INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Jesus’ Prayer for Unity
2. Spirit’s Plea for Unity
3. Father’s Plan for Unity
Remarks.
1. Unity is only possible when all believers respect and follow the divine will and word of God. Jesus prayed for unity, the Spirit pleaded for unity, and the Father has outlined a plan for unity in the word of God. We are charged by the apostles to “walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing,” Philippians 3:16. The prophet Amos suggests that: “If two walk together, both must agree,” Amos 3:3. And David wrote: “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” Psalm 133:1. Our lesson today we will be discussing the theme: “divine concern for unity.”
2. First, we will notice the prayer of Jesus for unity among believers. In John 17; the Lord is observed pouring out His heart regarding the unity between Him and the Father. The Lord desired a similar relationship with His disciples. If what Jesus prayed for was possible then; and experienced in the first century church. And the prayer of Jesus becomes our prayer; then we can experience the same unity, in the 21st century church of Christ.
3. Secondly, we will consider the plea of the Holy Spirit for unity. The Spirit’s plea for unity has not been answered in this generation. Men are still guilty of dividing the church. Unity must be our plea also, as well as that, of the Holy Spirit.
4. Finally, we will discuss the Father’s plan for unity in great details. No one can claim to love the Lord, by accepting the Son of man; but, denying His Plan. To accept the person of Jesus Christ; requires, that we accept and follow God’s plan for unity. The church has been guilty of talking about unity; but has failed to implement the Plan. In many cases, the Lord’s church has not been a good example in maintaining the unity of the faith. Some churches have lost the desire for unity among its own membership; and with other congregations. I pray this is not the case here. Let’s consider our first point, Jesus’ prayer for unity.
BODY OF LESSON
I JESUS’ PRAYER FOR UNITY
A. The prayer of Christ for all disciples-believers. We find in John 17, the prayer of Christ for his apostles; and for all of their disciples, that would become believers because of their preaching and teaching. Notice:
1. The prayer of Jesus: “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son may glorify thee... Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe in me through their word,” John 17:1; John 17:20-23. The eve of his death, he prayed for unity among his apostles; and for those disciples that would believe on Him through their preaching.
2. The prayer’s purpose:
a. First, “That they all may be one; as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:” That they might share the spirit of unity with the Father.
b. Further, “That the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” Our message is failing in the church, in the community and in the world. Why? Because the church lacks the unity for which Christ prayed to exist among His disciples everywhere.
c. Finally, among His disciples was working a spirit of pride and contention. Who is the greatest? Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35ff.
1) Who would be chief; who would sit on His right hand and on his left. Notice: “And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John,” Mark 10:41. Our Lord knew of the evils that resided in them.
2) This happens always when the mantle of leadership is to be past; when the man of God, has not prepared the church for it. This means whether:
a. He is moving to another work elsewhere.
b. He has grown old is stepping down from the work.
c. Who has he prepared among the brethren to take over the work?
d. Illustrate: Normandie Church of Christ.
B. That they all may be one. He prays: “That they all may be one, as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us…that the world may believe that thou hast sent me,” John 17:21. Work in cooperation and singleness of purpose.
1. Unity among his disciples. He prayed for unity among his disciples whom God has given Him. He prayed for the 1st Century church of Christ. See Acts 1:14-15. Jesus prayed they all be one. God has made us partakers of the divine nature, 2 Peter 1:3-4. There are blessings in the unity of believers.
a. David wrote: “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” Psalm 133:1. We should strive for unity among brethren.
b. Prophet asks: “Can two walk together, except they agree?” Amos 3:3.
c. Paul wrote: “Let us all walk by the same rule; let us mind the same thing,” Philippians 3:16. Illustrate: Dictionary, Life Magazine, And Holy Bible.
d. Abraham and Lot: “So Abram said to Lot, Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren,” Genesis 13:8. There were divisions and contentions between these two leaders and their herdsmen. How did they settle it? They had to separate.
