FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

John 17:13-26; I Peter 4:10, 11; Luke 24:49; Romans 12:1-21; Ephesians 4:1-16; I Corinthians 12:1-31; 13:1-12; [I Timothy 1:5; Acts 17:11]; Hebrews 10:24, 25

We will be looking at two things — (1) the unity that God has given us spiritually in the Body of Christ and (2) the great differences in the body. These differences do not detract from the unity but give it something to appreciate as we walk by the spirit in love. Three specific passages of scripture depict the unity God has given us through Jesus Christ, the diversities or unique differences in the members of the Body, and the exhortation to walk in love in light of those differences. When we walk in love, we eradicate things like jealousy, envy, haughtiness and feelings of inadequacy. Jesus Christ lays out a wonderful foundation for us of oneness in a walk of love. This walk of love is much more than the world, without God or a knowledge of His Word, can mentally assent to. It requires supernatural ability which comes with the giving of spirit and a new nature of love. In our world, there is a push for an ecumenical oneness but this is not what Jesus Christ prayed for. In Romans, Ephesians and I Corinthians, God lays out unity (oneness in the spirit) and the wonderful differences (diversities) among the members which must be put into application to bless the body (walking in love).

Romans 12:1-5 declares unity (God-designed oneness). Romans 12:6-8 declares diversity (unique differences). Romans 12:9-21 declare the truths regarding walking in love (in light of unity and diversity).

Ephesians 4:1-6 declare unity (oneness). Ephesians 4:7-12 declare diversity (unique differences). Romans 4:13-16 declare the truths regarding walking in love (in light of unity and diversity).

I Corinthians 12:1-13 declare unity (oneness). I Corinthians 12:14-31 declare diversity (unique differences). I Corinthians 13:1-13 declare the truths regarding walking in love (in light of unity and diversity).

In I Corinthians 13:12, Paul wrote that even with all his spiritual understanding that God had given, he still could only see through a glass darkly.

So often the breakdowns among Christian believers are nothing more than a difference in terminology. We must be humble before God to learn how to be involved in the true Christian life. We can hold fast to the faithful Word we have been taught, while at the same time being humble to receive the engrafted Word with meekness. We are to be dependent upon God and coachable.

There is a fine line in the Body of Christ as we walk in love. We must remember the scriptures declare the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart.

Our walk is one of supernatural ability through which we walk in love. We are ever to be in pursuit of truth and work together as a team with the rest of the Body of Christ. We all see through a glass darkly, but as we come together with the spirit of love, God will open vistas of understanding and we will see the spiritual suppression of the Body of Christ lifted.