One Lord
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
In a divided day, we need some thoughts that unite us..especially as believers. We also need to remember that the intent of unity is peace, literally harmony, not necessarily homogeny.
Transition
Disclaimer aside, Paul gives us three big ideas focused around the word ONE to draw us together.
Illumination
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
There is ONE Lord
There is ONE Lord
What could, or should, we say when it comes to our understanding of God? Fortunately, the context here provides some boundaries, though we could discuss these few points at significant length too.
Read Ephesians 4:6
6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
There is only One God
This statement does not divide us, though it is immediately divisive…were Paul writing to everyone on earth, but he isn’t: he’s writing to Christians.
This statement does not divide God. Yes, He is triune, and yes, Paul knows that: he has just referenced all three persons of the Trinity.
God is Father
That title indicates His role in creation
That title indicates His desire in relationship
Paul uses, consistent with the rest of Scripture, a familial title
God wants us to be His family with Himself in the role of our Father.
God is Creator
Read Genesis 1:1 “1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
We see here God creating time and starting the clock and then creating space and matter: the space, matter, time continuum has its origin in God’s creation
Paul describes God as “above all” as would have to be to create it all. God exists outside of all that He created, unbound by any of it.
God is Active
God is separate from his creation but did not separate Himself from it
God created mankind to have a familial relationship and has always been working to that end
Read Galatians 4:4-5 “4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
God is Personal
God’s activity is not just at a macro level. He is personal, active at an individual level
Not only is God in our life, He—through the person of the Holy Spirit—is literally in us
There is one LORD
There is one LORD
God is Lord. When we dive into it, it tends to be a bit inflammatory and divisive too.
The word translated “Lord” is a title which indicates one who has power or authority and is translated Lord, Master, and even Owner
We naturally balk at the implications of this title.
We do because we are naturally rebellious still desire to be as gods
We do because we have experienced humans who exercised authority for their own benefit
God’s intent, as Lord, is live the best way possible having the best life possible and the best relationships possible. What we view as restrictive is essentially God saying “don’t play in traffic”.
Conclusion
The fact that there is one Lord should be a point that we, as believers, should all be able to unite around. It should be a point we find harmony together in.
Application
There is one Lord. Is He YOUR Lord? And I don’t mean do you yield allegiance. I mean, do you yield control? He wants you to live your life according to His plan because He knows that is the way for you to have your best life.