Ephesians 4:1-3 | Psalm 133:1 | 1 Corinthians 1:10 | John 17:21-23
Introduction:
In the beginning, God created everything to be in harmony and unity with each other. Man, Woman, animals, plants and Himself.
There is a biblical principle that great power is available to do anything when men and women are in unity and even more so if they are in unity with God – Psalm 133:1 | Ephesians 4:13.
Unity can be defined as:
1. The state of being one or united: oneness.
2. Something complete in itself; single, separate thing.
3. the quality of being one in spirit, sentiment, purpose, etc.; harmony; agreement; concord; uniformity, any group of people who are characterised by a shared purpose, vision or direction.
1 Corinthians 1:10 | 2 Corinthians 13:11.
What does the Bible say about unity? Philippians 2:2 says that God delights in unity among His people.
‘fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind’.
John 17:20-22 – if we are one in Christ, we will have unity with one another and 1 Corinthians 1:10 talks about having no divisions.
It is especially important as believers to understand the importance of unity – Psalm 133:1, Genesis 11:1-6.
Through Christ, we are all one body – The Church. The Church is the place where all distinctions should no longer cause any divisions because of our unity in Christ – Ephesians 4:13.
Our common goal is to advance God’s kingdom through sharing the gospel of Christ – Romans 1:16-17.
The perfect example of unity is found in the Trinity. The Trinity refers to God eternally existing on three distinct persons. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All three persons are equally God. However, each person has a distinct role or function within the Godhead and the three exist in perfect fellowship and community. They are not three separate Gods but only one. The Godhead is perfectly united – John 17:21-23.
God delights in unity among His people so we must endeavour to treat everyone, rich or poor, black or white equally at all times as we are all equal before God – Philippians 2:2-4.
Since unity is so important to God, it should be just as important to us. As members of Christ’s body, we are to do everything we can to avoid misunderstandings that leads to divisions and disunity.
Conclusion:
There is strength in unity. There is power in unity and unity glorifies God like nothing else.
Jesus prayed for all believers at all times to become unified. When the body of Christ comes together with one common purpose, we can change the world. We must work together across racial, cultural and social- economical boundaries to spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ to a dying world.
We can live our lives using the fruits of the spirit as in Galatians 5:22-23 and always endeavour to walk with and work for God – Philippians 2:3. We should always draw on God’s wisdom to live in peace and oneness with our fellow brothers and sisters and everyone.
May God help us in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Discussion:
- What does unity in the Church mean to you? 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
- What are the blessings of unity in the Church? Ecclesiastes 4:12, 1 Peter 3:8, Psalm 133:1
- How can unity and uniqueness co-exist in the Church?
- How do we avoid divisions in the Church, our marriages, our families, and other social and vocational relationships?
- How does satan attempt to destroy unity in the body of believers (Church)?
- How can you model God’s example of unity?
- In what way is earthly wisdom destroying unity among God’s people in some Churches today?
Prayer.
