Embracing the Indivisible Christ: Unity and Servanthood
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound unity and indivisibility of Christ, emphasizing that He is not merely a collection of attributes or roles but a singular, complete Savior. We cannot compartmentalize Christ into separate aspects like justification, sanctification, or redemption. Instead, we must embrace Him wholly, as He embodies wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This indivisibility of Christ underscores the unity of His person and work, reminding us that there is only one Savior, one Lord, and one Church.
The uniqueness of Christ's work is a central theme in the New Testament, setting Christianity apart as a faith that acknowledges only one Savior. The world may present a pantheon of saviors and deliverers, but the Christian faith is rooted in the truth that salvation is found in Christ alone. This exclusivity is not a matter of intolerance but a recognition of the singularity of Christ's redemptive work. To place anyone or anything alongside Christ as a means of salvation is to deny the core truth of the Christian faith.
Furthermore, we delved into the unique relationship Christ has with us. Unlike any other relationship, Christ owns us because He has purchased us with His blood. This ownership is not oppressive but liberating, as it frees us from the bondage of sin and the tyranny of self. As our Lord and Master, Christ calls us to a life of service and humility, following His example of servanthood. This relationship redefines our identity and purpose, uniting us as one body under one Lord.
In conclusion, the doctrine of one Lord leads to the doctrine of one Church. Our unity in Christ transcends all divisions, as we are all equally owned by Him and called to serve one another. This unity is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that shapes our interactions and relationships within the body of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Indivisibility of Christ: Embrace Christ wholly, as He embodies wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We cannot divide Him into separate aspects; He is one and indivisible. This understanding calls us to a holistic faith that acknowledges the fullness of Christ's person and work. [20:38]
2. The Uniqueness of Christ's Work: Christianity is unique in its recognition of one Savior. The world may offer many saviors, but the New Testament affirms that salvation is found in Christ alone. This exclusivity is not intolerance but a recognition of the singularity of Christ's redemptive work. [23:49]
3. Christ's Ownership of Us: Christ owns us because He has purchased us with His blood. This relationship is unique and liberating, freeing us from the bondage of sin and self. As our Lord and Master, Christ calls us to a life of service and humility, following His example. [35:11]
4. Unity in Christ: The doctrine of one Lord leads to the doctrine of one Church. Our unity in Christ transcends all divisions, as we are all equally owned by Him and called to serve one another. This unity is a lived reality that shapes our interactions within the body of Christ. [40:50]
5. The Call to Servanthood: Christ's example of servanthood calls us to serve one another. As He washed the disciples' feet, we are called to humble ourselves and serve others. This servanthood is a reflection of our relationship with Christ and our unity in Him. [38:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [20:24] - The Indivisibility of Christ
- [21:14] - Unity in Christ's Person and Work
- [22:06] - One Savior, One Church
- [23:16] - The Uniqueness of Christ's Work
- [24:22] - The Exclusivity of Salvation in Christ
- [25:24] - Christ's Unique Role as Savior
- [26:42] - One God, One Mediator
- [28:57] - Understanding the True Nature of the Church
- [29:43] - The Doctrine of Antichrist
- [30:25] - The Fullness of Christ
- [31:47] - Intolerance and Unity in Faith
- [33:15] - The Fallacy of a World Congress of Faiths
- [34:15] - Christ's Unique Relationship with Us
- [36:03] - Christ as Master and Lord
- [38:51] - The Call to Servanthood
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6
2. Acts 20:28
3. Matthew 23:8-12
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 8:5-6, how does Paul describe the uniqueness of God and Jesus Christ? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the indivisibility of Christ? [26:42]
2. In Acts 20:28, what does Paul say about the relationship between Christ and the Church? How does this passage support the idea of Christ's ownership of us? [34:50]
3. How does Matthew 23:8-12 illustrate the concept of servanthood and equality among believers, as discussed in the sermon? [38:19]
4. What examples from the sermon highlight the dangers of dividing Christ into separate aspects like justification and sanctification? [20:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the indivisibility of Christ challenge the way believers might compartmentalize their faith into different aspects like justification and sanctification? [20:24]
2. In what ways does the uniqueness of Christ's work set Christianity apart from other faiths, according to the sermon? How does this exclusivity impact the believer's understanding of salvation? [23:49]
3. How does the concept of Christ's ownership of believers redefine their identity and purpose, as discussed in the sermon? [35:11]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the doctrine of one Lord and the unity of the Church? How does this unity manifest in the lives of believers? [40:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of Christ's indivisibility. Are there areas in your life where you tend to separate aspects of Christ's work? How can you embrace a more holistic view of Christ? [20:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ's work. How does this understanding influence your interactions with people of other faiths? How can you share the exclusivity of Christ's salvation with grace and truth? [23:49]
3. Consider the idea that Christ owns us because He purchased us with His blood. How does this truth affect your daily decisions and priorities? Are there areas where you struggle to live as someone who belongs to Christ? [35:11]
4. The sermon calls believers to a life of servanthood, following Christ's example. What practical steps can you take this week to serve others in your community or church? [38:51]
5. How does the unity in Christ challenge you to overcome divisions within your church or community? Are there specific relationships where you need to seek reconciliation or unity? [40:50]
6. Reflect on the concept of Christ as the only mediator between God and humanity. How does this shape your prayer life and your approach to God? [28:37]
7. The sermon discusses the importance of humility and servanthood. Identify one person in your life whom you can serve this week, following Christ's example of washing the disciples' feet. What specific action will you take? [38:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Wholeness of Christ
Christ is not a collection of separate attributes or roles; He is a singular, complete Savior. This indivisibility means that we cannot compartmentalize Him into aspects like justification, sanctification, or redemption. Instead, we are called to embrace Him wholly, as He embodies wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This understanding calls us to a holistic faith that acknowledges the fullness of Christ's person and work. By recognizing the unity of His person and work, we are reminded that there is only one Savior, one Lord, and one Church. [20:38]
1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (ESV): "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to compartmentalize your faith? How can you begin to embrace the fullness of Christ in your daily walk with Him today?
