Lesson 17 – Unity of Faith
Read Ephesians 4:1-16 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/eph.4.esv
Our next purpose for the gifts God gives to each of us believers is for the unity of faith. I believe one of God’s deepest sorrows in our time is the division and animosity that exists in many churches and between denominations of churches. He said we are one body – the body of Christ – and He wants us to be that in practice as well as in design. He wants us to use the spiritual gifts He has given us to enhance that unity rather than break it apart. From Psalm 133:1 to 1 Peter 3:8 His word stresses the fact He wants us to live in peace and unity with each other.
Does that mean we should give up all differences? We should hold a vote on the issues that divide us and whatever the majority chooses, that’s what we should all believe? Of course not! God also said in Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Debate over issues is healthy and instructive when done in love. One says salvation is by grace alone, that God has chosen who would be saved. The other says all may be saved if they only choose to come to Jesus. The two views seem to be opposed with no reconciliation to be found, so which side is right? The answer, of course, is that both are absolutely correct.
One says we must worship with loud praises and joy and dancing. The other says we must worship before God in silence and reverence. The two views seem to be opposed with no reconciliation to be found, so which side is right? The answer, of course, is that both are absolutely correct.
From God’s eternal perspective, He has set His plan in motion and it will be completed to perfection – Isaiah 46:10. From our human perspective, Jesus’ offer that all who will may come – John 6:35-37; and God is not willing that anyone should perish – 2 Peter 3:9.
But how can we reconcile these seemingly irreconcilable differences? We trust God, who created us, to be greater than we are. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours – Isaiah 55:8-11 – and He can keep it all in order.
Many times our hearts cry out just to understand why something is as it is, but God gently reminds us that if we understood all things we would not need to live by faith. He asks us to live by faith in Him, not to desire to understand all things – Proverbs 3:5. Live in unity with all those who name Jesus as God and the only way through whom we can obtain salvation. He was completely human – so He would be able to die for our sins, and yet He was God – so He would be able to rise again from that grave.
*We can use our gifts for the unity of _____
*God wants us to live in _____ and _____ with each other.
*God reminds us that if we understood all things we would not need to _____