Therefore…Bear With One Another

Therefore…Bear With One Another

Opening Illustration:

Good morning Eastern Shore Baptist Church. We are now in the fifth week of the “Therefore” sermon series. There are lots of “therefore” statements in the Bible.

“Therefore, be steadfast”, that was last week.

“Therefore, present your bodies as living sacrifices”.

“Therefore, do not worry about your life”.

“Therefore, you are no longer condemned”.

The list goes on and on. Essentially, whenever you hear the word “therefore” in the Bible. You should ask yourself the following question, “what is that ‘therefore’ there for”. When that word is placed in Scripture, there is usually a profound lesson attached. Something that we need to learn. A point that we need to understand.

So, what is our “therefore” statement this morning? Well, our “therefore” statement comes from Ephesians 4:1-6. Paul asks the Christians at the Church of Ephesus to “therefore, bear with one another”. You know, that statement really got me thinking. Why do you think that Paul would tell the Christians there in Ephesus to not only “bear with one another”, but he takes it a step further. He also tells them “bear with one another with all humility and gentleness in the Spirit of peace”. Why? Why would Paul write them this letter and ask them to do these things? Why would he write this letter and ask them to treat one another this way?

Friends the answer is somewhat rhetorical. I don’t know if you know this, but not that much has changed since first century Christianity. I know I know, you are probably thinking that a lot has changed. Ok, I give it to you, sure, there is certainly a lot of things that are different today than when Paul was walking around. Technology has certainly flourished. Industry has exploded. Our ability to communicate and connect certainly has grown. However, when it comes to people, flesh and blood people, not a lot has changed.

The issues, the problems, the daily pitfalls of modern day life are strikingly similar to the days of the ancient world. The personal struggles of modern day living: the struggles of pride, greed, arrogance, selfishness, and anger are emotions and sins that people dealt with in Paul’s day.

Again, why do you think that Paul wrote these words, “therefore, bear with one another with all patience and humility. Treating each other gently”? The answer is because people in Ephesus, as people of today, probably weren’t treating their Christian brothers and sisters gently, with great patience. They were probably struggling with the entire “bear with one another” bit. After all, why would Paul address these matters if the people were not battling these problems.

Friends, ask yourself this question, do you think that modern day believers, modern day Christians, are good at being patient with one another? Do you think that modern day Christians are good at being gentle, bearing with one another? Let that question soak for a moment.

With that question in mind, let me tell you what I see in the world. In churches across America I see Christians treating each other poorly. I see Christians back stabbing, gossiping, speaking poorly of one another. I have seen church after church split over power dynamics and hurt feelings. Satan has turned churches all over America into reality television shows filled with drama and discouragement. Social media tends to fuel these trends. Social media is actually a lie. There is nothing social about social media and the media presented on social media is usually fake news. What is presented on social media are carefully curated images and messages. Specially designed windows into a person’s life. People showing the world an inaccurate representation of what they want the world to see, not what actually “is”. On social media your marriage is perfect. In real life, you are on the brink of divorce. On social media, everything is great at work. In real life, you are about to be let go. On social media, your bank account is overflowing. In reality, you are living paycheck to paycheck.

We see what others have and we think “why don’t I have that” or “I deserve what that person has because I’m better, I’ve worked harder”. Satan uses social media to fuel envy and jealously and it spills into the real world and infects the church. Funny, do you know that some 2000 years ago, the Bible addressed this issue. This very issue.

James 4:1-10 ESV

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? [2] You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. [3] You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. [4] You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. [5] Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"? [6] But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." [7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

You see, I told you, people have not changed. The principles of life are still in play. That brings me to “Today’s Thought” this morning. Fill in these blanks: people can be puzzling and problematic, but Jesus Christ promotes patience.

Today’s Thought:

People Can Be Puzzling and Problematic, But Christ Promotes Patience!

Truer words have never been spoken. Oh boy people can be super difficult. I can be super difficult and so can you. Some of us are sand paper and some of us are like silk. When you rub us together friction occurs. Conflict. Resentment.

Thanks be to the God of Glory that He has given us all the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God promotes patience in us. Forbearance. Long suffering. The church should not be a reality show filled with drama. Hardly. It should be a place of brotherhood and devotion to Christ. May it never be said that Eastern Shore Baptist Church is a place of back stabbing and back biting. May it rather be said that we are a community of like minded believers nourished by the Word of God and fueled by the Holy Spirit to love one another.

In preparation for today’s message, I have been reading a book by Jerry Bridges entitled “The Practice of Godliness”. I highly recommend it to you to read. Look at the issue of problematic people from the vantage of God. Think about the many times we have offended our Maker, our Creator. God, because He is a good good Father, is patient with us. When you stop to consider how patient God is with us, why can we not be patient with others?

Today’s Quote:

“Every day God patiently bears with us, and every day we are tempted to become impatient with our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. And our faults and failures before God are so much more serious than the petty actions of others that tend to irritate us! God calls us to graciously bear with the weaknesses of others, tolerating them and forgiving them even as He has forgiven us.”

-Jerry Bridges From “The Practice of Godliness”

That is a strong consideration this morning. “Every day God patiently bears with us, and every day we are tempted to become impatient with our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.”

Background and Context:

The book of Ephesians is one of the letters written by the apostle Paul to various churches in the first century. It is believed to have been written while Paul was imprisoned, possibly in Rome, around AD 60-62. The letter is addressed to the church in Ephesus, which was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey). Even though the letter is addressed to the Ephesians, it would have been widely circulated to other churches and Christian leaders.The purpose of the letter is to encourage and instruct the Christians in Ephesus on topics such as their identity in Christ, and the importance of living a holy life.

In this morning’s passage, the apostle Paul is exhorting the Christians in Ephesus to live in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, patience, and unity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the unity of the Spirit, as there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.

Statement of Faith:

We believe the Bible to be inspired, God breathed, infallible, and authoritative. We believe the Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training believer’s in righteousness. God’s Word gives life. It provides peace in trouble and protection in tribulation. It is alive, active, and cuts to the core of the human soul. Since there is no other book like it, let us stand to show our reverence and respect.

Today’s Scripture:

Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The Foundation To A Flourishing Church Is…UNITY!

I. The Basis of Our Unity vs. 1

As your pastor, I have so much to be thankful for this morning. Perhaps you are visiting with us this morning. Welcome to you if you are. If you are visiting with us this morning, let me share with you a truth that give me great joy. Eastern Shore Baptist Church is a place of harmony and unity. Notice that I did not say perfection. We are not perfect but we are harmonies and unified. Now, is every member happy? Probably not. Think about the church like your family. Hopefully you have a unified family. You are there for one another. If one of you hurts you are there to help. If one of you celebrates, you celebrate together. Now, is everyone in your family always happy? No. Of course not. Unhappiness does not mean ununified. The Davidson family lives under the same roof. We are a unified family. Nevertheless, my children are not always happy with me or their mother. Angela is not always happy with our children, she is not always happy with me, and I am not always happy with her. Still, we are unified.

So, if you are visiting this morning, you are visiting a unified church. The good news is that I can also honestly say that we have happy, joyful, joy filled, Bible loving, Jesus centered family members. It is good to be a member at Eastern Shore Baptist Church and our best days are ahead of us.

The foundation to a flourishing Church is Christ centered, Biblically based unity! Under Roman numeral one, I want to talk to you about the basis of our unity. We discover the basis for our unity in Ephesians 4:1, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…”.

Our unity here at Eastern Shore Baptist Church is not based on the presence of a personable pastor. Brothers and sisters, have you ever been to a church where everything happening at the church is based around the charismatic persona of the pastor? I have. That is a dangerous situation and that places a lot of pressure on the pastor. What happens when the pastor leaves? What happens when that pastor has a moral failure? The church washes away.

Our unity here at Eastern Shore Baptist Church is not based on the presence of entertainment, technology, or trends. Have you ever been to a church where there is no distinction between the worship service and a modern day Taylor Swift concert? There is an overemphasis on lights, sound, media, repetitive beats and lyrics. Atmospheres are specially created to induce an emotional response. This emotional response is conducive to emotional decisions. What happens when the lights are off, when the media is gone, when the sound is silent? Many times these decisions that were made in emotion fade when the emotion dies.

Our unity here at Eastern Shore Baptist Church is not based on programming. Christian unity is not organizational, it is spiritual. While there is nothing wrong with a good program, if the only reason that you come to church is a program, what happens when the program loses interest, isn’t funded, or begins to burn out the volunteers? I have seen this happen time and time again in church settings. People join and attend a church because of a certain program. They are happy when that program is thriving or when they are attending. Eventually all programs change, retool, or are eventually canceled for more effective ministries. What happens when your favorite program is changed? What happens when the ministry that you are super passionate about does not become the passion of other people? If you are at church only for a program, what do you do when that program ends?

No friend, the basis of our unity is Christ Jesus. There is actually more in this world that separates us than binds us together. Even in this church, there is more that separates us than binds us together. Some are wealthy, others poor. Some are tall, others short. Some in shape, others not so much. Young. Old. Alabama. Auburn. Democrat. Republican. You see, that is what Satan wants to do, he wants to divide us.

