The Importance of Unity

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Can two walk together, except they agree? (Amos 3:3) But, how far and in what areas must we agree?

1. David says, “I am a companion of all who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts.” (Psalms 119:63, NKJV)

2.         Consider Malachi 3:16: “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.” (NKJV)

B.        David acknowledged the pleasantness of being in unity. (Psalms 133:1)

C.        Jesus prayed for unity among His followers. (John 17:11, 21-23)

I.         EXAMPLES OF UNITY

            A.        The disciples of Christ were united after His death. (Acts 1:14)

            B.        The disciples of Christ were united after the establishment of the church. (Acts 2:1, 32, 42, 44-47)

            C.        Paul refers to the “mutual faith.” (Romans 1:12)

            D.        The supper of the Lord shows the existence of unity among believers. (1 Corinthians 10:16,17)

            E.        Being baptized into the one body of Christ shows the existence of unity. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

            F.        The Lord established unity between the believing Jews and the believing Gentiles. (Ephesians 2:14-22)

            G.        Paul encouraged the Philippian brethren to strive for the faith of the Gospel with one mind. (Philippians 1:27)

II.       MAINTAINING UNITY AMONG BRETHREN.

            A.        Maintaining unity is a command.

                        1.         1 Peter 3:8,9

                        2.         2 Corinthians 13:11

                        3.         Ephesians 4:1-4

            B.        Maintain unity by having the proper love.

                        1.         John 13:34

2.         John 15:12

3.         Philippians 2:1-2

4.         Colossians 2:2

5.         1 Peter 2:17

6.         1 John 4:7, 8, 11-13

            C.        Maintaining unity requires humility. (Romans 12:16)

            D.        Maintain unity by putting your brother first. (Romans 15:1-7)

            E.        Maintain unity despite differences in judgment. (Romans 14:1-4, 10, 13-16, 18-21)

            F.        Maintain unity by walking by the same “rule.” (Philippians 3:16-17)

III.      DIVISION IS HARMFUL TO THE CHURCH.

            A.        Paul told the Corinthians that division should not exist among brethren. (1 Corinthians 1:10-14; 3:1-4; 11:18)

            B.        Division avoids the needs of the weaker brethren. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

            C.        When we are divided, we cease to exhort our fellow brethren. (Hebrews 3:13)

            D.        The church is to reject and avoid the man that would cause division. (Titus 3:9-10; Romans 16:17)

            E.        The sin of heresies is the sin of causing division. (Galatians 5:20, ASV; 2 Peter 2:1-3)

CONCLUSION.

A.        Christians should strive to maintain unity at all costs. Christians should never be quick to sever the unity.

B.        There are times when you will have no choice but to sever that unity. However, many times, divisions are created, not over doctrinal issues, but over other matters.

C.        How hard are you working to maintain the unity among brethren?

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The Importance of Unity - December 14, 2003 -- File #: 627

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK