Strength in Unity

Discord, disharmony, conflict, and division can disrupt, weaken, and destroy the church.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.1 Corinthians 1:10

Disunity is a potential danger for any church.

Two types of unity encouraged in Scripture: Doctrinal and Missional Unity.

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;Philippians 1:27

Inter-Personal unity.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.Romans 15:5-7

Steps for Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18:15-17)

1. Go to the person.
2. If not resolved, take 1-2 witnesses.
3. If not resolved, tell it to the church.
4. If not resolved, treat the person as unsaved.

The commitment to the unified mission of the church and a desire to have the mind of Jesus strengthens our resolve and deepens our commitment to one another.

Why must we strive for unity? (v.1)

• Because we are in Christ, He is with us and he is our encourager. • Love is concerned for others and gives comfort and encouragement. • The Holy Spirit provides connectedness, fellowship and oneness. • The heart of Jesus is deeply compassionate.

Unity glorifies God.

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:John 17:21-22

The church should be unified under the banner of service and humility.

There’s no room in Jesus’ church for inter-personal drama.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.1 Corinthians 1:10

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.Matthew 5:21-24

Contention is always rooted in pride.

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.Proverbs 13:10

Following the example of Jesus means putting others first and serving others.

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Matthew 20:26-28

We cannot seek unity at the expense of Truth.

Unity in the church always requires humility.

Diversity and unity can coexist.

We are commanded to love and serve one another.

If you have an issue with another Christian, fix it.

Pride and selfishness destroy the church.