Introduction
I. The psalmist said in “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1 NIV
(Unity does not mean sameness,it mean oneness of purpose)
A. Someone once said: "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and
working together is success."
As one Flock, we are gathered together.
As one Family, we dwell together.
As one Body, we are joined together.
As one Temple, we are framed together.
As one household, we are built together.
As one Kingdom, we are to strive together.
As one Church, we worship together.
B. This is a beautiful picture of unity in God's family.
II. Unity is an important New Testament doctrine, and it is everyone's responsibility.
III. Unity in the Lord's church affect all of us.
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV
Someone who is haughty is arrogant and full of pride. When you're haughty, you have a big attitude and act like you're better than other people. A haughty person acts superior and looks down on others.
IV. The Lord's church must be united and must maintain unity.
V. This morning we will look at 4 very important aspects of unity.
A. The IMPORTANCE of UNITY.
B. The BASIS for UNITY.
C. The REASONS for UNITY.
D. The HINDRANCES to UNITY.
Body
I. THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY.
A. The unity of the N.T. church was important because:
1. Jesus prayed for it
““My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
John 17:20-23 NIV
2. The Apostle Paul pleaded for it
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV
3. The church practiced it (Acts 4:32).
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”
Acts 4:32 NIV
II. THE REASONS FOR UNITY.
A. There are a number of reasons why we need to be united.
1. Jesus prayed for it (Jn 17:20-22).
2. That the world might believe.
3. That the church might be glorious (John 17:22).
4. There is encouragement in unity.
5. There is joy in unity (Psa 133:1).
6. There is progress in unity (Acts 2:46-47).
7. There is strength in unity (Mat 12:25).
III. THE HINDRANCES TO UNITY.
A. The preaching and teaching of opinions
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:11 NIV
B. Selfishness is a hindrance to unity
“not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians 2:4 NIV
C. Loyalty to a man or a group hinders unity
“Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.”
1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV
Conclusion
I. In conclusion:
A. We have seen the IMPORTANCE of UNITY, We have seen the REASONS for UNITY, We have seen the HINDRANCES to UNITY.
II. Unity is what we have here at the 412 S Vancouver St Kennewick VOTC
A. Unity is what we must endeavor to keep.
B. Unity is everyone's responsibility.
III. Do you want to be added to the Lord's united church this morning?
** If you have any questions or if you would like to become a Christian, please let us know.
