09.13.2023 | WALKING IN UNITY
Ephesians 4: 1-3
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
THINGS THAT CAUSE DISUNITY
Offense
Proverbs 18:19
A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.
What are some things that can bring offense?
Not being recognized for what you do
Not being recognized for your gifting
Being left out of things
Miscommunication or lack of communication
2. Selfish Ambition
James 3: 13-16
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
Galatians 5:19-20
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies.
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
3. Sowing Discord
Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him; a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
James 4:11
Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
Ephesians 4:29-32
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
HOW DO WE MAINTAIN UNITY?
1. Believe the best about and bear with one another
1 Corinthians 13:7
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Ephesians 4:2
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
2. Walk in the Spirit
Galatians 5:16
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
3. Repent and forgive
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put-on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.