We Are Members Of One Another Text: Selected Scriptures Series: One Another Statements Pastor Lyle L. Wahl March 3, 2019

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1 We Are Members Of One Another Text: Selected Scriptures Series: One Another Statements Pastor Lyle L. Wahl March 3, 2019 Theme: Live In And Preserve The Unity God Has Created. Introduction. It is important to keep basic, first principles in focus. Late in 1935 the final phase of evaluations for a new military aircraft were underway in the United States. The Boeing entry was leading the field until it stalled after takeoff and crashed. Investigators determined that pilot error caused the crash. It appeared that Boeing s bid was dead. They did not get the big contract for 185 to 220 planes, but pleaded for and secured a contract for 13 planes for further testing. Being under close scrutiny, the pilots decided what was needed was a way to make sure everything was done and that nothing was overlooked. The result was the first pilot s check list. With the checklist in place and rigorous training, their twelve test aircraft flew 1.8 million miles without a serious accident. The military accepted the plane and eventually ordered 12,731 of the planes they called the B Over the years checklists have been developed for industrial operations, medical procedures, engineering, law, insurance and many other fields of work and interest. There are a number of checklists for the church first priority things to follow with our hearts and minds in order to make sure we are living, growing and serving as we should. One of these checklists is found in the one another statements of the New Testament. There are over twenty of them. They include: being members of one another, accepting one another, loving one another which is the first one listed in the New Testament, 2 praying for one another, encouraging one another, serving one another, building up one another,

2 submitting to one another, forgiving one another, not judging one another, not lying to one another, admonishing one another, bearing with one another, bearing one another s burdens, and having fellowship with one another. We are going to walk through these statements over the next weeks. Today we begin with looking at what one another means in terms of the church. The Bible tells us that we are members of one another. The central action that comes from this is that we are to live in and preserve the unity God has created in Christ s church. God Has Made Us Members Of One Another. The starting place is to realize that God has made us members of one another. Every person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior, and so has God s everlasting life, has been baptized into Christ s body, the church. 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 13 tells us, For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. Paul is not talking about water baptism here. We know that first because the gospel is clear salvation is by God s grace through faith in Christ alone. No actions we do or the church does to us result in salvation. As the Bible tells us, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3 Paul told the jailer in Philippi, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (NASB). 4 The point in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 13 is that all believers, that every believer has been baptized into the body not just some who, for example, were baptized with water. We see a similar image in Galatians chapter 3, For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves 2

3 with Christ (verses 26-27, NASB). As well, the second part of verse 13 helps clarify this as he writes that we have all been made to drink into one Spirit. Paul is referring to receiving the Holy Spirit. All believers baptized in water or not have received the Holy Spirit. Paul makes that clear in Romans chapter 8 verse 9, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him (NASB). This baptism into the church pictures the spiritual cleansing, or washing away of our sins. Turn to 1 Corinthians chapter 6, which is on page 1314 in the church Bibles. After listing some sins of non-believers in verses 9 and 10, in verse 11 Paul wrote, And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. We see this again in Titus chapter 3 verse 5. [God] saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spi rit (NASB). So, you and everyone who has received Jesus Christ as Savior has been baptized into and so are united in Christ s one body, His church. Not only are all believers now in this one body and so united with Christ, we are also united with each other. Before we think about Paul s image of the church as a body, note some of the other images for the church in the New Testament. The church is pictured as a flock. Jesus said, I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 5 It is pictured as a building. The apostle Peter wrote that believers as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house. 6 In that same section Peter described the church as a holy priesthood and as a royal priesthood. 7 You may recall Jesus also describing the church as branches He told us I am the vine, you are the branches. 8 And then the church is pictured as the bride of Christ. Revelation chapter 19 speaks of the celebration of the marriage supper of the Lamb [Christ] and His bride, the church. 9 The apostle Paul pictures the church as the body in several of his letters. The human body is amazing and complex. One light-hearted description states, Anatomy is the human body, which consists of three parts, the head, the chest and the stomach. The head contains the eyes and brains, if any. The chest contains the lungs and a piece of the liver. The stomach is devoted to the bowels, of which there are five, a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes w and y. 10 3

