Unity in the Church: Overcoming Division for True Unity

1. Unity in the Church (2)“Let there be no divisions among you” NT Church (2017-2018)

2. Our Need for Unity • Psalm 133, Behold how good and how pleasant it is • John 17:20-21, the Lord’s prayer! • 1 Corinthians 1:10 • Philippians 2:1-2, the degree of unity • Ephesians 4:1-6, we are working at it

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

4. The Sin of Division

5. Proverbs 6:16-19 – these seven things God hates… one who sows discord among brethren 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 3:1-3 – let there be no divisions among you… do not be carnal The Sin of Division

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

7. We must mark or avoid those causing divisions 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. How do we avoid division?

12. Avoiding division • Knowledge – we need to study God’s word and apply it – 2 Timothy 3:16-17Hosea 4:6 • Speak the same thing – seek to be like-minded, while respecting God’s word. 2 Timothy 2:151 Corinthians 1:10To do this we need to be on the same path - Matthew 22:37, Colossians 3:1-2

13. Avoiding division • Avoid foolish disputes –1 Timothy 1:3-7, 2 Timothy 2:16, 2:23, Titus 3:9, etc. We are not talking about genuine discussion, but arguing about words that will not change anything, demanding our way, trivial pursuits, binding liberties (Romans 14), etc.

14. Avoiding division • As the Lord’s church, resolve to ALL stand for the truth – including elders and teachers – Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 5:11, Romans 16:17-18, etc. • Nurture our relationship as the family of God – we are brethren. ACT LIKE IT! Nurture those relationships

15. Avoiding division • Go to your brother when you have a concern – don’t go to everyone else, go with a genuine desire to work it out, don’t ignore the “leak in the dam”; go to seek clarification (often our differences are a matter of misunderstanding what one means) – Matthew 18:15-18

16. Avoiding division • Have a proper attitude! Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 4:2, 32, etc. • You can either be a cause for unity OR a cause for division. • NEVER forget the “golden rule” Matthew 7:12 • NEVER forget what love looks like – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

17. The future of the Lord’s church here depends upon TRUE unity

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