Strength in Numbers

Unity Creates Stronger Individuals

Imagine if this drama or any drama that was intended to be completed by a theater group was acted out by an individual. Think of how confusing it would be. Who’s talking? Which character is she now?

Or if the song was titled -

Onward, By Yourself, To Wherever You Want To Go, To Your Own Ends, Christian Soldier.

That’s not much of an anthem. That’s a terrible title.

But a unified group of actors focused on telling a powerful story by fulfilling each character to their fullest brings a deep sense of unity for both the actors and the audience.

Within the Gospel of Jesus Christ there is a conviction to unite as believers and a benefit to both our individual and corporate worship through that unity. This is what spurs Paul’s words in the text for today.

Romans 16:17–18 HCSB

Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause dissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have learned. Avoid them, for such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.

Paul couldn’t help but give a final word of warning to the Roman Church. The placement of these two verses was important for them and important for us today.

Verses 1 - 16 are a powerful picture of thanksgiving and unity, while verse 17 is a call to vigilance and discernment. Paul knows if the church isn’t vigilant and discerning, then these very things will destroy the church from within.

The most critical division Paul calls the church to be on guard against isn’t gossip or power struggles or hidden circles, even though those very things are antithetical to the Church, to her purpose and to her missional success. Those things are rooted in sin, selfish desires, and destroy Kingdom likeness that the church is called to.

Our call as a church is to be united in service to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s warning is against teaching contrary to the Gospel or any message that is centered not on unification through Christ, but on any message of unification by any other means.

The reason we must be so vigilant over biblical doctrine is that those who depart from it take people with them by pleasant, plausible speech that presents itself as a blessing. False teachers don’t get a following by being rough and harsh. They get a following by being nice.

One of the New Testament commands for the individuals in the church to lovingly hold one another accountable. This is why members of the church are called to be ‘in Christ’. Paul shared this truth with the Ephesian church.

Ephesians 4:15–16 (HCSB)

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head —Christ.

From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.

When we take Paul’s warning to the Romans and his command to the Ephesians, we can draw some helpful conclusions for our church.

1st - Community builds community, and as we build each other up, we become stronger.

2nd - Unity as believers helps us to grow stronger as individuals.

3rd - There is no true community without Christ as the center of everything.

Cue final song

1 Corinthians 1:12 HCSB

What I am saying is this: Each of you says, “I’m with Paul,” or “I’m with Apollos,” or “I’m with Cephas,” or “I’m with Christ.”

We must see unity beginning with Christ - Christ is with me, Christ is uniting me to Himself and empowering me to be united with others.

Two challenges for you today:

It is easier sometimes to point out growth areas in others than it is in ourselves. Start with you today. Make your relationship with Christ personal this season.

Utilize the Lenten season to discover what needs to be ‘tweaked’ in your life in order to experience Kingdom unity in its fullest.

How can the Holy Spirit work in your life over the next few weeks to use your personal relationship with Christ to grow our community?