A SEED SHALL SERVE HIM-5

A SEED SHALL SERVE HIM-5   

     (Provoking oneness in the corporate seed)

In this fifth episode of the series: A SEED SHALL SERVE HIM, we shall consider two vital aspects:

1. What the unity of the Spirit is not.
2. How to provoke the unity of the Spirit among the people of God’s purpose.

So much emphasis has been laid on the need for the seed of Christ to be one. This is by reason of the dire importance of this seed and that of its oneness-in mind and purpose; as part of the preparations of the Lord for them to declare the generation of Christ.

“That they may be one…that the world may believe that thou hast sent me”-John 17:21“…He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one…”-Galatians 3:16

In the prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ for his own in John chapter 17, he prayed the father for us to be one. This is because the seed of Christ must be one, as a corporate entity, in order to declare the generation of Christ.

The prophecy of David we have considered all through this series, states: “A seed shall serve him…”-Psalm 22:30.                                                                                                                                        The seed, as in the scripture, is in the singular and not plural sense-i.e, ‘one seed’. Therefore, the spiritual oneness of this seed is non-negotiable. It is the attainment of the seed to such an estate that should be the matter for concern and hard work.

WHAT THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IS NOT 

Do we condone wrong s in the body of Christ, just because we ought to be one?   Never! In as much as God desires his people to be one, we must be clear as to what this unity is not.

1. Unity of the Spirit is not to condone sin and laxity in the house “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:   Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat”                                                 -(1 Corinthians 5:9-11) There are some brethren, who misconstrue unity of the Spirit for spiritual laxity or licentiousness.  Never!
2. Unity of the Spirit is not necessarily having same position and interpretations on all scriptures and every matter. “…even as our beloved brother Paul even according to the wisdom given him hath written unto you; And also in his epistles, speaking in them of these things;  in which are some things hard to be understood…”-2 Peter 3:15-16.
3. Unity of the Spirit is not necessarily a matter of God’s people abiding under ‘same roof’ or belonging to same ministry or group. This however does not encourage splittings among God’s people. It is rather, not to discourage or out rightly condemn new and genuine Spirit borne visions and ministries. Functioning as a vital part of the seed is not confined to a particular geographic location.
4. It is not agreeing in detail on all matters: Tolerance of other’s opinions, especially on spiritual matters, and without disaffection or malice, is unity in diversity and such is spiritual maturity. It is not, ‘never to disagree’ especially, on matters of deep convictions. “And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not to take him with them…”-Acts 15: 37-38
5. Unity of the Spirit is not a graveyard silence, in order not to ‘rock the boat’. “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them…”-Acts 15:1-2 Certain men (also brethren?)…taught the brethren what Paul and Barnabas perceived was against sound ministry, and non-reflection of the mind of God on a matter. They did not keep quiet for ‘unity sake’. “And the contention was so sharp between them (Paul and Barnabas)…” –Acts 15:39.  There was nothing personal between Paul and Barnabas in this matter, but such as pertained to God’s counsel and his glory; only that they saw things differently.  This however, does not encourage irresponsible contentions and dissensions in the body of Christ, but being mindful that each one is accountable to God for whatever stance that is taken on matters of God’s Kingdom.  Irresponsible dissensions in the body of Christ may amount to the sin of “not discerning the Lord’s body…”-1 Corinthians 11:29.

PROVOKING THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT          

 How may unity of the Spirit be encouraged and provoked among the seed of Christ?   “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”-Ephesians 4:3. Unity of the Spirit should never be taken for granted. It should not be assumed as ‘automatic occurrence’ among God’s people. It has to be diligently worked at. The following may assist each one to keep the unity of the Spirit alive among the corporate seed:

1. Recognize that your fellow brother or sister is also a vital part of Christ’s body, whose role in the body is distinct and peculiar-1 Peter 2:5.
2. Have deep respect for the person and opinion of every member of Christ’s body-Phil. 2:3b.
3. Recognize and give room for the gifts and graces in one another-1 Corinthians 12:7. Recognize what gifts and qualities you do not possess, which God has given to your fellow brother or sister in Christ, to complete you!
4. Be prepared to “speak the truth in love”-Ephesians 4:15.
5. Encourage sound, consistent and balanced ministry of God’s word in the house-2 Tim. 4:2.
6. Cooperate with those God has placed in spiritual leadership, who are called of God to provide spiritual oversight in his house-Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24.