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One Body Practicing First-Century Unity And Avoiding Twenty-First Century Division Presented by Chris Reeves * Lakeland Hills church of Christ * Gospel Meeting * March 27, 2011

Unity or Division? The Lord wants unity (Psa. 133:1; Eph. 4:3,13) The Devil wants division (Eph. 5:20) Divided through false doctrine (Rom. 16:17) Divided through personalities (1 Cor. 1:10-12) and selfishness (1 Cor. 11:18,21) Divided through opinions (Rom. 14) Divided through preeminence (3 Jn. 9-10)

One Body Many religions today, including some in the “Restoration Movement,” promote a “one body” philosophy, but not according to the NT A gospel / doctrine distinction; Christ / church distinction; man / plan distinction A unity in diversity approach Paul writes about “one body” and gives us the New Testament plan for true unity among Christians

“One Body” at Rome Romans 12:4-5 The “one body” relationship is accomplished when all Christians function together as members of one body The “one body” relationship is hindered when some members think they are better than others (12:3,16)

“One Body” at Corinth 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 The “one body” relationship is accomplished when Christians partake of the Lord’s supper together with one love and devotion for Christ The “one body” relationship is hindered when brethren give their devotion to something else (idolatry) and provoke the Lord to jealousy (1 Cor. 10:15,18-22)

“One Body” at Corinth 1 Corinthians 12:12-13,20 The “one body” relationship is accomplished when people are baptized together into the body of Christ (Acts 2:28; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27) The “one body” relationship is hindered when brethren do not want to work together with other members in love (1 Cor. 12:14-31)

“One Body” at Ephesus Ephesians 2:16; 4:4 The “one body” relationship is accomplished when people submit together to the “ones” listed in Ephesians 4:4-6 The “one body” relationship is hindered when brethren give into error and do not submit to these doctrinal truths (Eph. 4:14)

“One Body” at Colossae Colossians 3:15 The “one body” relationship is accomplished by being “called in one body” together through the gospel (1 Thess. 2:13) and being thankful together This “one body” relationship can be hindered when brethren lack the qualities listed in Colossians 3:12-17 and when brethren engage in the sins listed in Colossians 3:5-9