Christian Unity

Dwell together in Unity

There is a great deal of division and strife in the church today (the body of Christ, and local churches)

There is division between families

In communities

But God’s desire for us is heartfelt unity

Jesus said that a house divided against itself cannot stand

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Psalm 133 NKJV

A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.

How Good and Pleasant it is

David said it was good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity

“The Lord commanded a blessing - Life forevermore

In fact God said that if they were one , there was nothing they restrained from them which they imagined to do ()

So, this “unity” is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling

there is strength and power in Christian unity -

In fact, it is sad that more Christians do not realize this

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 together

So, you can bring two people or groups together in union, without having unity

Unity is more like harmony, both parts working together for the same end

Too many Christians refuse to harmonize with anyone other than themselves -

THE CHURCH SHOULD HAVE UNITY.

Because the church is one—The body of Christ. , ; .

1 Corinthians 12:12–13 NKJV

12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

Ephesians 4:4–6 NKJV

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

eph

Since the church is one—if any member suffers, the whole body suffers. , .

1 Corinthians 12:25–26 NKJV

25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

If anyone suffers, the whole body is suffering - there should be no schism

1cor12.25-265

In a marriage for instance, if one suffers, they both do. No one really wins a fight

When one is harmed the other cannot rejoice

Too many Christians are quite willing to bring suffering to the rest of the body, as long as they think it will get them their way

Some are willing to upend the unity of their homes to gain their way, but it actually affect the whole body

The church as a body can only function properly when all members are working together. . Note v. 22. (all necessary.)

1 Corinthians 12:20–24 NKJV

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,

C. The church as a body can only function properly when all members are working together. . Note v. 22. (all necessary.)

Every one has their part, their role, their gift

sometimes, people want everyone else’s part instead

So many great ministries are brought to ruin becasue of division, becasue everyone has their own way,

The opposite of Unity: Division and Strife

James said that where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work ()

As we mentioned, Jesus said a house divided cannot stand

Notice, He did not say “probably”

God ended rebellion by dividing the people

Many Godly prayers and desires are brought to nothing becasue of disunity and strife:

1 Peter tells us that our prayers can be hindered through Marital strife ()

It is important to have love and unity in the home - not only for yourselves, but for the body of Christ

Shall we take our argument and upset the peace of the Holy Spirit?

Paul in Romans tells us to avoid these things

Romans 16:17 NKJV

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

There Is a Time For Division

romans

As much as I am saying about avoiding strife it should be noted that there is a time to divide

Jesus said “Don’t think I came to bring peace but a sword, for a man’s enemies will be they of hi sown house… ()

This has to do with the gospel, and denying Christ

In that case, we must “be faithful unto death”

So, then the time to stand, even against the rest of the body, is when it is for God’s glory

As Peter told the rulers “We ought to obey God rather than men”

We all like to think that God is on our side, but most disputes between Christians really don’t have anything to do with HIM.

So, in most instances, we should avoid strife. Avoid arguments. Avoid divisions and those who cause them.

If you think you must, first try removing yourself from the evaluation and consider “What would Jesus really want?” Does it even matter at all in the grand scheme of the body of Christ?”

Another problem with strife is that when we curse fellow Christians, we curse ourselves

Genesis 12:3 NKJV

3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Contrary to popular culture, this is not a promise to the government of Israel

This was a promise from God, to Abraham, and His descendants after him. regardless of their nationality or location

says that if you are christian, this promise is for you

So, If you belong to Christ, then anyone who curses you is cursed by God -

But if you curse your fellow Christians, are you cursed by God -

And this is a reason for so much weakness in the body of Christ today

Of course, when people disagree with us, or wrong us, we all like to think “they’re not even a Christian”, and then its free game...

But that is just not the case

Try saying nothing - When Jesus was reviled, He reviled not again

(two recent occasions) Though I thought many things, I didn’t have to voice them. Instead, I can speak a blessing

THE CHURCH CAN HAVE UNITY.

Because of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. , .

John 14:16–17 NKJV

16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Note the Spirit came when the church was in one accord. .

Consider the unity they had After He came—Note. . (v. 26).

Acts 2:42–47 NKJV

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

act2.24-2

Because Christ prayed that we have unity. , . God will answer Christ’s prayer.

John 17:20–21 NKJV

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

jhn 17

HOW WE CAN MAINTAIN THIS UNITY.

By faith. .

Ephesians 3:14–17 NKJV

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

Ephesians 3:14–17 NKJV

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

By abiding in Christ and obeying His Word. (If you abide in me...John 15:7)

By putting forth an effort. .

Ephesians 4:1–3 NKJV

1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

eph4.

“endeavoring” to keep the unity of the spirit”

it is an “endeavor” it takes effort. You need to be mindful and purposeful about this.

Constantly coming back to Jesus.

WHAT THIS UNITY WILL BRING US

t will bring maturity. .

Ephesians 4:13 NKJV

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

It will bring stability. .(no longer children tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine)

It will bring love for each other. , .

Ephesians 4:15–16 NKJV

15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

It will bring rejoicing. . (when one is honored, all rejoice)

It will bring power and multiply the church. ; ; .