Unity in Diversity: Christ as the Church's Head

 

Summary

In Ephesians 4:7 and 11, Paul emphasizes the unique gifts and roles given to each member of the church by Christ. This passage highlights the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, where each member has a distinct function. The church is not a mechanical entity but a living body with Christ as the head, ensuring unity amidst diversity. This unity is not about uniformity but about the harmonious functioning of diverse gifts and roles, all orchestrated by Christ.

Christ alone is the head of the church, and no earthly authority can claim that position. Each member of the church is given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift, which is not about salvation but about the functioning of the church. Every believer has a role, and it is crucial to recognize and exercise this role for the edification of the body of Christ. The church must avoid imposing rigid systems or descending into chaos; instead, it should adhere to the principles laid out in Scripture.

The call to ministry or any role within the church is from the Lord, not self-appointed or determined by the church. The need is not the call; it is the Lord who calls and equips individuals for specific tasks. The church's role is to test and confirm these callings, ensuring they align with the Spirit's leading. Institutionalism and ecclesiasticism are as detrimental as chaos, and the church must maintain a balance, recognizing the diversity of gifts and roles while upholding the unity of the Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- Christ is the sole head of the church, and no earthly authority can replace Him. This principle is crucial for maintaining the church's integrity and unity. The church must resist the temptation to impose human authority over Christ's headship. [08:04]

- Every believer is given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift, emphasizing the unique role each member plays in the body of Christ. This grace is not about salvation but about the functioning of the church. Recognizing and exercising one's role is vital for the church's edification. [10:03]

- The call to ministry or any role within the church is from the Lord, not self-appointed or determined by the church. The need is not the call; it is the Lord who calls and equips individuals for specific tasks. The church's role is to test and confirm these callings, ensuring they align with the Spirit's leading. [21:00]

- Institutionalism and ecclesiasticism are as detrimental as chaos, and the church must maintain a balance, recognizing the diversity of gifts and roles while upholding the unity of the Spirit. The church must avoid rigid systems and embrace the Spirit's leading. [36:00]

- The church must recognize and respect the diversity of gifts and roles, understanding that each is essential for the harmonious functioning of the body. This recognition prevents envy and pride, fostering a spirit of humility and cooperation among believers. [40:24]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 4:7 and 11
[01:08] - Understanding Unity in Diversity
[02:43] - Christ as the Head of the Church
[05:12] - The Church as the Body of Christ
[07:13] - Principles of Church Order
[09:44] - Grace Given to Each Member
[15:37] - The Doctrine of the Call
[21:00] - The Need is Not the Call
[23:32] - The Church's Role in Confirming the Call
[28:31] - Avoiding Unscriptural Confusion
[33:11] - The Church's Spiritual Sensitivity
[36:00] - Institutionalism vs. Spiritual Unity
[40:24] - Recognizing and Respecting Diversity
[46:06] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 4:7, 11
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
- Matthew 9:37-38

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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:7, what is given to each believer, and how is it measured? [00:10]
2. What roles does Christ give to the church as mentioned in Ephesians 4:11? [00:30]
3. How does the analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 help us understand the concept of unity and diversity in the church? [04:18]
4. What does Matthew 9:37-38 suggest about the role of the church in sending out laborers? [23:32]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of Christ as the head of the church influence the way we view church leadership and authority? [08:04]
2. In what ways does recognizing the diversity of gifts within the church prevent envy and pride among believers? [40:24]
3. How can the church balance the need for order and structure with the leading of the Spirit to avoid institutionalism? [36:00]
4. What does it mean for the church to test and confirm callings, and how can this process be done in a spiritual manner? [33:11]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own role within the church. Have you identified the unique gift or function that Christ has given you? How can you begin to exercise it more fully? [10:03]
2. Consider a time when you may have felt envious of another's role or gift in the church. How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and cooperation instead? [40:24]
3. How can you ensure that your understanding of church leadership aligns with the principle that Christ is the sole head of the church? [08:04]
4. Think about a need you see in your church or community. How can you discern whether you are being called by the Lord to address it, rather than just responding to the need itself? [21:00]
5. In what ways can you support your church in maintaining a balance between structure and the Spirit's leading, avoiding both chaos and rigid institutionalism? [36:00]
6. How can you encourage others in your church to recognize and respect the diversity of gifts and roles, fostering a spirit of unity? [40:24]
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your church's process of confirming callings is done with spiritual sensitivity and not just formal procedure? [33:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ's Headship and Church Integrity
Christ is the sole head of the church, and no earthly authority can replace Him. This principle is crucial for maintaining the church's integrity and unity. The church must resist the temptation to impose human authority over Christ's headship. The church is a living body with Christ as the head, ensuring unity amidst diversity. This unity is not about uniformity but about the harmonious functioning of diverse gifts and roles, all orchestrated by Christ. By recognizing Christ's headship, the church maintains its integrity and unity, avoiding the pitfalls of human authority that can lead to division and discord. [08:04]

"And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively acknowledge Christ's headship in your daily interactions within the church community?