1) Lot went east towards Jordan; while Abraham remained in Canaan, Genesis 13:9-13. They tended to their herds separate from each other. This was done that there might be unity among them, and their herdsmen. The selfish man will desire the best; over the other.
2) The Lord blessed Abraham for his actions, Genesis 13:14-18. The good man will give to the other the better; if it will bring about an attitude of peace.
2. Unity among all believers. “But for them also which shall believe on me through their word,” John 17:20. Jesus prayed for US! Unity among believers is the one true sign that Jesus was sent from the Father. It clearly testifies that we are His disciples. Why Lord?
a. That the world might believe: “That thou hast sent me,” John 17:21.
b. That the world may know: “That the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me,” John 17:23.
c. Because of our divisions. Illustrate: Man from Columbus, GA.
d. That ye love one another: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,” John 13:34-35. Also: “This is my commandment, ‘That ye love one another, as I have loved you.’ Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends: ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you,” John 15:12-14.
e. Illustrate: Love is the Christian’s Badge of Discipleship, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
3. Disciples were united in the first century. “And the multitude of them that believed was of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common,” Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32.
These believers loved and supported one another.
a. Unity continued for nearly 600 years after Pentecost. Christianity became the accepted religion to the then known world.
b. However, in 606 AD, the Catholic faith – emerged as the new world religion.
c. Christianity went underground due to the persecution of the saints.
4. As a result of these persecutions and disbeliefs, there arose two movements that splintered the “unity of the faith.” And a third movement that sought to bring believers back, to the New Testament “pattern.” They were:
a. The Retraction Movement: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith,” 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
b. The Reformation Movement: Began in 1517. It was led by Martin Luther’s 95 theses protest against the Catholic faith and doctrine in Wittenberg, Germany. This movement resulted over the years -- 366 different denominations; a great departure from the prayer of Christ. The reformation did not bring unity; but, more divisions and splintered groups of believers in “man-made” teachings, beliefs and practices. It was also called the Protestant Reformation Movement. Its attempt to unite believers, failed. This was due largely because, they sought to reform the Catholic Religion; rather than a search for the Ancient Order of Things, outlined in the New Testament.
c. The Restoration Movement: It started in England and Ireland, and made its way to America, in the early 1800s. It was led by leaders such as Raccoon John Smith, Thomas and Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone in Lexington, Kentucky. These men directed religious people – believers to go back to the bible and to the old paths, Jeremiah 6:16.
d. I will not spend time in this lesson discussing in depth these three movements. You recall my sermon entitled: “The Departure from the Faith.” Obtain a copy of this lesson for a deeper study of these movements.
C. Unity is possible today. Unity is possible only if all believers trust in the certainty and possibilities of Christ’s prayer.
1. Jesus did not pray for something that was impossible. It will be the word of Christ; as well as his prayer, that will bring unity among all believers.
2. None can rely on his prayer; and then deny the authority of His word: (He that believeth on me...), John 7:38-39. And Jesus said: (He that rejected me and receiveth not my words...), John 12:48.
3. There can be no unity without following the will of the Father, Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23.
D. That they may be where I am. Jesus prayed: “Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world,” John 17:24; John 17:5. I go to prepare a place for you, John 14:1-3.
E. The world hath not known thee. Jesus concludes His prayer: “O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them,” John 17:25-26. Let’s consider our next point, the Spirit’s plea for unity.
II SPIRIT’S PLEA FOR UNITY
A. Paul’s introduction to the saints in the church at Corinth. Paul wrote: “Paul called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother. Unto the church of God at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints... Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ... that ye may be blameless in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ... by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord,” 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.
B. Paul continues, hear now the Spirit’s plea: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment,” 1 Corinthians 1:10. Notice:
1. Clearly, the Spirit’s plea for unity can be witnessed through the pen of Paul – as he writes to the church at Corinth.
