Mathematically, one is a cardinal whole number. In computer programming, one combined with zeroes become a binary code. Relationally, the 1970′s band Three Dog Night wants you to believe that one is the loneliest number. It can also be a very selfish number of we are only looking out for “numero uno.”
Biblically, the number “one” is pregnant with meaning. The Scripture teaches that God is one. One captures the heart of Jesus’ prayer for the church (John 17). The apostle Paul urges believers to guard the unity of the church in Ephesians 4:3. The Spirit’s emphasis on “oneness” inspires Paul to rehearse all the other “ones” that should matter to us: there is only one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.
We are unpacking the concept of “One” laid out in Ephesians 4:4-6 over the next weeks. This week we looked at the how there is only one body of Christ. Even in our small town, there are 30 different churches listed in the phone book. Yet the Bible teaches that there is only one true Church, and it is important that we grasp what this means.
We began a new series this week that will take us through the book of 1 Peter. Many Christians live today as if the world were our final destination. We pour our life resources and energy into things that will barely last 50 years, let alone eternity. We frequently cave in to the old sinful desires. We sturggle to remain faithful in the midst of great suffering. We’ve lost sight of the glorious inheritance waiting for us.
