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Unity and Denominationalism. What is True Unity?. What is Unity?. ἑνότης , henotes – “A state of oneness or being in harmony and accord” (BDAG) Ephesians 4:3, 13 One accord – Acts 2:1 To be in agreement and work within that agreement. What is Unity?. Unity is NOT:
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Unity and Denominationalism What is True Unity?
What is Unity? • ἑνότης, henotes – • “A state of oneness or being in harmony and accord” (BDAG) • Ephesians 4:3, 13 • One accord – Acts 2:1 • To be in agreement and work within that agreement.
What is Unity? • Unity is NOT: • Simply agreeing to disagree • Peace through compromise • Ignoring that which you differ about • Simply tolerating one another • Always getting your way
What is Unity? • Passages to consider • Psalm 133:1-3 • John 17:20-21 • Philippians 2:1-4 • Ephesians 4:1-3 • 1 Corinthians 1:10 • Proverbs 6:16-19
Striving for Unity • Realize this is what Jesus desires! • John 17:20-21, His prayer • His example – He desired unity, but He never compromised truth! • Philippians 2:5 • Who are you here to please?
Striving for Unity • Respect God’s Word • 1 Corinthians 1:10, “speak the same thing” (cf. John 17:17) • Psalm 119:104 • There HAS TO be an objective standard for unity!
Striving for Unity • Have a proper attitude • Ephesians 4:2 • Lowliness – Phil. 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:25 • Gentleness – Galatians 6:1, James 1:21, 3:13 • Longsuffering – 2 Peter 3:9
Striving for Unity • Have a proper attitude • Ephesians 4:2 • Love – John 13:34-35, Galatians 5:13, 1 John 4:7-8 • - respect – Philippians 2:3-4 • - allow for differences – Romans 14:1, 19, 15:1James 3:17, “willing to yield”1 Cor. 9:22-23
Striving for Unity • Strive for unity • Ephesians 4:3, endeavoring • 1 Cor. 1:10, perfectly joined together • Philippians 2:1-4 • - like-minded - thinking alike • - same love – “brotherly love” • - of one accord – joined together1 Cor. 12:12-27, Rom. 12:4-5 • - of one mind – same purpose
Striving for Unity • Deal with division • Sometimes to preserve unity, sin, division, immorality, false-teaching must be dealt with • Romans 16:171 Timothy 6:3-5Titus 3:10-11
Striving for Unity • Prayer • Always pray for that which is good, including unity • James 5:16, cf. 1:5Philippians 4:6-7