at this next section very carefully as so much of Christianity today is a contradiction of it. So, if you are truly Christ’s and claim Him as your own then you should embrace:
Unity, Authenticity, Honesty, Wisdom and Responsibility.
In this devotional we shall concentrate on the matter of:
Unity V1-16
Paul concentrates his thoughts on three areas where unity for the people of God is absolutely essential. This unity is already given by the Spirit of God and we are only called to preserve it. These are:
1. Unity of belief V1-6
Here in this passage Paul sets out the essential doctrines of our faith. He does it in a creed form and states that we are to uphold the unity of the local Church recognizing that all true and faithful local churches regardless of tag, are one body with us. We should never become exclusive and think that we have a special truth that separates us from all other believers. This sadly has been our history and by it we have broken the unity of the Spirit and grieved the heart of God. Here in America one can find churches that display their disunity when they emblazon their names as; “The Free Will Baptist Church” or “The Holiness Apostolic Church” or “The First Church of Prophecy.” All of these names tell you that they propagate issues which actually, according to Paul are divisive.
We also have one hope of our calling and this is to be transformed into the image of Jesus by a process of sanctification and the resurrection at His coming. There is nothing more essential than this and we are to keep it central to our walk with Jesus. There is one embodiment of truth that we are to cling to and this is faith in the Word of God and we, by baptism, proclaim our faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. He is our Supreme Lord (in the Greek Kurios-meaning the Lord above all Lords); a reference to Jesus’ divinity and we have one Father who is also above all, through all and in us all by Jesus Christ. These then are essential truths and every Christian is to embrace them and unite around them. Non essential truths should not divide us and separate us and thereby weaken our testimony in the world. For too long this has happened as believers have fought over dress codes, head coverings, food and drink and prophecy. We should be ashamed of ourselves because the Kingdom of God “is not eating and drinking but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
2. Unity in Diversity V7-13
When Jesus ascended on high He gave men as gifts to His Church and He gave gifts to men. The former are, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers and the latter are special abilities in the Spirit given to all of His people. His word teaches that “to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit.” (1Corinthians 12:7) All of these gifts mature the Body of Christ and equip it to serve. The Church only grows as each member of it does his or her part. Preachers are not platform entertainers but people equippers! Sadly the former is truer and so the Church has been robbed of its life and is deformed. Only humble leaders can rectify this situation and thereby restore the Body to health again. We desperately need unity in diversity!
3. Unity of the Faith V13-16
The Christian Faith exists to transform people from sin into the image of Jesus. Only the full ministry of the local Church can accomplish this. There is a presence of God among His assembled people that one will not get on one’s own. (1Corinthians 12:13) Christians who do not faithfully attend a local church are violating the unity of the faith! They are part of the problem and not the solution. This matter is urgent and important to Paul and God. Christianity is a “we” faith and not a “me” faith. The unity of the faith is only obtained as the “body grows “according to the effective working by which every part does its share.”
Malcolm Hedding
©Malcolm Hedding Ministries
2013Devotional