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There is One Body

Text: Ephesians 4
26 July 2015

INTRODUCTION TO THE CONCEPT OF “ONE BODY”

1. Those who are in Christ are not left on their own

2. Those who are in Christ are part of the body of Christ

3. The body of Christ is the church   (Ephesians 1:22–23)

4. The imagery of the body of Christ:-

a) It means that we belong to Christ in a special way
b) It means that we belong to each other in a special way

DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS OF THE CONCEPT OF “ONE BODY”

1. Fellow citizens with the saints   (Ephesians 2:19)

2. Members of the household of God   (Ephesians 2:19)

3. A holy temple   (Ephesians 2:20–21):-

a) Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets
b) Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone
c) The whole building is fitted together
d) Built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit

THE BARRIERS TO BEING “ONE BODY” HAVE BEEN OVERCOME

1. Once we were dead in trespasses and sins, but now we are alive together with Christ   (Ephesians 2:5)

2. Once we were far off, but now we have been brought near by the blood of Christ   (Ephesians 2:13)

THE EDIFICATION OF THE BODY IS A MAIN CONCERN

1. The idea of the edification of the body of Christ   (Ephesians 4:12):-

a) To keep it healthy
b) To make it grow stronger
c) To deal with illnesses

2. Christ gave gifts to some for the edification of the body of Christ   (Ephesians 4:12)

3. Examples of gifts   (Ephesians 4:11):-

a) Apostles
b) Prophets
c) Evangelists
d) Pastors (and teachers)

THE CHALLENGE TO APPRECIATE BEING “ONE BODY”

1. Those who believe in Christ are part of His body – the church

2. The barriers to being part of His body have been overcome

3. Responses:-

a) Having a sense of belonging to the body of Christ
b) Allowing ourselves to be edified as the body of Christ