2. The authority of His plea: “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
3. The content of His plea: “That there be (are) no divisions among you.”
a. In Gr., the word divisions is schísma, skhis'-mah; which means, a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively:—division, rent, or schism. What has rent and torn the body of Christ over the years? In the case of Corinth; it was men, elsewhere, it was doctrine; and even behavior in their religious practices. I wish I had some help in this lesson.
b. The rent, the division, the schism at Corinth in these verses; was the doctrine – of becoming the disciples of men. Recall, God has set us in the body: “That there should be no schism in the body; but, that the members should have the same care one for another,” 1 Corinthians 12:25.
c. Paul mentions this further: “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, (in the assembly) I hear that there be divisions among you, and I partly believe it... there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you,” 1 Corinthians 11:18-19.
1) Paul uses another word in these verses, and that was “heresies.”
2) The word heresies in Gr., is haíresis, hah'-ee-res-is; properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or disunion:—heresy (which is the Greek word itself), sect.
3) In other word, clicks in the church. These parties; groups, or sects will socialize with some members; but ignore others in the same assembly. They show partiality among believers. It’s getting quite up in here! This is all an abomination before the Lord our God! Illustrate: Respecter of Persons, James 2:1-10; Romans 2:11.
d. It was the saint’s choice of associations among certain members and their behavior; that was causing this splintering and divisions in the church.
e. They were also observing the practice of communion; but, their behavior was improper, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34. Illustrate: Examine yourself; not your neighbor.
4. Brother Alexander Campbell stated: “Believers in all matters of faith should be united; in matters of opinion they should exercise liberality, and in all things they should exercise love.” Reference: Restoration Movement.
5. Love makes each of us more tolerant one to another. Paul wrote: “Let love be without dissimulations (hypocrisy, or pretense). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good,” Romans 12:9.
a. This is what Paul seen in Peter’s behavior in the church at Galatia, Galatians 2:11-14. Illustrate: Eat with the Gentiles, Until the Jews came around.
b. He wrote: “Peter walked not upright according to the truth of the gospel.” How do we behave when there comes among us someone else of another nationality; race or color? Do we behave unseemingly toward them?
C. The problem revealed. Notice: “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you,” 1 Corinthians 1:11. Notice:
1. First, a brother reported this disunity to the Apostle. Whether by face or letter – we don’t know. Paul acted upon it because it was true. The problem was, “every one of saith.” Paul is responding to words and behavior!
2. Further, he wrote: “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:3-8. The Apostle Paul asks:
a. “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?”
b. “Were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” These are all rhetorical questions.
3. These baptized believers clung to their baptizer, rather than to the Christ into whom they had been baptized.
4. This is the early making of sects, heresies and divisions in the body of Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:18; 1 Corinthians 12:24-27. We should love them that labor among us; but, not to worship them. Our worship and devotion belongs to Jesus ONLY.
5. Paul further wrote: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond of free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit,” 1 Corinthians 12:13.
a. It is through this act of faith (baptism); we have access into Christ, Galatians 3:26-27.
b. It is in Christ: “We are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit,” Ephesians 2:22.
c. We should love our brothers (preachers) but, our allegiance should be to Christ.
D. Contentions among you. Paul continues: “There are contentions among you.” The word contentions in Gr., is éris, er'-is; which means; a quarrel, i.e., wrangling:—contention, debate, strife, or variance, 1 Corinthians 1:11.
1. Paul hints to the origins of these problems; but Solomon wrote of it in great clarity (pride, arrogance, and a froward heart and mouth). Let’s consider his words. Fasten your seat belts!
2. Solomon wrote of the evils of pride. In most cases, this is the one thing that disrupts the work of the Lord, than any other. Notice:
a. First, “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised (there) is wisdom,” Proverbs 13:10. If there is contention in the body; someone’s pride is being challenged or has been offended.
b. Further, “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall,” Proverbs 16:18. He continues.
c. Next, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate,” Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 10:31.
d. Finally, “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief (of) friends,” Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 17:20. The word froward in Heb., is ?iqqêsh, ik-kashe'; which means to be distorted; false:—crooked, or perverse.
3. Conclusion: Who among us has a froward heart; that soweth strife, and is a whisper of deceit? Who in this assembly; has allowed their pride, arrogance and contention to hinder this work from moving forward? This week is a time of revival! Get thine heart right with God.
