Understanding Unity
INTRODUCTION.
A. Unity is a word that, as Christian, we hear often. It is a word that calls that action but is often ignored.
B. It is the purpose of this lesson to take a look at unity so that we might better understand it.
I. UNITY BEGINS WITH CHRIST'S PRAYER FOR UNITY.
A. In John 17, Christ prayed for unity among his followers. (John 17)
1. According to John 17:6-10, there was unity that already existed.
2. However, John 17:11-19 explained that this unity was about to be tested.
3. In verses 20-21, Christ prayed for the unity be established.
B. Whether or not we work together in unity is entirely up to us.
II. HOW DID UNITY BECOME A REALITY?
A. Unity within the church began on the day of Pentecost; the day that Peter preached the Word. (Acts 2)
1. We must understand that unity in Christ is centered on His word.
2. Ephesians 4:13 reads, "Till we all come to the unity of the faith..." (NKJV). This faith that we are to have comes by the hearing of the word. (Romans 10:17)
3. Hebrews 4:2 explained that the word had to be mixed with faith in those who heard it.
4. We all must have faith in the same word if we are going to have unity. This is why unity began with Peter preaching the word on the day of Pentecost.
B. When the people responded to the word, there was unity.
1. About three thousand souls were unified when they obeyed the gospel's call. (Acts 2:41)
2. According to verse 47, those who were being saved were added together, to the church.
3. We even see the unity in that the saints continued together steadfastly. (Acts 2:42,46)
C. Those people who, on the day of Pentecost, believed, repented, and were baptized were baptized into one body. (I Corinthians 12:13) This baptism into one body definitely speaks of unity.
D. This unity should be a reality for us. Every time a person obeys the Gospel of Christ, they become a part of this unity.
III. UNITY IS TO BE MAINTAINED.
A. While most people will admit to the necessity of unity, the maintaining of unity seems to be often overlooked.
B. Let us take a few minutes to consider some points from the first four chapters of the epistle to the Ephesians to better explain this unity.
1. We see in the first chapter of Ephesians that the unity must be in Christ. The elements of unity are founded in Christ. Take notice of the following statements found in Ephesians 1:1-14.
a. "...blessed us with every SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly places IN CHRIST." (vs 3)
b. "...just as He chose us IN HIM..." (vs 4)
c. "...having PREDESTINED us to adoption as sons by JESUS CHRIST to Himself..." (vs 5)
d. "IN HIM we have REDEMPTION through His blood..." (vs 7)
e. "...having made known to US the mystery of HIS WILL..." (vs 9)
f. “IN HIM also WE have obtained an INHERITANCE..." (vs 11)
g. "IN HIM you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth...in whom also...you were SEALED with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our INHERITANCE until the redemption of the PURCHASED POSSESSION, to the praise of His glory." (vs 13-14)
2. In the second chapter of Ephesians, we see that unity must be based on the foundation of Christ. Notice the establishment of this foundation. (Ephesians 2:1,5-6,19-20,21,22)
a. "And you HE MADE ALIVE..." (vs 1, NKJV)
b. "...made US ALIVE together with CHRIST...and raised us up together..." (vs 5,6, NKJV)
c. "Now, therefore, you are...FELLOW citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the FOUNDATION of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the CHIEF CORNERSTONE." (vs 19,20, NKJV)
d. "...in whom (Jesus Christ) the whole building...grows into a holy temple of the Lord..." (vs 21, NKJV)
e. "...in whom (Jesus Christ) you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." (vs 22, NKJV)
3. Chapter three of Ephesians explains that unity comes by the Gospel. (Ephesians 3:2-6, 8-13)
a. "...if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you...when you read, you may understand...as it has now been revealed...to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the Gospel..." (vs 2-6, NKJV)
b. "To me...this grace was given, that I should preach...and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery...to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church..." (vs 8-13)
4. Chapter four tells us that we are to be eager and diligent to maintain the unity and how that unity is maintained. (Ephesians 4:1-3,7)
a. "...I...beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called...ENDEAVORING to keep the UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (vs 1-3, NKJV)
b. "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." (vs 7, NKJV)
c. Endeavoring to keep the unity begins by understanding unity. Consider Ephesians 4:4-6.
d. Maintaining unity requires that we all do our part. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
e. Consider the benefits of unity based on God's word. (Ephesians 4:14-16, 25-32)
IV. LET US APPLY THE PRINCIPLES OF UNITY.
A. While a unity can be had within man's creeds, the unity that we must be striving is founded upon the Word of God. When we begin to remove the word of God as our foundation for unity, then we will fall. Consider the following examples.
1. In Acts 8:20-24, for a moment in time, Simon was not in unity with the apostles. Simon had departed from the standard of the word of God. However, once his error was pointed out to him, Simon repented.
2. With the brethren in Corinth, Paul pleaded with them for unity. Take notice of Paul's statement in I Corinthians 1:10. However, since some chose not to walk by the word of God, then division developed. Take the time to go back and study I Corinthians 5 through the end of the letter to see the evidence of their division.
3. In the epistle to the Galatians, Paul expressed his concern at their departure from that which brings unity. (Galatians 1:6) To help overcome this problem, Paul wrote, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)
4. Regarding the brethren in Thessalonica, Paul wrote, "Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." (II Thessalonians 2:15, NKJV)
a. It was vital that the brethren remain steadfast for without problems would arise.
b. Consider the measures to take in order to help maintain this unity. (II Thessalonians 3:14-15)
B. Since the beginning of the church, there have been congregations who have experienced unity and fellowship as well as division. However, we must always make sure that our unity and fellowship that we possess is first with Christ and then with one another. Then and only then will we be able to stand fast and work together.
CONCLUSION.
A. Let us remember that it is sin which separates man from God. (Isaiah 59:1-2)
B. When we depart from the Word of God, then we will be divided.
C. Let us make the determination to follow the word of God and never depart from its path.
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Understanding Unity - September 22, 2002 - File #: 627 - Unity
by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK