Hanging Together

Unity/Undivided

We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.

Ben Franklin At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

What does God’s Word say about unity?

Psalm 133:1–3 NASB95

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever.

How do we learn to walk in unity?

Ephesians 4:11–16 NASB95

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

What is the secret? How can we stay united and undivided?

Love

Proverbs 10:12 NASB95

12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.

1 Peter 4:8 NASB95

8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Ephesians 4:1–6 NASB95

1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also 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 over all and through all and in all.

Forgive

Colossians 3:12–15 NASB95

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Put others above yourself

Philippians 2:1–4 NASB95

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Why is staying undivided do important?

Matthew 12:25 NASB95

25 And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.

John 13:35 NASB95

35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

What are some things that cause division?

James 4:1 NASB95

1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?

Backbiting, Slander, and Criticism from within and criticism from without

What does God say about backbiting and slander?

Psalm 101:5 NASB95

5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.

Proverbs 11:9 NASB95

9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

Proverbs 6:12–19 NASB95

12 A worthless person, a wicked man, Is the one who walks with a perverse mouth, 13 Who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, Who points with his fingers; 14 Who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil, Who spreads strife. 15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly; Instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing. 16 There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

How should we respond to backbiting, slander, and criticism ?

Luke 17:3 NASB95

3 “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

Proverbs 25:23 NASB95

23 The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.

God’s purpose for us

John 17:22–23 NASB95

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.

How can we win?

Philippians 1:27–28 NASB95

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.