Unity and fellowship of church

The unity of the church

The church is one

Romans 12:5 KJV 1900

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

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The church transcends all barriers

Colossians 3:11 KJV 1900

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

See also ; ; ; ; ; ; The great divide threatening the first Christians was between Jew and Gentile, but the church was able to unite the two into one body in Christ.

The church’s unity reflects the unity within the Trinity

The unity of the church is built around the persons of the Trinity: one Spirit, one Lord, one Father.

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The church’s unity is the work of the Trinity

Ephesians 2:16–18 KJV 1900

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.

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The purpose of the church’s unity

To lead others to faith

John 17:23 KJV 1900

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

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To lead believers to maturity

Ephesians 4:13 KJV 1900

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

The nature of the church’s unity

Emphasis is placed on an inner unity of mind and spirit rather than external uniformity.

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Appeals for unity in the church

Ephesians 4:3 KJV 1900

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

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The church’s unity is expressed in fellowship

Fellowship with God

1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV 1900

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Fellowship expressed by meeting together

Acts 2:46 KJV 1900

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

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Fellowship expressed through sharing resources

Acts 2:44–45 KJV 1900

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

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Fellowship through suffering

Revelation 1:9 KJV 1900

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

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Fellowship through shared spiritual blessings

1 Corinthians 9:23 KJV 1900

And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

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Specific actions which express fellowship and unity in the church

Sharing in the Lord’s Supper

1 Corinthians 10:16–17 KJV 1900

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

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Baptism as an expression of unity

Ephesians 4:4–6 KJV 1900

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

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Extending hospitality

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Greeting one another

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Welcoming former opponents

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Divisions in the church

Causes of division in the NT church

Personal ambition:

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Ethnic tension:

Acts 6:1 KJV 1900

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Differences of opinion:

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Troublesome heretical leaders:

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Partisan spirit:

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litigation and disputes

Greed:

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Warnings against divisions in the church

1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV 1900

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

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Acceptable differences in the church

In secondary matters of conscience, Christians are to respect rather than judge each other. These things need not impair the essential unity that is in Christ:

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In varieties of spiritual gifts:

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Necessary divisions in the church

Between the true gospel and heretical alternatives:

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Between those truly committed to Jesus Christ, and those apparently part of the church but living sinful lives:

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Over essential gospel principles:

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