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:
- God's people need regular reminding to live together in unity.
- David's life was complicated by polygamy and both his family and kingdom suffered from disunity.
- Under Christ the King, we may come together in His temple in unity (1 Cor. 3:16-17).
- 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.
- Aaron's priestly anointing oil was strongly perfumed and it diffused an aroma upon the whole congregation.
- Paul teaches that our gifts and profession are without value apart from love (1 Cor. 13:1-10).
- The Lord commands the blessing of covenant life.
- Every part of our lives is blessed when we know and experience this unity in Christ.
- 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).
- The Lord hates one who sows discord among brothers (Pr. 6:16-19).
- Modern humanist notions of equality are not the same as unity.
- We must not oppose or hate others for their gifts or position. The Lord hates rivalries, discord, and envy.
- Neither is peace the same as unity; unity requires deep love and commitment despite real differences.
- Walking with the Lord entails gentleness, patience, kindness, and love.
- We're to be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-6).
- In the church people are often troubled by envy.
- 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.
- Avoid sectarianism which focuses on specific teachers or leaders (1 Cor. 3:3-10).
- In the church we are often required by God tolerate differences, problems and the faults of others.
- When you refuse to honour Christ it becomes a hassle to bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2).
- Part of church life is to be interlocked with other sinners, sharing your problems and weaknesses.
- Unity involves mutual service, communion, and faithfulness. God’s Spirit is present to work effectually.
- God promises a blessing for living in unity with God and one another (Deut. 5:16; Deut. 28; 1 Pet. 3:7).
- 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:
- How is love related to unity? Is unity the same as peace?
- What are common causes of disunity in the church?
- How is honouring Christ key to church unity?
- What does it mean to bear one another’s burdens?
- How can we pursue real unity in the church this week?