Not Jesus.

You see brothers and sisters, there is a lot that divide us but oh boy do we have something…rather someone that unifies us. Who is it? Say His name!

JESUS! That’s right, we may differ or disagree with one another, but we can all agree that there is one name above every other name. One name that commands our fealty, our respect, our loyalty.

Jesus!

Our unity is grounded din our shared faith in christ and our common salvation. Our unity is expressed in our shared confession of faith and our affirmation o the essential doctrines of our faith. Our unity is empowered by the Holy Spirit who unites us in Christ and gives us the ability to love one another.

Remember what Paul said in Galatians 5:13-14.

Galatians 5:13-14 ESV

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. [14] For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Again, to prove this point about unity, I went to Yantai, China in 2009. I was there on a mission trip. It was actually this trip that planted the seed of adoption in my heart. Talk about being different. I’m American. They are Chinese. I’m all for democracy. They are communist. We could not have been more different. However, on one Sunday I went to a Christian church. They read from the Bible, in Chinese of course. They same hymns. I recognized the melody. I recognized the harmony even though they sang in Chinese. I sang in English.

We were literally from different worlds, but there was one thing, one name, one person that bound us all together. Who was it?

JESUS!

That’s right! Jesus!

Another passage from Paul. Philippians 2:1-2.

Philippians 2:1-2 NLT

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? [2] Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

II. The Barriers to Our Unity vs. 2-3

So the basis for our unity is Jesus. Sadly, there are barriers to unity. That is our second point this morning. The barriers to our unity. Again, why was Paul writing these words to the Ephesians? Could it have been that they were struggling with bearing with one another? Could it have been they patience was running thin there in the church? Could it have been that they were running low on gentleness?

[2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

So, what are some things that serve as barriers to unity in the church? Some of you have been alive a lot longer than me. Some of you have been members of more churches than me. I have been working for over 23 years. During that time, I have served in three churches. I count myself very fortunate that I have only served in three churches. I know of ministers and pastors who God has called from church to church about every two to three years. According to Thom Rainer, the average stay for pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention, that’s us by the way, is about 3.6 years. So, Ive been very very fortunate.

Even though I have only served on three church staffs, I have seen my share of disunity. When I moved to this area 13 and half years ago, I was shocked to hear of how many churches in this ares were started over splits in other churches. In fact, when I came here all those years ago, I had to minster to and earn the trust of people who were hurt badly in church splits. Those spilts had long lasting effects and created terrible distrust of pastors.

So, what are some things that we should watch out for as Christians? How can we protect the unity of Eastern Shore Baptist Chruch?

First and foremost, I think that a lack of focus on God and the Bible causes the most disunity in churches across America. Last summer my family was traveling in North Carolina. We were visiting Chapel Hill. We ran across a beautiful old church. Large. It had a large steeple and it was branded Baptist. However, on the outside of the church I noticed an “All Are Welcome Here” sign. Then I noticed the “trans pride progress” flag flanked by the homosexual rainbow flag. I instantly knew what this was preaching. I did some digging on the church and came to find out that when the church was founded, it was grounded in the Truth of God’s Word. They had pastors who faithfully preached God’s Word. Sadly as the culture changed around the church, instead of the church doing battle with the culture, the culture defeated the church. The churched traded truth for tolerance. They turned their back on the Almighty in favor of “the agenda”. Im sure that it was slow at first. Sin crept in the back door. False teachers found a foothold. Prayer became a secondary priority. Instead of having a relationship with God, they preached inclusion.

Another reason that churches break unity is when the Great Commission, or the mission of the Church, is scaled down or put asunder all together. Brothers and sisters, may our church remain a hospital for the sinner and not a country club for the saints. May our doors always be open to the hurting and the hopeful. May our doors be open for the down and out and the up and in. May our doors be open for the lost and the found. If our doors ever close to the least of these, we will find Eastern Shore Baptist Church to be an irrelevant relic of Daphne City history.

Pride and selfishness are major obstacles to unity, as they always lead to division and strife.

Philippians 2:3-4 NLT

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. [4] Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

False teaching and false doctrine can undermine unity by promoting Hersey and causing division.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Lastly, and this is so important. Unforgiveness and bitterness can destroy unity by creating resentment and conflict.

Colossians 3:12-13 NLT

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. [13] Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Friend, carrying a grudge can gut a church. Are you holding a grudge this morning with someone at this church? If you are, you need to forgive. You need to let it go. Be careful that your grudge against someone here doesn’t start rubbing off on those around you. Ive seen it. Ive seen a personal slight spread like cancer in a church. From member to member it spreads until it infects everything and everyone around it.

