0098 The Bond of the Spirit

The Bond of the Spirit

Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”

Christ is the source of unity John 17:21; John 10:16; Philippians 2

The division that Christ brings

Division is not a object but an effect of Jesus’ coming

Purpose of Christ is not peace but loyalty at any cost

The Model Church: with one accord; continued in fellowship; were together; had all things in common; prayed with one accord; were of one heart and soul; no one lacked; were scattered but not divided; removed complains

Difference in Division and Unity

Division ruins progress when unity strengthens growth

Inability to communicate is the sign of division

If you don’t know how to listen you don’t know how to communicate Communication is giving another person a freedom to disagree with you without you fighting back at them Communication is a blood to the body 42 seconds is how much average father listens to his children Ineffective communication ended the purpose of building a tower Genesis 11:6 Division causes defeat when unity brings about the victory

Midianites were defeated cause of division when Israel was victorious cause of unity Judges 7:17, 22 Every city, kingdom, or house divided against itself will not stand Matthew 12:25 Division is a mark of carnality when unity is a sign of maturity

Division is the work of the flesh Galatians 5:20 Unity is contrary to division is a sign of spiritual maturity 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Principles of Unity

There can be no unity among believers without believers being united with Christ first There can be no unity without eliminating the seeds of division first

Unity between Jesus and God was not cheap in price Unity is esteeming others better than yourself; putting the interests of others before yours Unity is destroying gossip, hatred, jealousy, self-respect, isolation, not willingness to submit; covetousness; lust; ego; pride

Unity Illustrated

The Church is like a family where brothers and sisters treat each other out of high esteem, respect and purity The Church is like the body where each member cares about other members 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 The Church is like the army that doesn’t fight against each other but against one enemy