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There Is One Body

Introduction:

        1.    An important admonition is given in Ephesians 4:3 -- we are to endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit
                in the bond of peace."
        2.    To accomplish this we must:
               a.    practice the instructions given in vs.1-2
               b.    believe and teach the truth concerning the 7 subjects listed in vs.4-6.
        3.    We are beginning a study of the 7 unique subjects listed in Ephesians 4:4-6.
        4.    As we study these subjects we must remember the principles Jesus gave in John 8:31-32.
               a.     We must continue in the Lord's Word to be His true disciples.
               b.     Continuing in the Lord's Word will enable us to know the truth.
               c.     Knowing the truth is imperative because it is the truth that makes us free.
        5.    In this lesson we are concentrating on the "one body" mentioned in vs.4.
               a.     The Lord's Word identifies the "one body" as the Lord's church.
               b.     The Lord's Word identifies Christ as the head of the "one body."
               c.     The Lord's Word identifies the members of the "one body."

Discussion:

I.                   THE  LORD'S  WORD  IDENTIFIES  THE  "ONE  BODY"  AS  THE  LORD'S  CHURCH

        A.   In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said He would build His church.
        B.   In Ephesians 1:22-23 the Lord's church is identified as His body.
        C.   It is in the "one body" that we are reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:14-16).

II.                THE  LORD'S  WORD  IDENTIFIES  CHRIST  AS  THE  HEAD  OF  THE  "ONE  BODY"

        A.   This point is made very clearly in Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18.
        B.   According to Ephesians 5:23-27, the Lord has a special relationship with His body.
        C.   To be the Lord's body we must submit to His will.

III.             THE  LORD'S  WORD  IDENTIFIES  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  "ONE  BODY"

        A.   Christians are identified as members of the Lord's body in Ephesians 5:30; Romans 12:4-5;
               and 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27.
        B.   According to 1 Corinthians 12:13, the "one body" is composed of those who have been baptized into
               it [this harmonizes perfectly with Acts 2:38, 41, 47].
        C.   Members of the "one body" have responsibilities.
               1.    (1 Corinthians 12:25) There is to be no "schism" [division] in the body.
               2.    (Ephesians 4:16) Each member is to contribute his/her part to the edifying of the body.
               3.    (Colossians 3:15) Members of the body are to be thankful.