EXHORTATION OF UNITY, TO BE ONE

PSALM 133

INTRODUCTION. Unity is a pressing need within the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Where there is unity there is strength. Jesus said a house divided against itself shall fall. Now unity and union are not the same. Unity: State of being one—as a body is one organism. Union: Act or instance of uniting two or more things into one organization.

I. THE CHURCH SHOULD HAVE UNITY.

A. Because the church is one—The body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:12, 13; Eph. 4:4–6.

B. Since the church is one—if any member suffers, the whole body suffers. 1 Cor. 12:25, 26.

C. The church as a body can only function properly when all members are working together. 1 Cor. 12:20–24. Note v. 22. (all necessary.)

II. THE CHURCH CAN HAVE UNITY.

A. Because of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. John 14:16, 17.

1. Note the Spirit came when the church was in one accord. Acts 2:1–4.

2. After He came—Note. Acts 2:42–47. (v. 26).

B. Because Christ prayed that we have unity. John 17:20, 21. God will answer Christ’s prayer.

III. HOW THE CHURCH CAN MAINTAIN THIS UNITY.

A. By faith. Eph. 3:14–17.

B. By abiding in Christ and obeying His Word. John 15:7, 2 John 9, 1 John 3:24.

C. By putting forth an effort. Eph. 4:1–3.

IV. WHAT THIS UNITY WILL BRING THE CHURCH.

A. It will bring maturity. Eph. 4:11–13.

B. It will bring stability. Eph. 4:14.

C. It will bring love for each other. Eph. 4:15, 16.

D. It will bring rejoicing. 1 Cor. 12:26.

E. It will bring power. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 4:23–31.

Ephesians 2:11–18 KJV 1900

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

James H. Bolick, Sermon Outlines from the Word, Sermon Outline Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1987), 54.