GOD’S PATTERN FOR THE FUNCTION OF HIS SPIRITUAL
FAMILY
The Bible is a book of patterns. These
patterns are rich and filled with challenging spiritual substance. If we see
only the skeletal aspects of these patterns and are thus influenced to abandon
them, we choose the response of liberalism (Rom. 2:23-24). If, however, we opt
for the bare-bones, letteristic approach that removes spirituality from God’s
words, we go the way of legalism (Rom. 2:28-29). We must, therefore, keep both
form and function, both the boundaries of God’s grace and the richness of His
Spirit. Let us examine the pattern for God’s spiritual family, the church.
GOD’S PROVISION—THE WORD
Ephesians 4:11-12
1. A complete
endowment for the work God has been given (I Cor. 13:8-10; Jn. 14:26; 16:13).
2. It is an
essentially positive endowment to promote service and growth (Matt. 20:25-28;
13:31-32).
3. The word of
God is the endowment that thoroughly furnishes us for every good work (II Tim.
3:16-17; II Pet. 1:2-4).
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY—DISCIPLESHIP
Ephesians 4:13-15
1. Each
Christian has the very personal responsibility to grow (Jn. 15:1-8).
2. This growth
is to be realized in our conformity to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29; Gal.
2:20).
3. The more
Christlike we are, the better suited we are for the patterns of life in the
body of Christ.
a. We change
our egocentric thinking to a mind set on unity (Phil. 1:27; 2:1-5).
b. We are
willing to bear up under ill treatment for the sake of Jesus (I Pet. 2:19-21).
c. We are
forgiving (Eph. 4:32).
d. We are
determined to live in peace (Rom. 12:17-21).
e. We set our
hearts toward the building up of our brethren (Rom. 14:19; 15:2).
WORKING TOGETHER—BROTHERHOOD
Ephesians 4:16
1. The church
is most frequently associated with the language of family (Gal. 1:2; Eph. 6:23;
Col. 1:2; I Thess. 4:9; I Pet. 1:22; I Jn. 3:14; Matt. 19:29; Rom. 14:10-21;
16:1, 13; I Tim 1:2, 18; 5:1-2; Jas. 2:15-16, etc.).
2. Within the
pattern of family the church finds both its most appealing image and its most
effective model for growth.
3. Each member
is responsible for his or her unique contribution to the growth of the body (I
Cor. 12:12-27; cf. Matt. 25:15).
4. Within this
pattern we come to understand most completely the beauty of congregational
singing with melody provided from hearts in love with God and with each other
(Eph. 5:19).
5. The need to
assemble together draws its strength from the idea of family (Heb. 10:25).
6. Our giving
in keeping with our ability is strengthened by the concept of a family where
each member contributes to the needs of the group (I Cor. 16:1-2; II Cor.
8:1-5; 9:7).
7. Our prayers
as we are in assembly show a unity of heart and purpose, as is found in strong
families (I Tim. 2:1-8).
8. In the
Lord’s Supper our family unity is again at the forefront (I Cor. 10:15-17).
9. As the word
is preached we give heed to it as a family motivated by a common purpose (Acts
2:42; I Tim. 6:3-5).
Indeed, the pattern for God’s spiritual
family shows the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10). Let us, therefore, infuse
a self-sacrificing love into the instructions God has given us. Let family rule
over our words and deeds as we follow the Christ into the unity of the Spirit
and the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3).
Edwin
2/18/01
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