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UNITY.S05
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1992-10-30
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TO THE GLORY OF GOD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Study No 5
UNITY IN THE CHURCH
PSALM 133:1
INTRODUCTION
THE FULLNESS OF GOD
Ephesians 1:22-23
"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head
over all things to the church, which is his body, THE FULLNESS OF
HIM that filleth all in all."
God has used many different pictures in his word to give us a fuller
understanding of the depth of unity he desires. "As thou, Father art
in me and I in thee." John 17:21. Unity of the Godhead.
1. EXAMPLES OF UNITY
A. FAMILY - Unity in Fellowship.
"Now therefore ye are...of the household of God" Eph.2:19-22
Unity of fellowship is experienced when the family submit to God-
given authorities.
B. TEMPLE - Unity in Glory.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house"
1 Peter 2:5
"In whom the building fitly framed together groweth into a holy
temple" Eph.2:20-22
God is fashioning, building and fitting together a temple to fill
with His glory.
"A habitation of God" Eph.2:22.
C. WIFE - Unity in Love.
"...a man...shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be
one flesh, this is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ
and the church" Eph.5:31,32.
Being joined in marriage is the highest expression of unity in
love.
D. CITY - Unity in Function.
"He looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and
maker is God" Heb.11:10-16
Known for its elevated position, its strong foundations, its
impregnable walls and its towers for protection, here the
inhabitants are united in vision, in strength, and have unity of
purpose and function. Heb.12:22; Ps.48:2,12.
E. BODY - Unity in Life.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all members
of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ"
1 Cor.12:12-22
Each member of the body is necessary, and each has its own
function, yet all are at liberty to function in its own unique
way.
NOTE: Liberty, NOT Independence. The body is IN/TER/DEPENDENT.
Members functioning in life, bringing unity into life.
F. ARMY - Unity in Vision and Purpose.
"And the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon
their feet, an exceeding great army" Ezek.37:10.
An army is never aimless, but is disciplined, prepared and has
unity of vision and purpose.
2. EXHORTATION TO UNITY (Eph.4:1)
The most significant truth about the church is that it is a unity,
"There is one body" Eph.4:4.
"Now are ye one body in Christ" 1 Cor.12:27
Jesus prayed, "That they all may be one, as thou, Father art in me
and I in thee, that they may also be one with us. That the world
may believe that thou hast sent me." John 17:24
Paul exhorts us to walk in unity. Eph.1:1, "Walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith ye are called."
3. FOUR ESSENTIALS TO WALK IN UNITY (Eph.1:2)
A. Lowliness = Humility
A thankful sense of dependence upon God. The opposite of pride
and conceit. Humility looks upward, pride looks selfward.
B. Meekness = Gentleness and Kindness (submissive)
An unresisting, uncomplaining disposition which enables us to
bear without irritation or resentment the taunts and injuries
from others.
C. Longsuffering = Enduring (enduring patiently)
An enduring, unweariable spirit which knows how to outlast pain
or provocation. Opposite to short temper, short fuse.
D. Forbearing One Another In Love = Patience (enduring patiently)
A patient spirit which goes on loving in spite of their faults
and weaknesses.
4. EXPLANATION OF UNITY. (Eph.4:4-6)
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit" Eph.4:3
A. We need to recognize that unity of the spirit already exists in
the body of Christ. (It is only possible to keep something that
already exists.)
B. How do we keep the unity of the spirit?
By walking worthy. Eph.4:1-2
C. What is the unity of the spirit?
1. Paul lists seven things which are the churches essence of
oneness in the spirit.
2. First of all there is, one body, one spirit, one hope, - the
body is vitalized by one spirit and moves progressively toward
one hope.
3. Secondly, loyalty to one Lord gives birth to one faith which
is signalized by obedience in one baptism.
4. Last, of all one God and Father of all. Every unity exists
and is sustained by him.
5. ELEVATION TO UNITY. (Eph.4:11-13)
Means - 5 Ministries
Evidence - Maturity
- Edification
6. EXAMINATION FOR UNITY (Eph.4:13)
A. Into the "unity of the faith" through understanding Christ.
1. Means of Maturity = Unity
Restoration brings harmony and single vision. Isa.52:8
2. Level of Maturity = Perfect Man
Maturity both individually and collectively.
3. Measure of Maturity = Christ
The capacity to represent Christ in person and ministry
completely.
B. NOTE: The Alternative - Eph.4:4
1. Spiritual Retardation. "No more children" (infant)
2. Instability. "Tossed to and fro and carried about"
3. Prey for deceivers. "Slight of men, cunning craftiness"
7. EXPANSION THROUGH UNITY Eph.4:16
Unity in all by all, functioning in unity.
The whole body -
a. Fitly joined together...every joint supplieth.
b. Effectual working of every part makes increase.
NOTE: Joints = interpersonal relationships
NOTE: Ezek.37:7-10
The regathering of Israel a pattern of reuniting of the members of
Christ's body.
First, noisy activity, "There was a noise, and behold a shaking"
Then, a joining, "Bone to his bone"
NOTE: Distinguish between independence and liberty.
Finally, "a mighty army stood upon its feet"
END of UNITY STUDY