Day 2: Recognize the Singular Savior
Christianity is unique in its recognition of one Savior, Jesus Christ. The world may offer many saviors and deliverers, but the New Testament affirms that salvation is found in Christ alone. This exclusivity is not a matter of intolerance but a recognition of the singularity of Christ's redemptive work. To place anyone or anything alongside Christ as a means of salvation is to deny the core truth of the Christian faith. By acknowledging the uniqueness of Christ's work, we affirm the central tenet of Christianity that sets it apart from other beliefs. [23:49]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: Are there influences or beliefs in your life that compete with the truth of Christ as the only Savior? How can you reaffirm your commitment to Him today?
Day 3: Experience Liberation through Christ's Ownership
Christ owns us because He has purchased us with His blood. This ownership is not oppressive but liberating, as it frees us from the bondage of sin and the tyranny of self. As our Lord and Master, Christ calls us to a life of service and humility, following His example of servanthood. This unique relationship with Christ redefines our identity and purpose, uniting us as one body under one Lord. By understanding Christ's ownership, we find true freedom and purpose in serving Him and others. [35:11]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: How does understanding Christ's ownership of your life change the way you view your daily actions and decisions? What is one area where you can begin to live more fully under His lordship today?
Day 4: Live in Unity as One Church
The doctrine of one Lord leads to the doctrine of one Church. Our unity in Christ transcends all divisions, as we are all equally owned by Him and called to serve one another. This unity is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that shapes our interactions and relationships within the body of Christ. By embracing this unity, we reflect the oneness of Christ and His Church, fostering a community that is rooted in love, service, and mutual respect. [40:50]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community? What is one practical step you can take this week to foster unity and serve others in your congregation?
Day 5: Follow Christ's Example of Servanthood
Christ's example of servanthood calls us to serve one another. As He washed the disciples' feet, we are called to humble ourselves and serve others. This servanthood is a reflection of our relationship with Christ and our unity in Him. By following His example, we demonstrate the love and humility that define the Christian life, impacting those around us and glorifying God through our actions. [38:51]
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve in a meaningful way this week? How can you follow Christ's example of humility and love in your interactions with them?
Quotes
We cannot say we must not say that we've believed in him for righteousness but not yet for sanctification not yet for Redemption that at this point I own taken my justification later it's possible for me and I may take my sanctification that's dividing Christ he Christ is one and he has made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and Redemption you take the whole of Christ or none. [00:20:09]
There is only one savior there are not many saviors there is only one savior now this is the great theme of the whole of the New Testament and this is where Christianity is a unique Faith the world believes in many saviors in many deliverers it puts its list out you must have read it and seen it or heard it frequently. [00:22:57]
There is none other name under Heaven given amongst men whereby we must be saved you remember the occasion the authorities were trying to prohibit Peter and the apostles from preaching in the Name of Christ and working their miracles in his name and Peter filled with the spirit made that reply and there it is once and forever. [00:24:31]
There is no second name his is the only name one Lord now says Peter don't add anything onto him don't put another name by the side of his he's alone and he must be alone how can you put anybody by the side of this blessed person is there another who has come down from Heaven to Earth is there another who's God and man. [00:25:05]
There is one God and one and only mediator between God and Men the man Christ Jesus one and one only there is no one who can come between God and Men except this person there is no daysman to use the language of job of old who can bring us together there is God in his heaven and here am I on Earth. [00:27:45]
If one man says I can go to God direct and another says I can't except by the blood of Christ there's Division if you say to me that you can find god without Christ and him crucified I say you're not in the church whatever you are whoever you are however good your life may be there is only one mediator. [00:28:58]
He owns us because he has bought us do you remember how the Apostle puts it in his farewell speech to the Elders of the church at Ephesus acts 2028 feed the Church of God say which he hath purchased with his own blood ye are not your own for you are bought with a price that's the relationship of Christ to the Christian. [00:34:42]
We no longer belong to ourselves we are no longer our own masters we have no right to believe what we like we have no right to do what we like we are not our own that was the very argument of 1 Corinthians 6:1 19 and 20 wasn't it he says you people are committing sin you don't realize what you're doing. [00:36:49]
Be ye not called Rabbi for one is your master even Christ and all ye are Brethren and call no men your father upon the Earth for one is your father which is in heaven neither be ye called Masters for one is your master even Christ but he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. [00:37:52]
Ye call me master and Lord and he say well for so I am if I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet ye also ought to wash one another's feet it's inevitable it's logic it doesn't matter who you are get down he says I the master you are but the servants and if I the master have done this you must all do it. [00:38:51]
The doctrine of the one Lord leads inevitably to a doctrine of the one Church the unity of the spirit in the bond of Peace we are all joined to him the same person he is in us all and the love we are to try to get to know says Paul in Ephesians 3 Is This Love Of Christ that passeth knowledge. [00:40:42]
He was in the form of God and he counted it not robbery to be equal with God but he made himself of no reputation and he came down and down and down even to the death of the Cross and the shame and the agony and all that was involved he did all that you remember the argument let this. [00:41:13]
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