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Unity in the Church: Our Need for Harmony and Togetherness

Explore the importance of unity in the church through biblical reflections and teachings from the New Testament Church. Discover the significance of being harmonious, of one accord, and speaking the same truth as a community of believers. Learn how division can hinder spiritual growth and the steps to avoid it, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and respect for God's Word. Reflect on how unity strengthens the church and fosters a loving and supportive environment for all members.

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Unity in the Church: Our Need for Harmony and Togetherness

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  1. Unity in the Church (1) NT Church (2017-2018)

  2. Our Need for Unity • Psalm 133, Behold how good and how pleasant it is • The singleness of God’s plan – He has a pattern. It will unite us when all follow it • Ultimately, unity begins within the local body

  3. Our Need for Unity • John 17:20-21, the Lord’s prayer! • His desire and prayer • For ALL believers • Equivalent to the unity Jesus has with the Father

  4. Our Need for Unity • 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Paul’s pleading with them • By the name of our Lord (authority) • No divisions among you (not SOME) • Speak the same thing – how we avoid divisions • Perfectly joined together (made complete – NASB) – degree of unity

  5. Our Need for Unity • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, a body that is functioning properly- every part knows it place- every part realizes its need for the rest of the body- we’re where we’re at because God put us there- no schism

  6. Our Need for Unity • Philippians 2:1-2, a letter “to the saints at Philippi…”- like minded – thinking the same way- having the same love – motives behind our actions (John 13:34-35)- of one accord – united in spirit – harmonious- of one mind – intent on one purpose • Consider Jesus (2:5-8)

  7. Our Need for Unity • Ephesians 4:1-6, what true unity looks like- walk worthy of your calling- attitudes – lowliness, gentleness- endeavoring (working) to keep the unity of the Spirit

  8. We CANNOT achieve true unity at the expense of truth!

  9. The Sin of Division

  10. Proverbs 6:16-19 – these seven things God hates… one who sows discord among brethren James 3:14-18 – self-seeking – earthly, sensual and demonic The Sin of Division

  11. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 – let there be no divisions among you… Is Christ divided? 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 – it is carnal and ungodly (behaving like men) – envy, strife and divisions 1 Corinthians 11:17-18 – they came together for the worse – divisions & factions The Sin of Division

  12. Galatians 5:20 – a work of the flesh – hatred, contentions, jealousies, selfish-ambitions, dissension, heresies, etc. The Sin of Division

  13. We must mark or avoid them Romans 16:17-18 – note those who cause divisions and offenses… and avoid them 2 John 9-11 – do not receive one bringing false doctrine into your house nor greet him… Titus 3:10-11 – reject a divisive man after 2 warnings Ephesians 5:11 The Sin of Division

  14. It is incompatible with TRUE unity – consider the damage division causes – wars, broken families, mental anguish, etc. It shows disregard for God’s word – you CANNOT have division if all involved are obeying God’s word The Problem of Division • Sadly, many today endorse forms of division (“unity in diversity”, denominationalism, etc.) (cf. 2 John 11)

  15. It often breeds (or is the product of) ignorance and indifference – some have not honestly studied a subject; others willfully choose to not study (lest they be exposed – cf. John 3:19-21)Some don’t want to work it out It tears churches and brethren apart – sometimes it results in splits. The Problem of Division

  16. It can damage the Lord’s cause – the world sees when we are divided. Consider Romans 2:24 It WILL separate you from God when we are divided, SOMEONE is wrong! Unless we repent, there will be consequences – Galatians 5:21 The Problem of Division

  17. How do we avoid division?

  18. Avoiding division • Knowledge – we need to study God’s word and apply it – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 • Speak the same thing – seek to be like-minded, while respecting God’s word. 2 Timothy 2:15Avoid foolish disputes – 2 Timothy 2:16, 2:23, Titus 3:19, etc.

  19. Avoiding division • As the Lord’s church, resolve to stand for the truth – including elders and teachers – Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy 4:2, etc. • Nurture our relationship as the family of God – we are brethren. ACT LIKE IT! Nurture those relationships

  20. Avoiding division • Have a proper attitude! Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 4:2, etc. You can either be a cause for unity OR a cause for division.NEVER forget the “golden rule” Matthew 7:12

  21. The future of the Lord’s church here depends upon true unity

  22. Are we as united as God would have us to be? NT Church (2017-2018)

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