4 Our bodies are intricate and the many parts are vitally interrelated. Think about the largest organ of our bodies our skin. Our skin provides protection, the ability to sense cold, heat, pressure and pain through nerve endings, regulation of heat, as well as absorption and excretion. Our skin has three layers, each with its own makeup and functions. Our skin cells hang around only for a short time, usually between 2 to 4 weeks. While we don t notice it, the cells on the top die off and flake off in high numbers all the time. If you could catch and keep them they would amount to a few pounds over the course of a year. But before you try to latch on to that as a way to lose weight you need to know that a new skin cell replaces every one you lose. 11 Our bodies and their interrelated parts are an excellent picture of the church. Each believer is not only united with Christ, but also with the rest of the body, with all other believers. While there are almost countless different congregations and many denominations, there is only one body of Christ, the one church. 1 Corinthians chapter 12 tells us, as we read earlier, For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all been made to drink into one Spirit (verses 12-13). Later in that chapter God instructs us, But now indeed there are many members, yet one body (verse 20). And in Ephesians chapter 4 we read, There is one body (verse 4). This is a spiritual reality that transcends congregations, denominations and geography. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12 Paul develops this by saying, If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. (verses 15-16, ESV). We are united to and important to the functioning of the entire church whether we think of churches close to us, other churches in our One Hope Canada family or soon to be AGC family, across the nation, or on the opposite side of the earth. We will never know here on 4

5 earth the impact we have on most of the rest of the church by being a faithful part of the body, nor their impact on us. Yes, God has made us members of one another. God s Dynamics Of Believers Being Members Of One Another. God has made us members of one another with a unity we are to live in and preserve. Let s look at some of what is involved, at God s dynamics of believers being members of one another. One implication of the church being a body that is essential to understanding who we are and functioning as we should is that we are interdependent, that we all depend on each other. Paul wrote in Romans chapter 12 verse 5, we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. We are members of the body but, again, each of us is also a member of others, of each other. It is more than just a relationship or being connected. God has created an interconnectedness between us with essential mutual needs and responsibilities. Our physical body has many parts that are not just physically connected, but also functionally connected. Our skin both fulfills vital functions for other parts of our bodies and receives vital service from other parts. So also believers have an interconnectedness with each other. This interdependence means a number of things. First, each of us is part of the body and no one is independent of the body. We go back to 1 Corinthians chapter 12, starting at verse 15 again. If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. (verses 15-16, ESV). Whatever a believer may think or however that believer may behave does not change the reality that he or she is a member of the body. Then, this also tells us that no Christian can live, can function as they should on their own, independent of others. Our physical bodies need all the parts to function properly, feet 5

6 and hands, ears and eyes. Paul wrote later in chapter 12 the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you ; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you (verse 21). As well, the body needs the operation of each part to function as it should. As Paul wrote in that same section, If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? (verse 17, NASB). An eye by itself, an ear by itself does not equal a body. As a result Paul concludes, How strange a body would be if it had only one part! (verse 19, NLT). So, no believer can say to other believers, I don t need you, or, You don t need me. We are interdependent. God has created that interconnectedness between us with essential mutual needs and responsibilities. A second aspect of God s dynamics for us as members of Christ s body and of each other is that we are placed where and as God wants us. Look at verse 18 in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. As Paul goes on to discuss gifted people in the church, in verse 28 he tells us that God has appointed certain gifts in the church. He is speaking of gifted people God gave to the church, and the principle is the same as we have just seen. God places people where and as He wants to, particularly with respect to the gifts and roles He has for them. Paul uses the same kind of language in Ephesians chapter 4 where he states that God gave some to be foundational gifts to the church (verse 11). We probably never think of ourselves as being a hand, foot, eye, ear or nose in the body of Christ. But whatever spiritual abilities and roles you have are God s gifts to you and to the church. Whatever opportunities we have for personal growth, serving Christ and others come to us because God has made, shaped and placed us as He wishes. So there is no reason to either complain or to be proud of what we have, don t have or our role. Why complain or be envious of others if God in His perfect knowledge and love has placed you in the body of Christ just as, right where He wishes? If God s plans for you are good and loving and they are that is the place, the only place you should want to be. Earlier in chapter 4 of 1 Corinthians as Paul wrote about being servants and stewards of God (verses 1-2), he said one of the purposes of his teaching on this was to ensure than no one will become proud or arrogant (verse 6). As he continued he wrote pointedly, For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did 6

7 receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (verse 7, NASB). The truth is that when we complain or brag about where God has placed us, about the abilities, opportunities, positions that God has given or not given us, we are criticizing even judging God and His sovereign grace to us. There is great comfort and assurance in knowing that God has placed us in the body of Christ exactly where He wants us. The next dynamic of being members of one another is related to this. We are to be humble. The first two chapters of 1 Corinthians deal with divisions that existed in that church. There were quarrels and different factions as some had gathered and rallied together around people, views and issues. The next two chapters outline some of the results of those divisions. Then in chapter 4 Paul reminds them they are servants of Christ and should not be arrogant. He closes the section by giving them an option, What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? (verse 21). In other words, Correct this or I will correct it and you when I come. The people in that church needed to fulfill the royal law of love toward each other, each one needed to, as Paul wrote to the church in Rome, please his neighbor for his good, to build him up (ESV). 12 It is easier to see pride or what we think is pride in others than in ourselves. It also is easier to see humility or what we think is humility in ourselves than in others. One of the clearest descriptions of humility in the Bible is found in Romans chapter 12 verse 3, through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of fai th (NASB). The key is having sound judgment. Judgment that comes from God enlightening our minds through the truth of the Bible as we trust Him, as we live by faith. Humility does not mean thinking we are worthy only to be a doormat for others any more than it means thinking we are superior to others. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12 Paul says in the church we ought to give generous, overflowing honor to the parts we consider to be less honorable (verse 22). He goes on to say that this will prevent divisions in the church (verse 25), and that if one member suffers, 7