E. There cannot be contentions among ministers and leaders. We are all the servants of the Lord. No matter how much we may be an instrument to good, we cannot be held above our Lord. The church should never allow any man, to usurp Christ's authority over the church. We cannot be exalted; or thought of, above that which is written.
1. What is man? “What is man that thou are mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou hast made him a little lower than an angel; thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet,” Psalms 8:4-6. He is not to be worship!
2. Who hath bewitched you? The church cannot allow for an hour, a man to bewitch it, Galatians 3:1. Or to cast a spell of it! I wish I had some help. It cannot think of the preacher more than “that which is written.” Notice Paul:
a. To the Romans: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, as God hath dealt to every man in the measure of faith,” Romans 12:3.
b. To the Galatians: “For if a man think himself to be something; when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself,” Galatians 6:3. Illustrate: What are we? Marshall Keeble, “a sack of dirt with a tie on!”
3. What are the goals of such behaviors? Hear Paul in his discussion of this very thing to the leaders of the church of Ephesus: The leaders should:
a. Take heed to themselves and to the flock: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock.” The leadership must first correct their own lives; before they seek to correct the flock. Set the example!
b. To feed the church of God: “Which he hath purchased with his own blood.” They should ensure the church is feed the word of God with integrity and truth.
c. To see over the church: “Which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers.” The leadership watches over the church. It doesn’t drive the flock; it leads the flock.
d. To keep the church free of wolves. Paul continues: “For I know this that after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them,” Acts 20:28-32.
1) The leadership must guard and protect the church from evil and seductive men.
2) Those that come in to deceive, destroy; and draw away disciples after themselves.
3) The leadership must be vigilant, protective and prayerful of the church at all times. The leadership: “Watches over our souls,” God has placed us under their oversight with great diligence! The church should:
a) Know them, Hebrews 13:7.
b) Obey them, Hebrews 13:17.
c) Salute them, Hebrews 13:24. Let’s consider our last point, the Father’s plan for unity.
III FATHER’S PLAN FOR UNITY
A. Prevailing attitude for unity. Before unity can be achieved, there must first exit an attitude and desire for it among all saints. Many religious leaders and people have abandoned the idea of unity in the church of Christ. Notice:
1. Walk worthy: “I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy, Ephesians 4:1. Notice:
a. The word worthy in Gr., is axíos, ax-ee'-oce; which means appropriately:—as becometh, after a godly sort, worthily (-thy).
b. To walk in balance; before God and men. Illustrate: Weight and Scales in Ephesus. We must, “walk the walk; as well, as talk the talk!”
c. Let our life be as that: “Which becometh the gospel of Christ,” Philippians 1:27.
2. Before we can implement the Plan for Unity; we must first aspire to walk: “In lowliness, in meekness, in longsuffering, and forbearing one another in love,” Ephesians 4:2-3. Cultivate the mind and life of Christ, Matthew 11:28-30.
3. Here is our challenge. Before we can implement the plan; there must be an adorning attitude for the: “Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
4. There must exist in the entire assembly (elders, preachers and members):
a. A prevailing attitude of unity in the church.
b. A prayer for unity.
c. A practice in sincerity to maintain the unity of the faith.
B. Father’s plan for unity. A pattern to be followed is no new concept or idea to God’s people. God has always used a pattern. The word “form” in Gr., is tupos, which means a type, a model, figure, fashion, form or pattern. Paul used this word in, Romans 6:17-18. Baptism is a form of the doctrine; or the gospel of Christ.
1. There was a pattern for the Ark, Genesis 6-8. Illustrate: Length 300, Width 50, and Height 30 Cubits, Genesis 6:22.
2. There was a pattern for the Temple of God, in the Old Testament. Notice: “As Moses was admonished of God, when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount,” Hebrews 8:5.
