Doing Divine Things Together.

Our theme for the year is not just a slogan; it is a practice of our faith. Our church's One Legacy goals for the year are things we have to do together, because that is how God designed the body of Christ to work.

Our society is increasingly plagued by loneliness. Human beings were created to be with others. Isolation is not good for us.

Doing Ministry Together Is Not:

• uniformity in external matters. It is not mechanical; it comes from an internal source (see below).
• organizational or intellectual.
• superficial. It flows from a redeemed heart.
• sentimental.
• inactive.

^{These insights into unity are taken from William Hendriksen's commentary on Ephesians.}

Unity Is:

• spiritual. It is sourced in God's nature. From the beginning, God has been a unity of persons (Genesis 1:26-27).
• personal. God places us in Christ's body to work interdependently for eternal purposes (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
• maturing. Even personal holiness is developed together (Ephesians 4:11-5:21). Individual and corporate growth leads to Gospel influence.

In Ephesians 4:1-7, Paul asks believers to join him in a lifestyle. The word "implore" is a strong verb meaning to beg. He urges them to keep walking in a worthy manner. (See also Romans 12:1-2.) He has already detailed many rich truths of salvation in Ephesians 1-3. We live out our salvation in Christ-like character that matches the Gospel.

Our position in Christ spurs an invitation and a disposition. "Humility" was a word with negative connotations to Paul's original audience, one of servility, weakness, and shame. In the new framework of life in Christ, we are to imitate our Savior together. We cannot even be our best selves on our own. Pride does things alone. Sin isolates; grace unites.

Application Points

• God never intended any human soul to exist alone. Have you isolated yourself personally, domestically, or ecclesiastically? Our home life should be more substantial than mere proximity. Are you developing personal holiness alongside brothers and sisters in Christ?

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

• 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 – Paul similarly urges the Thessalonians.
• Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalm 133:3, John 13:21-38, 17:20-21, 1 Peter 4:9-11, Romans 12:1-8 – God's design for divine togetherness among His people.