The Joy of Unity
Notes
Transcript
Unity in the church is rooted in God’s Truth, grown through common purpose, and results in joyful fellowship.
Disunity is often caused by the simplest things - Man wrote a letter to his neighbor … 6 years terrible relationship … returned lawnmower in pieces .... blasted the Grateful Dead when sick … writing to let you know your house is own fire.
Unity is Rooted in the Truth (v 1)
Unity is Rooted in the Truth (v 1)
In light of our future in heaven we are called to stand fast in the Lord.
The truth of Who God is and what He has done, as recorded in Scripture forms the basis for our agreement together.
Unity Grows through Common Purpose (vv. 2-3)
Unity Grows through Common Purpose (vv. 2-3)
Be of the same mind in the Lord.
Jesus always placed the responsibility of reconciliation between parties on “you”.
If someone has something against you, go to them.
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
If you have something against someone else, go to them.
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Matt 18:15-
Our willingness to forgive others directly impacts our relationship with the Lord. As Christians we are a forgiven people and a forgiving people. Genuine prayer involves humility before God and an attitude of forgiveness toward others. That is the model that Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer and demonstrated on the Cross. Forgiveness is based on mercy, not merit. When we pray, let’s remember how much we have been forgiven and be quick to extend that forgiveness to others.
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:
Unity Blooms in Joyful Fellowship (vv. 4-5)
Unity Blooms in Joyful Fellowship (vv. 4-5)
Fellowship with God - “Rejoice in the Lord!”
The more you know God, the more you have to rejoice in, regardless of your circumstances. If you want more joy, seek to know more of God.
The reason some many believers so quickly get upset with others is because they have forgotten how much they have been forgiven.
Rejoice in the Lord:
In His Salvation
yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
In His Provision -
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah
In His Answer to our Supplication -
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
In His