3. There is a pattern for the church of Christ, in the New Testament is outlined in Ephesians 4:4-7. Follow Gods plan for unity, peace, and His eternal blessings will be ours. Consider:
a. One body, “And he is the savior of the body,” Ephesians 5:23.
b. One Spirit, the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:3-4.
c. One hope, heaven, Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:3-4.
d. One Lord, Jesus Christ, Mark 12:29; Zechariah 14:9; Psalms 100:3.
e. One faith, the faith, Jude 3; Romans 1:16-17.
f. One baptism, immersion in water, Mark 16:15-16; John 3:3-5; Acts 8:26-38.
g. One God and Father, Philippians 2:11; 1 John 1:3; 1 John 2:22-24.
C. Father’s plan for church leadership. No one man is the leader over the church of Christ. God has ordained that the church be governed by elders and deacons. Illustrate: Pastoral Leadership. We need to get back to Gods plan of leadership.
1. Paul’s letter to Timothy. Establish church leadership; he gave him the divine pattern for leadership in the church of Christ, 1 Timothy 3:1-14.
a. If a man desireth the office of a bishop. Where is the desire for this office?
b. Characteristics of the leaders. Many consider these qualifications; but rather, they are “characteristics of the leaders.” These are leadership traits. They include both:
1) Elders and their family.
2) Deacons and their family.
3) Ministers and their family.
2. Paul’s letter to Titus. For this reason, I left thee in Crete; to do what? He was to set things in order; and ordain elders in every city. Illustrate: Make the Best out of a Mess.
3. If he (minister or evangelist) is to set things in order; he must be able to determine, things are not in order! Notice:
a. To set things in order (establish leadership).
b. To keep things in order (elders oversight).
c. To get the gainsayers in order (sound doctrine).
1) Exhort the gainsayers (able to teach it to others).
2) Convince the gainsayers (able to refute and silence the opposition).
3) The word gainsayer in Gr., is antilégo, an-til'-eg-o; which means to dispute, refuse:—answer again, contradict, deny, gainsay (-er), or to speak against.
4) “Ego” is part of this word. A man’s ego will cause him to be at opposition with the truth and with those that preach it.
4. A sectarian man: “A man that is a heretic (a sectarian; or divisive in spirit) after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself,” Titus 3:10-11.
a. The word heretic in Gr. is hairetikós, hahee-ret-ee-kos'; from the same word as; a schismatic:—heretic (the Greek word itself).
b. These are persons who cause divisions or schisms in the church.
c. This person is schismatic, factious, argumentative; a follower and promoter of false doctrine. After the first and second admonition; reject that person.
5. Mark them as divisive and contentious: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,” Romans 16:17-18.
D. Plan is practical and obtainable. The idea of one body—one church is abhorred by many religious people today. But our Lord only promised to build one, Matthews 16:18-19. All believers must be members of it (the church) to be saved, Ephesians 5:23. God gave gifts to achieve this purpose of Unity. Notice Paul:
1. Christ gave gifts:
a. One, “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers:”
b. Two, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” These were to continue….
2. Christ had a timeline: “Until we all come in the Unity:”
a. First, “Of the faith, and”
b. Second, “Of the knowledge of the Son of God.”
3. Christ’s goal for the church: “That we might grow up.”
a. Become full-grown: “Unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” The word perfect in Gr: téleios, tel'-i-os; which means mature, adult, full-grown, of full age.
b. No longer be an infant: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-15. The word children, in Gr: is n?pios, nay'-pee-os; which means infant, or baby. It was translated in this text as “children.”
c. However, we still have too many “bottle babies,” Hebrews 5:12-14, Isaiah 28:9-11. Illustrate: Infant Churches. Many believers desire an “infant church.”
d. Paul wrote: “Charity never faileth: but whether there be (is) prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge (divinely given), it shall vanish away... for we know in part... but when the perfect is come... part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but, when I became a man (a full grown church) I put away childish things,” 1 Corinthians 13:8-11. Notice:
1) The part was the tongues, prophecies, and the divine knowledge given by the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Hebrews 2:1-4.
2) The perfect, is the fully revealed word of God, James 1:25; Psalms 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
4. The minister’s work is to help God perfect the saints; to do the work of the ministry, and to edify the body of Christ. He must be an instrument of Unity.
