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"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling."

Text: Ephesians 4:4

APPLICATION OF THE TEXT

Paul’s words on the subject of unity must be taken to heart. Heeding these wise words of admonition will go a long way to preserving unity in the church. Let us take time to ponder and pray most consciously over each idea presented. The following approach will be adopted to help us think through Paul’s thoughts.

THE FIRST THOUGHT: “ONE BODY” (“soma”)

Tracing the root of Paul’s thoughts will yield rich results. The following texts may be highlighted:-

1. The Church is described as the Body of Christ

And He put all things under His feet,
and gave Him to be head over all things to the Church,
which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
EPHESIANS 1:22-23

2. Jews and Gentiles are described as “one body”

And that He might reconcile them both to God
in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death
the enmity.
EPHESIANS 2:16

3. Gentiles are declared “fellow heirs” because they are one body

That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs,
of the same body, and partakers of His promise
in Christ through the Gospel.
EPHESIANS 3:6

4. The concept of “one body” to be borne in mind at all times

There is one body…
EPHESIANS 4:4

TAKING TIME TO DWELL ON THE IDEA OF “ONE BODY”

It is so easy to take for granted our understanding of what “the Church” truly means. If we are not careful, we will soon lose the significance of God’s idea to build a Church where Jews and Gentiles are meant to be so melded together, they are “one body”.

1. It is good to take time to meditate on the significance of “one body”.

2. It is important that we consciously practice the concept of “one body”.

3.It would be wonderful if we could joyfully apply the concept of “one body” as we worship and fellowship in the context of the local church.