sf1033 - A Prayer For Unity (Romans 15 5-6)

Romans 15:5-6\

Introduction

In the His great high priestly prayer (John 17) Jesus prayed for the church, His prayer was that His church would be marked by six traits:

Joy (7:13); Holiness (7:17); Truth (7:17); Mission (7:18); Unity (7:20-23); Love (7:26)\

The one that Jesus prayed for at greatest length is unity.

John 17:20-23 (NASB) 20 "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

Paul would continue that theme in much of his writing. In the verse that precede our text Paul focused on the need for and maintenance of unity.

1A. Christian Unity Defined

1B. What it is…

It is spiritual in nature (Ephesians 4:3)

It is grounded and built on doctrine (Eph 4:13)

It will manifest itself in relationships (Col 3:12-14)

2B. What it is not…

Organizational unity

Ø The Roman Catholic Church

Conformity to methods or manner

2A. Christian Unity Described

1B. The church is a family – Our relationship with God

We are God’s children (John 1:12-13)

Ø We are His

Ø We are all different

2B. The church is a fellowship – Our relationship with one another

“Fellowship” to have or share in common

We hold many things in common

Ø The gospel (Philippians 1:5)

Ø With the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1)

Ø God the Father and Son (1 John 1:3)

Ø One another (1 John 1:7)

3B. The is a body – Our relationship with others

1 Corinthians 12:21-23, 26

Ø No dispensable members

3A. Christian Unity Defended (15:6)

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB) 31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.