E. The pattern was always one. The pattern of God for the New Testament church has always been ONE, Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:12. Paul writes of the oneness of Christ and the church throughout the entire Book of Ephesians. He reveals it as being:
1. One in planning: “That in the dispensation of the fullness of time he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven and which are on earth,” Ephesians 1:10. Planning that included both Jews and Gentiles alike, Ephesians 3:1-6. In planning there was only to be ONE!
2. One in purpose: “That the church might make known to the world the manifold wisdom of God,” Ephesians 1:9-10; Ephesians 3:10-11.
3. One in promise: “One new man, so making peace,” Ephesians 2:15. Jesus only promised one: “I will build my church,” Matthew 16:18. In His announcement of the church, there was only to be ONE! Let’s go back to the 6th grade. And consider how many Christ, promised to build. Notice:
a. In Jesus’ promise: I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH! The sentence structure has a: "Subject, a verb, and an object." The subject: “I” is a personal pronoun, meaning Jesus Christ; the verb: “will build,” is a future tense promise; and an object, “my church” is singular in its form, showing possessive ownership. Work with me church! Follow me please.
b. Let’s go back to school. The subject: I – is a personal pronoun, referring to Christ; Will – is a future tense promise; haven’t done it yet, but I’m going too; Build – means to set up, establish or bring into existence; My – shows possessive ownership; Church – is singular in its form, meaning only one. Now how many did he promise? Reference: Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/.
c. Illustrate: You church of Christ preacher, there you go with the one church. I Don’t See It Like That. My preacher doesn’t teach that! Consider, Ephesians 3:1-7.
1) Mystery given to Paul by revelation.
2) Written down by Paul through inspiration.
3) Given to us by Paul for examination.
4) That we might like Paul obtain the illumination.
a) Know what your problem is? “You ain’t been reading.”
b) Know what your preacher’s problem is? “He ain’t been reading.”
d. Illustrate: Nothing in a Name, Acts 4:12.
e. The, let’s put up a sign: “This is not the Church of Christ.”
4. One in prophecy: “The kingdom is of Christ and of God,” Ephesians 5:5. The prophet Daniel wrote: “In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, and it shall not be left to other people; but it (the kingdom) shall break into pieces and consume all these kingdoms (world powers), and it (kingdom) shall stand forever,” Daniel 2:44.
5. One in preaching: “The preaching was always one!” Notice: “Christ Jesus …who hath made both one…for to make in himself of twain: one new man, so making peace…that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, And he came and preached peace to you which were a far off, and to them that were nigh,” Ephesians 2:11-17.
6. One in partner: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church... without blemish,” Ephesians 5:25-33.
7. One in pattern: “There is one body,” Ephesians 4:4. I wish I had some help. Paul said: “The church is his body,” Ephesians 1:22-23. And, “the body is the church.” But, there is “only one body,” Ephesians 4:4. Therefore, there is only ONE church. As we begin to conclude this lesson, let me summarize what we have discussed....
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Jesus’ Prayer for Unity
2. Spirit’s Plea for Unity
3. Father’s Plan for Unity
B. Summarize main points.
1. Our first thought, Jesus prays for unity. In John 17; the Lord was observed pouring out His heart regarding the unity between Him and the Father. The Lord’s desired a similar relationship with his disciples. If what Jesus prayed for was possible then; and experienced in the first century church.
2. Secondly, we considered the plea of the Holy Spirit for unity. The Spirit’s plea for unity has not been answered in this generation. Men are still guilty of dividing the church. Unity must be our plea also, as well as that of the Holy Spirit.
3. Finally, we discussed the Father’s plan for unity in every detail. No one can claim to love the Lord, by accepting the Son of Man, but, denying is Plan. To accept the man, the person of Jesus Christ, requires that we accept and follow God’s plan for unity. And the church said: Amen.
C. Invitation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation, Acts 2:26-41. Illustrate: Jesus in the preaching of Philip.
E. Persuade. “Today is the day of salvation,” 2 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
