Unity in the Church 1 NT Church 2017

Unity in the Church (1) NT Church (2017 -2018)

Our Need for Unity • Psalm 133, Behold how good and how pleasant it is • The singleness of God’s plan – He has a pattern. It will unite us when all follow it • Ultimately, unity begins within the local body

Our Need for Unity • John 17: 20 -21, the Lord’s prayer! – His desire and prayer – For ALL believers – Equivalent to the unity Jesus has with the Father

Our Need for Unity • 1 Corinthians 1: 10 -13, Paul’s pleading with them – By the name of our Lord (authority) – No divisions among you (not SOME) – Speak the same thing – how we avoid divisions – Perfectly joined together (made complete – NASB) – degree of unity

Our Need for Unity • 1 Corinthians 12: 12 -27, a body that is functioning properly - every part knows it place - every part realizes its need for the rest of the body - we’re where we’re at because God put us there - no schism

Our Need for Unity • Philippians 2: 1 -2, a letter “to the saints at Philippi…” - like minded – thinking the same way - having the same love – motives behind our actions (John 13: 34 -35) - of one accord – united in spirit – harmonious - of one mind – intent on one purpose • Consider Jesus (2: 5 -8)

Our Need for Unity • Ephesians 4: 1 -6, what true unity looks like - walk worthy of your calling - attitudes – lowliness, gentleness - endeavoring (working) to keep the unity of the Spirit

We CANNOT achieve true unity at the expense of truth!

The Sin of Division

The Sin of Division • Proverbs 6: 16 -19 – these seven things God hates… one who sows discord among brethren • James 3: 14 -18 – self-seeking – earthly, sensual and demonic

The Sin of Division • 1 Corinthians 1: 10 -13 – let there be no divisions among you… Is Christ divided? • 1 Corinthians 3: 1 -4 – it is carnal and ungodly (behaving like men) – envy, strife and divisions • 1 Corinthians 11: 17 -18 – they came together for the worse – divisions & factions

The Sin of Division • Galatians 5: 20 – a work of the flesh – hatred, contentions, jealousies, selfish-ambitions, dissension, heresies, etc.

The Sin of Division • We must mark or avoid them • Romans 16: 17 -18 – note those who cause divisions and offenses… and avoid them • 2 John 9 -11 – do not receive one bringing false doctrine into your house nor greet him… • Titus 3: 10 -11 – reject a divisive man after 2 warnings • Ephesians 5: 11

The Problem of Division • It incompatible TRUE • is. Sadly, many todaywith endorse forms of divisionthe (“unity in unity – consider damage diversity”, denominationalism, division causes – wars, broken etc. ) (cf. 2 John 11) families, mental anguish, etc. • It shows disregard for God’s word – you CANNOT have division if all involved are obeying God’s word

The Problem of Division • It often breeds (or is the product of) ignorance and indifference – some have not honestly studied a subject; others willfully choose to not study (lest they be exposed – cf. John 3: 19 -21) Some don’t want to work it out • It tears churches and brethren apart – sometimes it results in splits.

The Problem of Division • It can damage the Lord’s cause – the world sees when we are divided. Consider Romans 2: 24 • It WILL separate you from God when we are divided, SOMEONE is wrong! Unless we repent, there will be consequences – Galatians 5: 21

How do we avoid division?

Avoiding division • Knowledge – we need to study God’s word and apply it – 2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 • Speak the same thing – seek to be like-minded, while respecting God’s word. 2 Timothy 2: 15 Avoid foolish disputes – 2 Timothy 2: 16, 2: 23, Titus 3: 19, etc.

Avoiding division • As the Lord’s church, resolve to stand for the truth – including elders and teachers – Titus 1: 9, 2 Timothy 4: 2, etc. • Nurture our relationship as the family of God – we are brethren. ACT LIKE IT! Nurture those relationships

Avoiding division • Have a proper attitude! Philippians 2: 3 -4, Ephesians 4: 2, etc. You can either be a cause for unity OR a cause for division. NEVER forget the “golden rule” Matthew 7: 12

The future of the Lord’s church here depends upon true unity

Are we as united as God would have us to be? NT Church (2017 -2018)