8 all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it (verse 26). Our supreme example of humility is Jesus Christ. Recall the message of the opening verses of Philippians chapter 2, which is found on page 1349 in the church Bibles. Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like- minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (verses 1-8). Christ s humility for our sake should be a constant guide to how we think, speak and act as members of one another. All believers are members of one another. We are interdependent. We are placed where and as God wants us. And so, we are to be humble. In addition, we are to preserve the unity God has given us. Turn to Ephesians chapter 4, where we will pick it up at the first verse. This is on page 1345 in the church Bibles. I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (verses 1-3) This is the preface to Paul s statements about being in the one body of Christ, of being given gifts to serve so that we will be stable, working and maturing together. 8

9 We are to endeavor to keep, to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (NASB). Be ready and eager, be careful and persistent, make every effort to stretch and strain to preserve the unity God has created. God by the Holy Spirit has created our unity. We have a definite and responsible role in preserving it. Sadly, some believers at times make little effort to preserve their God-given unity and allow almost any thing to stretch and break it. We have heard the sad, sinful sagas of churches splitting over the color of carpets, paint on the walls and even of the color of shingles on the roof. Many more silly things have led to church splits and even lawsuits. And these are just the tip of the iceberg people who don t talk to or acknowledge others, power struggles simmer and rage. And sometimes these cancers go on destroying a local church body for years. One such saga hit the news some years ago and still can be found on the internet. A church in St. Paul, Minnesota had been embroiled in conflict for several years between the pastor and some of the people. The pastor came back from a conference where he was reappointed as the church s pastor. Before he got back some trustees changed the locks on the church. In response he dismissed several of the trustees. Then during a verbal exchange outside the church building which was caught on video, one lady hit him and he in turn hit her. The police were called. Things finally cooled down and no arrests were made. 13 Because we are members of one another we must be diligent to preserve the unity God has given us. Conclusion. A writer opened one of his books by citing words from a speech of the late U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, I believe in individualism up to the point where the individual starts to operate at the expense of society. Then the writer tells us, Substitute the word church for society, and you have the theme of this book. He went on, God made each of us individuals, and He wants us to cultivate our uniqueness and use it in the special ways He s ordained for us. God has made us a part of His church, and that means we have the responsibility of using our uniqueness to serve Him and His people. We are 9

10 not alone in our Christian walk. We must have others in our minds and hearts as we pray, study the Word, and serve our Lord. 14 He was saying, taking off on President Roosevelt s statement, that he believes in individualism up to the point where the individual starts to operate at the expense of the church. That is a sound, accurate conclusion based on Romans chapter 14, among other Scriptural statements. Most of us, most of the time don t want to operate at the expense of the church. However, at times we can become careless and up doing just that. As you reflect and talk with God about being members of one another, thank God that you are not alone and that in addition to God being with you, you are an integral, valuable member of the body of Christ right now where God has placed you. Review with God how you see yourself and others as members of one another. Confess any improper independence, lack of humility and lack of stretching and straining to preserve the unity God has given us. Make a new commitment to follow God s checklist for being a healthy member of the body of Christ. 1 John Schamel. How the Pilot s Checklist Came About. < Last updated 18 March Accessed 18 February John 13:34, 35; 15:12, John 3:16. 4 Acts 16:31, NASB. 5 John 10:1-18; 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:20. 6 Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2: Peter 2:5-9; see also Revelation 1:6. 8 John 15: Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:6-9; 21:9; 22: < Accessed 18 February

11 11 Some internet sources: Ed Grabianowski. How many skin cells do you shed every day? < n.d. Accessed 19 February Yamini Durani (Reviewer). Your Skin. < May Accessed 19 February American Academy of Dermatology Association. How Skin Grows. < n.d. Accessed 19 February Romans 15:2, ESV. 13 < Accessed 18 February Warren W. Wiersbe. Caring People. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002, page , Lyle L. Wahl Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked (NASB) taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois All rights reserved. 11