Eastern Bible Conference 2019 - Study 4: The Practice of Unity

What this episode covers

Unity amidst national, ethnic, and cultural diversity Colossians 3:10-17 sets out both our position and our practice. The standard is being “in Christ”—when Christ is all and is in all. … held together, bound together in reality and “at heart” So then, what is the reality for specific situations? One Christian in Colosse was Philemon. Paul wrote a second letter to him, though everyone at Colosse could also read it. Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus, had been saved through meeting Paul! now he is more than a servant; he is a beloved brother no distinction in the Lord’s presence (yet still the servant he had been, too) “receive him,” Philemon v. 16; restoration, joy, refreshing, vv. 18-19 overcoming biases of class Other examples: Acts 15:36, Paul and Barnabas with John Mark; living from a position of unity there was a separation but not a division they still appreciated and respected one another: Paul knew Mark was useful (2 Timothy 4) and appreciated Barnabas (1 Corinthians 9:6); Barnabas had not poisoned Mark against Paul Peter called Mark his son too; there was no sense of possessiveness (1 Peter 5:13) James 1-2, overcoming biases of social class and economic status James 2:9, no partiality; this was a temptation, 2:1-4, despite unbelieving rich people who defrauded and misused believers, 5:1-6 James 1:9-10, the lowly and the rich are just the same in God’s presence Acts 9, Saul needed Barnabas to help him find acceptance in Jerusalem his sincerity was questioned because of his history; but now there was reality the role of mediator in Barnabas, 9:27 notice also: Ananias called him “brother Saul” though not wanting to go at first (9:17) Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, biases of gift and identity all contributing to spiritual growth in the body of Christ, Eph. 4:11-16 Christ is the goal; each one contributes, including the joints Eph. 4:3, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit (note: not unity of the body, which is already settled) don’t build again the walls that were torn down, 2:14 applied to other divisions Eph. 4:1-2, the attitude of lowliness Acts 6, biases of nationality and heritage the Hebrews and Hellenists; Hebrew and Greek speakers of Jewish culture all now believers, yet there was inequality and mistrust possibly the Hebrews might have simply overlooked the Hellenists (rather than purposely giving less); but an effort in relationship would have prevented that and probably the Hellenists were quick complain and judge motives, assuming it was on purpose when it just needed a simple conversation John 4, biases of ethnicity and history Christ “had to go” through Samaria; intentional connections with others she said, “you say” (4:20); this is like saying, “you Jews,” “you people;” cultural divides tend to lump people together and then dehumanize them Christ was still always Jewish; she was still always from Samaria; yet a new unity came Ways to change: We have to… Fellowship differently . All of us naturally stick with our own friends and those who are like us. But if there is to be a new display of unity, we should intentionally seek out those with differences. Talk differently . We have to avoid stereotypes of individuals (true, sometimes cultural traits exist, but we can’t type-cast individual belie…

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