July 2, 2006 / Volume 10, Issue 27
Unity In The Christian Character
In last week's article, we considered the unity we ought to have in our manner of life. We continue on that thought this week, again looking at the character which God has prescribed for the Christian.
ACTS 2:41-47
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Note a few important expressions from the text. The disciples "...had all things in common...". There was nothing so dear to them that they would not sacrifice for the needs of the saints. This same disposition is found in Acts 4:32, where the disciples are described as being "...of one heart and one soul..." Because of this great love for each other, no one behaved greedily, but willingly shared their possessions with each other.
Notice also, the frequency with which the first century disciples met. Verse 46 says they continued "...daily with one accord in the temple." I often wonder, what would a Christian from the first century think of the zeal (or rather, the lack thereof) of some today when it comes to assembling together with fellow Christians. For some, it is a chore just to spend a couple hours Sunday morning with the saints. What a wonderful picture of the oneness brethren should have - they desired and were determined to be with one another constantly.
ROMANS 12:9-21
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mins, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The apostle identifies many attributes which ought to be in the Christian character. Consider:
- v 10 - kindly affectionate. We need to be "loving and gentle" (WEB). Brotherly love is time and again emphasized in the New Testament, even as a test of whether we are indeed the children of God or not (1 Jn 2:8-11; 3:14-18; 4:7-8). We need to give preference to others, always seeking to give kindness beyond measure.
- v 13 - distributing to the needs of the saints. It should be our constant aim to help our brethren when they are in need. Such is a demonstration of the love we are commanded to have one to another (Jms 2:15-16; 1 Jn 3:17-18).
- v 16 - be of the same mind toward one another. In this, he urges us to associate with the humble. The Christian ought not be concerned with competition, with excelling others, with personal gain and victory, but with mutual encouragement, growing together in the Lord, and holding up the weak.
ROMANS 15:1-6
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Again, the inspired texts calls upon us to be "likeminded". We should be happy, for our brother's sake, to bear the weaknesses of the weak, so that he might be encouraged. We should be ready to please our neighbor, not to boost our own ego or for self-gratification, but in order to edify others. And, so we understand the type of service here spoken of, Jesus Christ Himself, is used as our great example. He willingly endured the reproaches of those who, at the time, were unfaithful to the Lord. Why did He do so? Because of His love for us. Friend, we also ought to love one another, even in the same fashion which He has shown us (Jn 13:34-35).
1 PETER 3:8-9
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Again, the unity of the brethren is discussed. In fact, the phrase "be of one mind" is a single Greek word, homophron, from homo, meaning together or oneness, and phron, meaning understanding, judgment or perception. We are to have one understanding together. We are to share a perfect unity as the people of God.
In our conduct toward one another, we are to display compassion. We ought to have a soft heart, ready to rejoice with those who rejoice, but equally ready to weep with those who weep (Ro 12:15; 1 Co 12:26). Peter says "...be courteous...", literally, "be friendly". Sadly, we need a reminder, at times, to be friendly with our fellow Christians.
If we have been wronged by someone (whether a brother in Christ or not), we are to return blessings, not evil. In so doing, we will become as our heavenly Father is (Mt 5:43-48).
Friend, let us build our character as the children of God. Let us have conduct which is worthy of the name Christian. May we place one another before ourselves, in a spirit of humility. May we endeavour always to do good, regardless what others do to us. Let us willingly give of our selves to serve others. May we desire to share one another's company, for mutual edification. Let us do nothing through vain glory, but always serve in sincerity leading to edification. And let us be a source of comfort and strength for those who are weak, that we too much also be comforted and strengthened in our times of weakness.
Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
To whom did Peter deny knowing Jesus? Matthew records a servant girl, another girl, and then a crowd of people. Mark records a servant girl, the same girl again, and then a crowd of people. Luke records a servant girl, a man, and then another man. John records a girl at the door, several anonymous persons, and one of the high priest's servants. Is there a contradiction?
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
