UNITY FOR GOD’S GLORY

INTRO

    All Christians, even those from the most diverse backgrounds are ONE in Christ. Eph. 2:13-16; 3:4-6; 4:1-3.

I. WHEN UNITY IS BAD.

A. Wrong gospel. Gal. 1:8.

B. Wrong lifestyle.

II. WHEN UNITY IS GOOD.

A. Paul’s prayer for unity (vv. 5-6a).

1) Who gives unity?

2) The preciousness of unity. Ps. 133.

Children of one family        one Father     John 20:17
Disciples in one school        one teacher     John 13:13-35
Sheep in one flock        one shepherd    John 10:16
Members of one body        one head    Eph. 4:15
Stones in one building        one foundation    1 Peter 2:3, 1 Cor. 3:11-12

Eph. 4:4-6

3) Three-fold unity: Unity in mind, heart, and voice is an important goal.

a) “same mind” (v. 5) –

“according to Christ” - according to the will of Christ.

b) “one accord” (v. 6) - can have the idea of “one mind”, “one purpose”, “one uniting conviction,” “one heart,” “one passion”. Acts 1:14; 2:46

c) “one voice” (v. 6) - When our voices are united so are our hearts.

4) Causes of disunity: SIN.

jealousy – Numb. 16 Sons of Korah.
party spirit – 1 Cor. 1
secondary differences – Rom. 14
gossip - 2 Cor. 12:20
pride – Mk. 7:22

5) Key to unity:

love – Col. 3:14

humility, etc. – Eph. 4:1-3

focus on Christ -

B. Paul’s prayer for unity in worship (v. 6).

The glory of God is the ultimate goal. God is not glorified by division and strife in the body, but when the saints lay aside their differences and stand side by side in the worship and service of God, then God is glorified

C. Accept one another (v. 7).

CONCLUSION