Restoring the Unity Session 7

Back to Eden   Every part of the new creation functioned in perfect harmony with every other part.   The Fall of man destroyed all that harmony.

Two Problems   The material witnesses were dead and needed to be redeemed.   They were also divided. Jews and Gentiles needed to be reconciled.

One Pattern Fits All  The pattern He used to reconcile Jews and Gentiles must be followed anytime men need to be reconciled to each other.

The External Problem: Division   The Jews prided themselves on being in the center of God’s plans.   The Greeks were proud of their excellence.

The External Problem: Division   God’s plan was to make out of these two groups one new group—the Church.

The Internal Problem: Pride   Any gift will divide when it is utilized in pride.

I Corinthians 1:26-31 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many [naturally powerful], not many [high-born], are called:

I Corinthians 1:26-31 (cont.) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: I Corinthians 1:26-31 (cont.)

That no flesh should glory in his presence, But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: I Corinthians 1:26-31 (cont.)

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. I Corinthians 1:26-31 (cont.)

The Internal Problem: Pride   The biggest temptation of fallen man is his pride.

Pride Creates Contentions   Modern Secular Manifestations   Feminist Activism   Racial Activism   Political Activism   Environmental Activism   Gay Activism

  Doctrinal positions   Parenting philosophies   Educational choices   Bible translations   Health issues   Literature issues Christian Battlegrounds

The Internal Problem: Pride   The biggest temptation of fallen man is his pride.   We may hold a truly biblical position, but it can be corrupted if held, taught, and defended in pride.

The Solution: Humility 1 – Remember the past. 2 – Repent of your pride.

Repent of Your Pride   Every reconciliation must begin here.   He removed the thing in which they boasted.

Repent of Your Pride   The only valid posture before the Supreme One is humility.

Repent of Your Pride   When men are truly reconciled, the fundamental character of the relationship has changed—not just the terms of interaction.

The Solution: Humility 1 – Remember the past. 2 – Repent of your pride. 3 – Restructure the relation- ship.

Restructure the Relationship   He calls both parties to become something different.   Paul urged them to recognize and celebrate their essential unity.   He did not tell them to protect their individual diversities.

The Mysteries of Ephesians   The Mystery of Christ   The foundation of all spiritual unity is Jesus.   The Mystery of the Church   The solution for spiritual unity is the Church.

  The Mystery of Marriage   The illustration of spiritual unity is marriage. The Mysteries of Ephesians

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