As I was reading this chapter I had much of it underlined and it is one I have heard many messages from. I am always amazed how much the number "one" means to God. One God, One Spirit, One hope, One Lord, One Faith, One baptism - what makes you think He is interested in unity!!! Oh, yes, One Body!!! We are one and we do best when we are flowing together as one. Just like when a couple is working together in their marriage and not fighting against one another. The oneness is felt by everyone - and so much gets accomplished. Plus God blessed oneness. Being ONE is an example to the world of our Christianity too.
Then Verses 20 thru 32 are amazing!!! If you were wondering how to live your life different as a Christian then look no further - These verses are really powerful!
What ministered to you as you read this chapter???
2 comments:
This chapter really gets down to the nitty gritty of living -- ouch! It talks about oneness and unity; but before that can happen, each of us needs to “…throw off our old evil nature…and there must be a spiritual renewal of our thoughts and attitudes.” A spiritual renewal, which will bring about the outward change, not vice versa. (vs. 22-23) Those verses in the Message Remix bible reads…
“Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything – and I do mean everything – connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life – a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.”
Verses 20-32 are very clear as to how the old nature lives, in case I have forgotten, as well as the new nature. The wonderful thing … God is present by his Holy Spirit to “accurately reproduce his character” in me/us! Praise God I don’t have to do this on my own! BUT, I am part of the process, which starts from the inside. And I must choose my thoughts (casting down every thought that would try to exalt itself above the Word of God)… I must choose my attitudes… and I must choose my words!
The other thing that really spoke to me was verse 16b, “As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” I’ve always that heard that each part of the body is needed in order for the body/church to function properly. BUT as we each do our part, we help the other parts of the body GROW so that the entire body is healthy and growing and full of love – unity/oneness! The Body of Christ cannot grow or be healthy or full of love or walk in oneness UNLESS we are each doing what God has called us to do!
God is calling me to grow up, allowing Him to “accurately reproduce his character” in me. God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us, and He wants to use each one of us!
Amen!! Lots of truth in the book. Kind of reminds us why we are serving the Lord, doesn't it? Thanks for your comments, Arlene.
Post a Comment