What Doctrine is There For
But chapter 4 brings us to what we must do with what we now know. It's all summed up in the second word of the chapter:
Ephesians. 4:4. (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit ...
There's an old preachers joke that goes like this. Whenever you see the word "therefore" in scripture you have to ask yourself "what is it there for?"
What is doctrine there for?
Doctrine is wonderful and empowering, true and beautiful. But doctrine without application is empty, void and useless. Paul builds them up with who they are in Christ and then moves on to why they have been so blessed and so chosen.
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling! What does that mean? Simply put in one word, "unity!" We are blessed to be one. WE are called to be united. We are on Earth a representation of the pattern of heaven. Unity in spite of our diversity.
The most powerful things in life are unified. The armed forces are strong because they stand together. Marriages that stay together pass on generational blessings for their children and children's children. Teams that play together win championships. And of course, the most powerful ONE in the universe, maker of all, is known as three in one... "The Lord our God, the Lord is One!" (Deuteronomy 6:4). So Jesus prayed, “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...." John 17:20–21 (ESV).
Its funny how often we want blessings so that we can "stand on our own two feet" and be our own person, independent of others and even better than them. But God's blessings are for our interdependence and unity. They are meant to draw us together, not deepen the divide.
Every parent knows this. The best gifts at Christmas are the ones that get the kids to spend fun time together. We want it for our children, God wants it for His. And so we come to know our blessings from Christ so that we might come together with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Ephesians 4:4–6 (ESV) 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.
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling! What does that mean? Simply put in one word, "unity!" We are blessed to be one. WE are called to be united. We are on Earth a representation of the pattern of heaven. Unity in spite of our diversity.
The most powerful things in life are unified. The armed forces are strong because they stand together. Marriages that stay together pass on generational blessings for their children and children's children. Teams that play together win championships. And of course, the most powerful ONE in the universe, maker of all, is known as three in one... "The Lord our God, the Lord is One!" (Deuteronomy 6:4). So Jesus prayed, “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...." John 17:20–21 (ESV).
Its funny how often we want blessings so that we can "stand on our own two feet" and be our own person, independent of others and even better than them. But God's blessings are for our interdependence and unity. They are meant to draw us together, not deepen the divide.
Every parent knows this. The best gifts at Christmas are the ones that get the kids to spend fun time together. We want it for our children, God wants it for His. And so we come to know our blessings from Christ so that we might come together with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Ephesians 4:4–6 (ESV) 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.
When you say your next prayer for what you absolutely believe you need, ask yourself if it will bring you closer to other Christians, or will it create more distance. Perhaps then you will know if you should be asking.
PRAYER:
Father, thank you for the blessings of having Christ in me the hope of Glory. Give me a heart for unity in the body of Christ. I know this is your heart for us and we do a bad job with it on many occasions. Help us to grow more united in Christ as Your children so the world may know that You are in us!
Father, thank you for the blessings of having Christ in me the hope of Glory. Give me a heart for unity in the body of Christ. I know this is your heart for us and we do a bad job with it on many occasions. Help us to grow more united in Christ as Your children so the world may know that You are in us!
Comments
Post a Comment