Sermon Audio

Diversity amidst Unity Pt3

Ephesians 4:7-16.

Stream or download The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, Pt 47

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We are considering the diversity of gifts distributed to the church by Christ, our risen and glorified Head. In the very 11, we have the gifts labelled, as it were. Here is a the third main heading of our study of this section.

III. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE GIFTS AND GRACE
The gifts Christ gave to His people are here mentioned under the titles of the offices for which the gifts fit men. Chief amongst the gifts of Christ are those graces which enable a man to fill one of these offices mentioned.

1.The Appointing of office-bearers is in the hands of the King alone. “He gave.” [A] It is not for men to interfere or put their hand to this matters. C of E — bishops appointed by the Prime Minister. This is a travesty of Christ’s order. [B] Those duly appointed ought not to be resisted in the proper function of their duties. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you,” Hebs 13:17. [C] Those appointed by Christ should labour diligently within the borders of their calling. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5.
What is to be noted is the absence of any reference to popes or priests etc.

2. As such appointments are made by Christ, the maintenance of them are His also. The Saviour has promised to build His church, Matt 16:18. He will not want labourers to carry on this work. The office of apostle and prophet were not meant to be permanent. We do not have such today but He will continue to raise up evangelist, pastors and teachers. He is the Lord of the harvest, Matt 9:38. The words “send forth” denotes a very powerful thrusting forth. The call of God is a power not easily denied or refused, Jer 20:9. The labours of those trust out by Christ will be honoured by Him. He wil work with them, Mark 16:20.

3. The liberality of the Saviour is seen in the number of the offices. It shows liberality to the church that she should be attended by so many, each with their pecuilar labour. It also speaks of liberality to the labourers in that the work is very much shared out. Farmer with his many farm implements.

4. Let us recognise the blessing of God in the such gifts bestowed upon us. Men and women, it is a dreadful thing to be without the ministry of God’s Word. 1 Sam 3:1; Pro 29:18; Hosea 4:6; Amos 8:12; Matt 9:36; Rom 10:13-14; Ps 119:9-11; Luke 11:27-28 ( a word for RCs); John 14:23; Rev 22:14.

Diversity amidst Unity

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-16. (Bible reading 1 Cor 12:12-20)

Stream or download The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, Pt 45

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Paul continues his exhortation to the Ephesians to endeavour “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” verse 3. But he moves now from their sameness to their diversity  as a basis for maintaining the unity of believers. He starts with a “but” for there is a contrast in what he was saying to that about which he is to speak.
There is diversity amongst God’s people but that argues for unity rather than division.
At the end of this section, verse 16, Paul refers to the human body as he so often does when dealing with this topic. Here is a picture of that diversity working unity. Each diverse member of the body contributes that which is required to the efficient operation of the whole body.
Consider:

I. THE DIVERSITY OF GIFTS AND GRACES

1. Each true child of God is a partaker of the grace of Christ. Verse 7, Rom 8:9. Not every member receives the same grace or gift nor even the same measure of grace yet all do receive grace. Every true believer is given “all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” 2 Peter 1:3-4.

2. Each believer receives grace in a different measure. Differences between the spiritual attainments of believers is not cause for disunity, rather is evidence of the sovereign purpose of Christ. Grace is given “according to the measure of the gift of Christ,” verse 7. Let us be careful of our comments regarding the grace of others lest we be guilty of despising the wisdom and purpose of Christ.

3. The absence of certain gifts or the small measure of grace in some does not mean they are not saved. Rather, in the unity of God’s purpose they have an important role to play. 1 Cor 12:12-30. Such differences often give rise to pride, contempt envy and discouragement but such are the workings of the flesh against the sovereign wisdom of Christ.

However, a little thought will show that such diversity is but an argument for the strongest unity as none, not even the most gifted can succeed without the aid of the weakest member. “If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?” 1 Cor 12:17. If we were all the same, how incomplete we would be. We could not function at all. Such a view of the matter will show that none of us are indispensable nor would it be good if everyone was like us!
How this would lead us to a humble view of ourselves such as that held by Paul, 3:8.

Christian Unity Maintained, Pt 3

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6.

Stream or download The unsearchable riches of Christ, Pt44

III. THE MEANS BY WHICH THIS UNITY IS MAINTAINED

1. Remember our calling. Rom 8:29. We have been called by the gospel, Eph 1:4, 2:1-7; 1 Peter 2:9, and we must walk worthily. The word means “in accordance with.” Phil 1:27- “in close co-ordination with.” Titus 2:10 – “adorn” the doctrine by holy living. What rags some Christian place upon the doctrines they profess!

2. The exercise of four graces is required. The purpose of God is to unite His people in Christ, 1:10. How contrary to God’s purpose is that which disunites them!  We need lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance in love.
Lowliness — A low self-view, Acts 20:19; Phil 2:3; Col 3:12.
Meekness — Born of lowliness, it is the spirit in which receive whatever providence sends to us, Titus 3:2.
Longsuffering — Self-restraint. What God has shown toward us, I Tim 1:16, 1 Peter 3:20, 2 Peter 3:15.
Forbearance — ’To hold under. 1 Cor 4:12, 2 Thess 1:4 – ‘endure’. This is the second great commandment stated in a different form, Matt 22:39.

3. This appeal is all the more powerful for it was addressed from prison. Paul was bearing the opposition of men and devils and carrying on with God’s work as a Christian should. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” Ephes 4:1. He beseeches.  It is an earnest call from the sufferer’s prison cell. It reminds us the cost of the unity we enjoy. First that of Christ on the cross and then of those who have endured the deil’s and man’s hatred in order to bring us the gospel.

As this age gets darker, we will have cause to to consider more the example of the servants of God of old, James 5:8-11.