I read a quote recently, I don’t know where it came from or who wrote it.

"Forgiveness is radical Forgiveness dissolves alienation, brings reconciliation, restoration and renewal. Forgiveness is the most radical force in history. Jesus is the most radical person in history."

You are never more like Jesus than when you forgive. You never promote more unity in a church than when you let go of a grudge and forgive.

III. The Benefits of Our Unity vs. 4-6

So, we have the basis of our unity, then the barriers to our unity, next and lastly, the benefits of our unity found in Christ Jesus. After all, there are numerous benefits. As I stated earlier, there is a lot out there to divide us, but we do have one commonality that binds us all together. We see this spelled out in verses 4-6.

There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Paul goes as far as stating that we are part of one body and one Spirit. We are called to one hope, serving one Lord. Bound together under one faith and one baptism. One God. One Father.

7 times Paul says the word “one”. Brothers and sisters, church family, we are called to “one”.

Unified. Harmonious. Peaceful and peacemaking. Lovers of God’s Word and standing in His truth.

Dr. Tony Evans, who is my favorite Bible teacher by the way, believes that God expresses Himself through unified churches.

“Friends, it is critical that we understand that God expresses Himself in an environment of unity.”

Dr. Tony Evans

As I described several barriers to our unity a point earlier, let me share with you a handful of benefits to our unity that is grounded in Jesus Christ.

First, there is strength in unity. Have you ever heard the statement, “many hands make light work”? What does that mean? It means that the more hands dedicated to serving, the easier that service becomes. Adam had Eve. Moses had Aaron and Miriam. Joshua had Caleb. Elijah had Elisha. David had Jonathan. Peter had Andrew. James had John. Jesus had the disciples. Paul had Barnabas and John Mark. The list goes on and on. It is easier to put out a forest fire with a team of fireman than with a single water pistol. When we have one mission, one purpose, and when we are unified under that banner, God can set sinners free, chains fall, confession leads to transformation, and Satan runs. The whole of Hell cannot and will not triumph over God’s Holy unified church.

Another benefit to unity is the amazing wisdom found in the collection and combination of counselors. The church is a treasure trove of traditional, time tested, Biblically proven wisdom. Proverbs 11:14 reminds the reader that “in a multitude of counselors there is safety”. Friends, there is safety here at Eastern Shore Baptist Church. Where do you go when you need help? Where do you go when you have a problem, when you need advice? Christians, the answer is easy is it not? We run to the church. When you have a problem in your marriage and you need wise counsel, where do you turn? When you are dealing with a wayward rebellious child, to whom do you turn? When you struggle with an ethical dilemma, who can you talk to? You go to the pastor, you turn to the minster, the teacher, the church leader, the deacon, the trusted man or woman at the church. When the church is unified under the banner of Christ Jesus, you are part of a mighty body the likes of hell cannot and will not prevail. When the church is unified under the banner of Christ Jesus, you have access to the wisdom and knowledge that would make Google blush.

In a unified church, you have access to…

Ministers and pastors on loan to you at all times, every day, all day.

Equipping materials that will inspire you, build you up in your knowledge of the Bible, and teach you what is right and wrong.

Friendships. The church serves as your social outlet. Real, authentic relationships occur here and among these people.

Financial assistance. I have seen this very church pay rent, cover utility bills, pay to have houses restored, put transient people up in hotels getting them off the streets and out of their cars.

The list goes on and on.

Friday, I was out visiting some friends in our church. Sadly these families are homebound and unable to come to church currently. As I was leaving, one precious lady asked me, “Pastor, what would we do without the church? Where would we be without the church?”

I don’t know the answer to that question but I don’t want to find out either.

Are you thankful for the church this morning?

Are you thankful for the oneness that God has given to us here at Eastern Shore Baptist Church? Listen to what Jesus states in John.

John 17:20-23 NLT

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. [21] I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one-as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. [22] "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. [23] I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

May We Be One!

Bibliography

Websites:

https://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/transcripts/ephesians/eph-04_04-06_christian-unity.htm

https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-26-basis-christian-unity-ephesians-44-6

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-unity-of-the-church/

https://churchanswers.com/blog/dangerous-third-year-pastoral-tenure/

https://christlnk.org/blog/church/5-things-that-cause-disunity-in-the-church/

https://www.youaretheoneiwant.com/2013/10/22/4-biggest-benefits-of-unity/

https://www.biblicalleadership.com/blogs/5-ways-church-unity-creates-a-powerful-influence/

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-unity.html

https://blog.meettheneed.org/2018/05/7-impediments-unity-body-christ/