Why We Have to Work to Get Along

September 2, 2007

Opening Text:  Matthew 7:7-12

Title:  Why We Have to Work to Get Along (Outline came from a Steve Brown sermon)

Text:  Ephesians 4:1-7

Proposition:  We are united.

Application:  We must correct our misunderstandings that lead to division.

I.  We don’t believe God is who we say he is

a.  Foundation of our unity is the person and work of God

           i. Father, Son and Spirit – Common unity

          ii. JI Packer Leadership, Fall 2006, p. 68.  –

“The New Testament all the way through holds to the relational pattern of the Son doing the Father’s will, the Spirit doing the will of the Father and the Son, and the three being together in everyone’s Christian life.  But each is still distinct in the ministry that he has to the Christian, and in the relation that he bears to the other two persons.”

“The best formula is this: he – that’s God – is they.  And they – that’s the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – are he.  Three persons, one God.”

b.  God of Ephesians 1:20-23

        i.   We attempt to fight God’s battles among each other

       ii.   Have we become the authority above God?

II.   We don’t believe that humanity is who we say we are

a.  In need of salvation

        i. Normally how we view ourselves,

1. It leads to the comparison game, where no one ever seem to quite match up to our standard.

        ii.  It can effect our process of evangelism. 

1.  When we allow prejudice and judgments to stop us from reaching out.

b.  Expected to live a life worthy of the calling

         i. We struggle with the idea that we really can begin to look and behave like Christ.

        ii.  We can limit the ability of others to be servants of Jesus.

1.  We refuse help

2. We define unity as uniformity

III.  We don’t believe grace is what we say it is

a.  We continue to adapt a cultural mindset that says we must earn our way to God

        i. Religious Culture – All other religions are work based in their approach o bridging the gap between God and man. 

1.  These religions are man made.

       ii.  American culture – We are prideful culture that asking for help is a sign of weakness or laziness.

1.  But that is just it Sin has left us weak.  Without we could not stand before God.