1. Today we are beginning a study of the seven unique subjects listed in Ephesians 4:4-6. 2. In John 8:31-32 Jesus revealed some important principles that we must keep in mind as we study these subjects. a. He showed what we must do to be His true disciples and what we must do to know the truth -- "continue in His Word." b. He also showed why we must know the truth -- it makes us free. 3. This morning we are focusing our attention on the fact that "there is one body" (Ephesians 4:4). 4. In our lesson we will see that the Lord's Word identifies: a. the "one body" as the Lord's church b. Christ as the head of the "one body" c. the members of the "one body."
Discussion:
I. ACCORDING TO THE LORD'S WORD, THE "ONE BODY" IS THE LORD'S CHURCH
A. See Ephesians 1:22-23 1. The Lord's Word states that there is "one body." 2. The Lord's Word states that the "one body" is the church. 3. Since there is only "one body" and that body is the church, according to the Lord's Word, there is only one church. 4. The Lord never intended for many churches to exist (Matthew 16:18). B. It is only in the "one body" that we are reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:14-16).
II. ACCORDING TO THE LORD'S WORD, CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE "ONE BODY"
A. See Colossians 1:18 B. We learn from Ephesians 5:23-27 that the Lord has a special relationship with His body. C. To be the Lord's "one body" we must submit to His will (Colossians 3:17).
III. ACCORDING TO THE LORD'S WORD, CHRISTIANS ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE "ONE BODY"
A. See Ephesians 5:30; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27. B. These passages show us that Christians are the members of the "one body." 1. To be more specific, the "one body" is composed of those who have been baptized into it (1 Corinthians 12:13). 2. This harmonizes perfectly with Acts 2:38, 41, 47. 3. By the way, how many baptisms are there? (see Ephesians 4:5) 4. A baptism that puts a person into a church that we do not read about in the Bible is not the baptism commanded by Christ. 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.
Conclusion:
1. The "one body" [the church] is so precious that Jesus gave Himself for it, and He purchased it with His blood (Acts 20:28). 2. The Lord wants us to be faithful, active, and dedicated members of His body. 3. Are you a member of the Lord's "one body?" 4. If you are, does the Lord see you as being faithful, active, and dedicated?
