The Oil of Unity

Discipleship involves taking the yoke of Christ upon us as we work through differences and problems to reap God's blessing of life and joy.

Scripture:  Psalm 133

Sermon Notes:

1. God's people need regular reminding to live together in unity.
2. David's life was complicated by polygamy and both his family and kingdom suffered from disunity.
3. Under Christ the King, we may come together in His temple in unity (1 Cor. 3:16-17).
4. When the church lives together in unity, it is good and pleasant; it is agreeable to the will of God and it conforms heaven and earth to one another.
5. Aaron's priestly anointing oil was strongly perfumed and it diffused an aroma upon the whole congregation.
6. Paul teaches that our gifts and profession are without value apart from love (1 Cor. 13:1-10).
7. The Lord commands the blessing of covenant life.
8. Every part of our lives is blessed when we know and experience this unity in Christ.
9. The opposite of Christian unity is the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). Unity in the body of Christ is built upon the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25).
10. The Lord hates one who sows discord among brothers (Pr. 6:16-19).
11. Modern humanist notions of equality are not the same as unity.
12. We must not oppose or hate others for their gifts or position. The Lord hates rivalries, discord, and envy.
13. Neither is peace the same as unity; unity requires deep love and commitment despite real differences.
14. Walking with the Lord entails gentleness, patience, kindness, and love.
15. We're to be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-6).
16. In the church people are often troubled by envy.
17. We must not insist on our own way, priorities, proclivities, or tastes.  If you believe everybody else is difficult, you'll soon find you cannot tolerate others at all.
18. Avoid sectarianism which focuses on specific teachers or leaders (1 Cor. 3:3-10).
19. In the church we are often required by God tolerate differences, problems and the faults of others.
20. When you refuse to honour Christ it becomes a hassle to bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2).
21. Part of church life is to be interlocked with other sinners, sharing your problems and weaknesses.
22. Unity involves mutual service, communion, and faithfulness. God’s Spirit is present to work effectually.
23. God promises a blessing for living in unity with God and one another (Deut. 5:16; Deut. 28; 1 Pet. 3:7).
24. Discipleship involves taking the yoke of Christ upon us as we work through differences and problems to reap God’s blessing of life and joy.

Application Questions:

1. How is love related to unity?  Is unity the same as peace?
2. What are common causes of disunity in the church?
3. How is honouring Christ key to church unity?
4. What does it mean to bear one another’s burdens?
5. How can we pursue real unity in the church this week?