THEME:   UNDERSTANDING CHURCH LIFE 

LESSON: FOUR 

TEXT:      Acts 2:40-47, Eph 4:1-7, Rom 12:3, Exo 20:12-17 

MEMORTY TRACK 

Last week, we tried to establish these facts; 

  1. There are things which we hold in common. 
  2. We are bound together by virtue of the new birth, i.e., being baptized into Christ. 
  3. The unity of the Spirit, which is at the heart of the church life, is already a spiritual reality and we are not    trying to achieve it but to obey God by keeping it in the bond of peace.
  4. That this unity is beyond us. 

Today, we want to look at the attitude and disposition every member must possess to enable us keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. 

WALKING IN UNITY 

The unity of the Body is already a reality in the Spirit, but the scriptures does not overlook the fact that there are divisions as found in the Corinthian church. In our spirit, we are one but, in our souls, we are divided; this is possible because of the fall. Men have different opinions, interest and views, all motivated by self (the old man) whose expression, way and manner of life is still with our souls. Paul gives us insight in the kind of disposition and attitude we must have as children of God in order to practice a proper church life. 

  • Prisoner of the Lord: The word ‘prisoner’ here is not in a negative sense, rather it is positive because it is the Lord. It means we are limited for God by the Lord. So, whatever we do in word or deed, we must do it as unto the Lord. We must do everything with the Lord in view; considering that whatever we do even to the least of the saints (good or evil), is unto the Lord. 
  • Walk Worthy of the Calling: There is a calling which everyone who has come to Christ has been called unto. That calling is to conform us to the image of Christ. With it are a whole lot of things attached. Living a proper church life will enable us attain this ultimate dream of God for us, His children. When we have this calling in view, we would yield to any demand of the Spirit with regards to our relationship with one another. But if we lose sight of this calling and concentrate on each other’s faults, we would fight one another and never attain the goal. 
  • With all Lowliness: This speaks of modesty and humility. A total absence of arrogance, conceit and haughtiness. A sense of self insignificance and an attitude of unselfish concern for the welfare of others. One of the greatest hindrances of the church life is high mindedness and pride. Likewise, selfishness and self-centeredness. We are admonished not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to (Rom 12:3) 
  • Meekness: A disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced in spirit, unpretentious and uncontentious, having one’s passions under control. Not weakness, but having power and strength under control. One who possesses these qualities pardons injuries, corrects his personal faults and rules his own spirit well (Prov 25:28). 
  • With Longsuffering: It describes one who has power to exercise revenge but instead exercises restraint. It includes ability to endure persecution and ill-treatment with patient endurance. This is of course, by the strength of the Spirit as against the kind of attitude and disposition of our generation resulting to words like, ‘I have my rights’, ‘I have my limits’, ‘Don’t test my patience’, ‘I will get even with you’, etc. 
  • Forbearing with one another in Love: It is to persevere, tolerate, endure, putting up with another, standing firm in love and not losing courage. Some of us can afford to put up with brethren waiting for any opportunity to get rid of them. But here we are to do it in love, going the extra mile to ensure that we continue. 

EXAMPLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS 

We must not forget that God’s goal is to have a people for Himself, different from other nations that Satan has cultured with darkness. God wants a holy nation separated to Him whose ways and culture are expressions of the virtues of God. He found Jacob and multiplied his seed into a nation and gave the law by which He made a covenant with them. By obedience to this law, they will not only be different from other nations but will be able to live together to achieve God’s goal of a nation of priests. We would like to look at this law in the light of the New Testament. 

  • Honor your father and mother: For us to have a church life, we must have had a good family life. Family life is a key component of the church life. Therefore, proper relationship must be maintained in our homes between every family member. Honor means to prize highly, to show respect (Eph 6:1-9). It goes further into inter-personal relationship with respect and honor. Masters and servants, parents and children. 
  • You shall not murder: This is to promote the sanctity of human life. We must respect human life even as 

God does, as well as life as is found amidst and resident in our brethren. (1Jn 2:10-11, Matt 5:21-22, 1Jn 3:15). Being angry or hating your brother is already considered as murder. We must do everything in love. 

  • You shall not commit adultery: It covers any form of unfaithfulness (Matt 5: 27-28). One of the sins that can fast weaken a society is sexual immorality. It breaks down the other moral fabrics that hold the soul and society. While this law is aimed at maintaining sexual sanctity and holiness of marriage, it also deals with the concept of proper relationship with God and others. Purity also includes our thoughts. 
  • You shall not steal: This is to ensure that all we possess came through a proper means. We should not defraud one another. Rather, all should work with their hand that which is good, that we may have to give others. The motive for us to work is not to earn a living but that we may have something to give Eph 4:28. 
  • You shall not bear false witness against your neighbors: This calls for truthfulness, trustworthiness and sincerity in dealing with one another. When we begin to play smart or try to outsmart or outdo each other, we create an atmosphere not conducive for church life. 
  • You shall not covet: To covet means to desire, lust or want something at the expense of others or for the motive of jealousy or envy. Covetousness is idolatry (Eph 5:5); from covetousness will spring up other things that will hinder the church life. We are not to want, desire or lust after anything that belongs to our brethren or any man. 

CONCLUSION 

All over the epistles are instructions like these that will promote a proper church life. These instructions are to help the soul know the boundaries to enable him walk worthy of the calling we have been called.