Day 2: Grace and Unique Roles in the Church
Every believer is given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift, emphasizing the unique role each member plays in the body of Christ. This grace is not about salvation but about the functioning of the church. Recognizing and exercising one's role is vital for the church's edification. Each member has a distinct function, contributing to the overall health and growth of the church. By understanding and embracing their unique roles, believers can work together harmoniously, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support. [10:03]

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: What specific gift or role do you feel God has given you, and how can you use it to serve your church community this week?


Day 3: Divine Calling and Church Confirmation
The call to ministry or any role within the church is from the Lord, not self-appointed or determined by the church. The need is not the call; it is the Lord who calls and equips individuals for specific tasks. The church's role is to test and confirm these callings, ensuring they align with the Spirit's leading. This process helps maintain the church's spiritual integrity and ensures that each member is serving in a capacity that aligns with God's will. By discerning and confirming callings, the church can support its members in fulfilling their God-given purposes. [21:00]

"Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall." (2 Peter 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you seek confirmation from your church community about a calling or role you feel led to pursue?


Day 4: Balancing Institutionalism and Spiritual Unity
Institutionalism and ecclesiasticism are as detrimental as chaos, and the church must maintain a balance, recognizing the diversity of gifts and roles while upholding the unity of the Spirit. The church must avoid rigid systems and embrace the Spirit's leading. By doing so, the church can foster an environment where diverse gifts and roles are celebrated and utilized effectively, contributing to the overall mission and vision of the church. This balance ensures that the church remains spiritually vibrant and responsive to the Spirit's guidance. [36:00]

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your church community remains open to the Spirit's leading while maintaining order and unity?


Day 5: Embracing Diversity in the Body of Christ
The church must recognize and respect the diversity of gifts and roles, understanding that each is essential for the harmonious functioning of the body. This recognition prevents envy and pride, fostering a spirit of humility and cooperation among believers. By valuing each member's contribution, the church can create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to serve. This approach not only strengthens the church but also reflects the unity and diversity found in the body of Christ. [40:24]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively appreciate and support the diverse gifts and roles of others in your church community today?

Quotes



The Apostle does not lay down here a rigid system of church order indeed it is questionable whether such a thing is to be found anywhere in the scripture nevertheless it is important to say this that certain principles are laid down which we are meant to observe and to practice therefore we must be careful to avoid two dangers. [00:06:18]

Christ himself is the head of the church now I need stay with this but I must start with it because it's often been forgotten Christ and Christ Alone is the head of the church there is only one king in the church it is King Jesus Christ I say alone is the head of the church. [00:07:37]

Unto every one of us is Grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ now this is when he talks about Grace given here he's not talking about the grace of Salvation he's already dealt with it he's concerned here now about the working of the church the functioning of the church as the body of Christ. [00:10:07]

The call to ministry or any role within the church is from the Lord, not self-appointed or determined by the church. The need is not the call; it is the Lord who calls and equips individuals for specific tasks. The church's role is to test and confirm these callings, ensuring they align with the Spirit's leading. [00:21:00]

The church does not give the call and that it is not the business of the church to call a man directly to Any Given work now this isn't my opinion let me quote you the words of our blessed Lord and Savior himself at this point supporting substantiating undering the very thing the Apostle tells here. [00:22:28]

Institutionalism and ecclesiasticism is is say a denial of this as much as is the chaos that we see in other circles at the present hour when men set themselves up and there is as it were no king in Israel therefore I say let us look at the whole scripture and Endeavor as we are given Grace and strength by the spirit to preserve this balance. [00:36:00]

We start by recognizing the inequalities and far from being disturbed or upset at the inequalities we say they are of his appointing and they are for the full and harmonious functioning of the church then having recognized these differences and gradations we must respect them that is why James says you see in the third chapter of his epistle. [00:40:24]

We must not Harden this into some rigid absolute Division I see nothing in the scriptures to support a monarchical idea of church government I will call no man in the church my Lord there is no monarchical Authority now our forefathers shed their blood for this but there's a tendency today to say these things don't matter at all but they do matter. [00:41:55]

If therefore you're in this exalted position be humble what you've got has been given to you the office has been given the gift has been given the ability has been given you've got nothing but what you've received don't boast therefore don't despise on the other hand if you're the man in the other position don't be envious don't be jealous. [00:43:06]

We must all be content with the function which we've been given the task to which we've been called I care not how lowly nor how insignificant it is I care not if we're not lorded by men and if our names are never in the newspapers it doesn't matter it is the Lord who called my function is essential I do it to his glory. [00:44:06]

Oh isn't it obvious that it is our failure to study the scriptures that leads to the troubles and the confusions the divisions and the sisms the heart renderings the heart breakings jealousy envy and rivalry and all this muddle and confusion and Revival stays why well how can he honor such a church such a collection of people. [00:45:37]

Let us therefore all of us for we have all gone astray somewhere let us all humble ourselves before him let us confess our pride or our jealousy our Envy our failure whatever it may be our self-seeking our self-importance our feeling that we're neglect Ed whatever it is on whichever side let's go back to him I say and humble ourselves before him. [00:46:39]

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