United We Stand!

Thank you for joining us for our latest post! Unity is not simply a good idea, it is absolutely vital for the existence of the church. The Word of God is very clear on this topic. Pray the Holy Spirit will help us to make whatever necessary changes He leads us to, in regard to our unity with fellow believers. Eric

In Matthew 12, we read of an account of Jesus healing a demon possessed blind and mute man. The Pharisees who witnessed the deliverance declared that it was by the prince of demons that Jesus was able to heal the demon possessed man. We read in verse 25 that Jesus perceived their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." 'Divided' means separate, one part from another. It signifies internal conflict. Jesus went on to say that those kingdoms, cities or households would be ruined "(made desolate, laid waste, deserted or abandoned)". (HELPS Word-studies). It is not simply unfortunate or unpleasant - it will not stand or be kept in tact. Through disunity, because someone is not willing to let go of their own will or way - it brings about self- inflicted desolation.

Every group of people, whether a nation, an organization, an army, a sports team or even a musical band, all require unity to succeed. There is no endeavor that can succeed where there is disunity, division and chaos.

This truth is why satan tries so hard to bring division into every aspect of life. He desires only to steal, kill and destroy and thus wreck the stability and success of individuals, families, communities, nations and the church.

One of the greatest tools the enemy uses to destroy the effectiveness of the church is to stir up controversy and bring divisions.

In the United States and around the world today, we see division among people as never before. Division in our governments and churches is causing both to be weak and ineffective.

In the beginning of the church age - when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples giving them the empowerment for witness and equipping them for the Great Commission, they were all together with 'one accord in one place'. (Acts 2:1, NKJV). 'With one accord' indicates the early church was "unified in heart, voice and location." (Topical Lexicon Bible Hub). Strong's defines 'one accord' homothumadon as "being unanimous, having mutual consent, being in agreement, having group unity, having one mind and purpose. It indicates harmony that leads to action."

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Father sent the long awaited Promise, the Spirit was poured out very plainly as audible wind, visible tongues of fire and multilingual praise (Acts 2:2-4). It was amazing! Three thousand souls were added to the church that day! (Verse 41).

Throughout the New Testament, believers are encouraged to strive for and to remain in unity. The apostle Paul markedly called for unity in the epistles. Paul's letter to the Philippians Chapter 2:2-4 (NIV) reads, "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Being 'like-minded' phroneo means: "to be of the same mind, to agree together, to cherish the same views and to be harmonious." (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). Bible Hub Study Bible adds this insight, "it refers to corporate unity where everyone pursues a shared devotion to Christ, His gospel and His will. This unity places every heart under the Lordship of Christ." 'Having the same love' indicates that the sacrificial love of Christ must control and direct relationships within the church. 'United in spirit and purpose' conveys those who share the same devotion to Christ and to the attainment of His purpose and will. Verses 3 and 4 describes actions we take to live in unity.

Ephesians 4:3 instructs us to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." 'Unity' in this verse means: God produced oneness between believers or the harmony we will have in sharing the nature of the Lord. We can accomplish this unity by corporately being "devoted to teaching, prayer, shared worship and practical care for one another" (Bible Hub Study Bible).

As a member of the one body of Christ, we are called to peace. (Colossians 3:15). In order for the church to be successful and thrive, the peace of Christ must govern the church's relationships, meaning we pursue reconciliation, truthfulness, forgiveness and harmony.

There are numerous Scriptures which encourage unity because without it, the church will not stand. In 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, Paul chastises the church in Corinth concerning their lack of unity and divisions over rival groups who were setting aside their loyalty to Christ and 'following human leaders.' I.E. "I am of Paul, I follow Apollos, I follow Cephas." Our identity as believers is only in Christ! It is not to be in any pastor, teacher or church leader.

We are encouraged to "aim for perfect harmony." To 'aim' means to set it as your goal. That means we need to make adjustments in what we do, think or act in regard to living in harmony with other believers. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (BSB) instructs, " Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."

Romans 15:5 (BSB) encourages us with these words, "Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus." Living in harmony is not always easy, however, Christ supplies the steadfastness and encouragement we need to remain faithful to Him when we are under pressure and when we become weary.

Once again we read, "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." (1 Peter 3:8). We are to bear one another's burdens, have genuine concern for one another, be loyal, caring, forgiving, tenderhearted, merciful, sympathetic and compassionate.

You see, when we choose to live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, it doesn't erase our personal differences but we choose to be willing to put our pride, rivalry and our own preferences aside.

Colossians 3:13 and 14 (BSB) instructs us, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Just as the forgiveness we received from Christ was not based on our merit - our forgiveness of others cannot be based on their merit.

Forgiveness is a choice! He loved and forgave us while we were still sinners. We believers are to become like and reflect Him.

Then, we receive this warning in Galatians 5:15 (BSB), " But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed (destroyed) by one another." Paul, here, pictures the church body devouring itself through rivalry and jealousy. Internal discord in a body of believers is a greater threat than external persecution.

What does the Scripture advise us to do with those who cause division in our churches by bringing teaching that is contrary to our source of Truth - the Scriptures? The church is not free to change the gospel because of cultural pressure, personal preferences or persuasive new or loud voices! This is what the 'world' is attempting to do to the church now! ‘Pride’ churches are sin; same sex marriage is sin; abortion is murder - a sin; divorce, God hates, it is not His will - it is sin; God created male and female, changing the gender of a child or an adult is trying to be God and is sin. If you have experienced any of these in your past and have repented (removed yourself from them) and confessed them to God, He promises to grant you forgiveness. You are not bound by your previous sins.

The church needs to wake up!

Paul strongly advised in Romans 16:17 to "Watch out for them and to keep away or turn away" from those who are divisive. To 'turn away' from them means: to shun, turn aside and fully avoid them by deliberate decisive rejection. "Faithfulness requires more than recognizing error, it requires refusing to give it influence within the church." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

We are instructed to 'reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition.’ (Titus 3:10). Proverbs 29:1 reveals that a man who remains stiff-necked, (difficult or stubborn) after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy. This is a prophetic warning. We see a confirmation of this Scripture in Titus 3:11 (BSB), "Knowing that such a man (divisive) is corrupt and sinful' he is self condemned."

Some of the most common causes of disunity are pride, a lack of communication, sin issues (gossip, fear, jealousy, compromising the Word to align with culture), a lack of prayer and a lack of relationship with God.

Psalm 133:1 reads, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.”

Colossians 3:12 instructs that as believers, we are to "clothe ourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Help us Jesus!

Let’s choose today to do all we can to live in unity with the brethren. Be a responsible part of a healthy, happy, church body who moves beautifully, with no hinderances, in the power of the Holy Spirit!

I want to close our study today with a couple of quotes.

"The definition of unity is oneness of purpose, that sameness of being, like a quilt with various colors and patterns that have been blended together into a harmonious whole. A church in unity celebrates each person's unique place in the divine design." (Tony Evans).

Lastly, "Local churches exist to display God's glory to the nations. We do that by fixing our eyes on the gospel of Jesus Christ, trusting Him for salvation, and then loving one another with God's own holiness, unity and love." (Mark Dever).

Unless noted otherwise all Scriptures were taken from the New International Version.

NKJV New King James Version

BSB Berean Standard Bible