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Unity in the Church (1)

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

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Unity in the Church (1)

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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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