How can believers today live out the "one new man" concept practically? One New Man: God’s Clear Declaration “by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace.” Supporting verses These passages affirm that in Christ, believers from every background are literally forged into a single, new humanity. The former barriers are not simply lowered; they are demolished. Foundational Truths to Grasp • One body: every true believer is already spiritually joined (1 Corinthians 12:13). • One peace: hostility was extinguished at the cross (Ephesians 2:16). • One identity: Christ—not ethnicity, preference or heritage—defines the new person (Colossians 3:11). • One purpose: to display God’s wisdom and glory together (Ephesians 3:10). Daily Practices That Display the New Man • Integrated worship – Choose corporate gatherings that welcome diversity in age, culture and social status. – Sing, pray and serve shoulder-to-shoulder, visually confirming the gospel’s unifying power. • Intentional friendship – Invite believers who differ from you to meals, outings and family celebrations. – Share testimonies; celebrate God’s work in varied life stories (Psalm 107:2). • Peacemaking speech – Replace stereotypes and political rancor with words that “build up according to the need” (Ephesians 4:29). – Publicly defend brothers and sisters when maligned. • Team ministry – Serve on mixed teams—teaching children, feeding the poor, visiting the sick. – Let gifts complement each other (1 Corinthians 12:18-22). • Generous hospitality – Open homes regularly; share food and space (Romans 12:13). – Rotate hosts so everyone, regardless of means, participates. • Shared generosity – Pool resources for those in need inside and outside the church (Acts 4:34-35). – Celebrate God’s provision together, avoiding any sense of patronage. Heart Attitudes to Cultivate • Humility: consider others more significant (Philippians 2:3). • Patience: bear with differences that are merely cultural, not sinful (Ephesians 4:2). • Forgiveness: extend grace quickly, mirroring Christ’s sacrifice (Colossians 3:13). • Teachability: welcome correction from any brother or sister, regardless of background (Proverbs 27:6). Local Church Applications • Leadership that mirrors the congregation’s diversity, modeling unity from the front. • Regular Lord’s Supper observance, emphasizing shared redemption. • Joint small groups structured around geography or interest rather than demographics. • Preaching that exposes favoritism and roots it out with Scripture (James 2:1-9). Personal Checkpoints for Living as One New Man • Schedule: time each month invested in cross-cultural fellowship. • Budget: funds set aside for joint generosity projects. • Speech audit: replacing “them” and “those people” with “us” and “family.” • Prayer list: names from varied backgrounds lifted daily, increasing affection. Living as the one new man is not theoretical; it is the visible, everyday outworking of Christ’s finished work, proving to a watching world that the gospel unites what human effort never could. |
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