The Glory of the Church Series

#10 The Issue of Unity

 Christ prayed for unity

(John 17:20-21)  ""My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, {21} 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."

 Guy N. Woods: “This has been called, and not improperly, an eternal intercession. In it, the Lord looked across the mighty span of the years reaching to eternity and breathed a prayer for all of those who would be led to believe through the preaching of the Word initially delivered by the Apostles.“

 Implication: That religious division and denominationalism produces infidelity; and that unity among believers is the effective weapon against infidelity and atheism.

 Unity demanded at Corinth by Paul.

(1 Cor 1:10-16)  "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. {11} My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. {12} What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ." {13} Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? {14} I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, {15} so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. {16} (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.)"

 (1 Cor 3:1-3)  "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly--mere infants in Christ. {2} I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. {3} You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?"

Some evils of division

1. Division among believers is wrong because it is directly opposed to the prayer of Jesus.

2. Division among believers is wrong because it is contrary to the Scriptures.

3. Division among God’s people is wrong because it results in a waste of time, means, and energy. Just imagine how powerful God’s cause would be if all believers worked in harmony!

4. Division is wrong because it retards the salvation of lost souls. Several have told me that they are going to “try” every church until they find the right one.“ Sinners are confused by the conflicting doctrines and practices of various religious groups. Each denomination is striving to uphold its particular doctrines rather than the New Testament.

 To preserve its undenominational character the church must have:

1.   No denominational name.

2.   No denominational creed, recognizing no authority but Christ.

3.   No denominational organization.

4.             Uncorrupted worship, following the N.T. plan.

5.   No entangling alliances. (read Gospel Advocate statement)

6.   No denominational requirements for membership.

 The sin of division.

God hates those who cause it.

(Prov 6:16-21)  " There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: {17} haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, {18} a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, {19} a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. "

 Factions and sects are classified as works of the flesh.

(Gal 5:19-20)  "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; {20} idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions"

(2 Pet 2:1-2)  "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. {2} Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute."

 The church is to ‘watch’ those who cause division.

(Rom 16:17-18)  "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. {18} For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people."

 (Titus 3:10-11)  "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. {11} You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."

 (2 John 1:9-11)  "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. {10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. {11} Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work."

 Unity an individual obligation to Christians

(Eph 4:3)  "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

 (Phil 2:8)  "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!"

 How divisions can be avoided.

 (2 Tim 2:14)  "Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen."

  (2 Tim 2:23)  "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels."

  (Titus 3:9)  "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”

 The Divine Standard of Unity

(Eph 4:4-6)  "There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- {5} one Lord, one faith, one baptism; {6} one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Last modified: July 10, 2008