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