UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
Main Scripture: I Corinthians 1:10
INTRODUCTION
There is too much fighting & quarreling between brothers and sisters in Christ.
We act one way in church on Sunday, change when in the “world” whether it be work or school. We must remember that Christian = “Christ One” or follower of Christ. A big caution…legalism/lists of rules leads to splits. Our focus must be on Christ.
I. DIVISIONS I Corinthians
A. Will Identify those who belong to Christ…I Cor. 11:18
B. Weaken the Church…Luke 11:17
C. Result from lack of focus on Christ…I Cor.1:12
D. Jesus said “Follow Me” (Psalms 118:8)
II. UNITY I Corinthians
A. ONENESS is goal…Ephesians 4:4-6
B. LOVE is the method…Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:2-5, Gal. 6:1-3, 2 Tim 2:24
C. DIVERSITY: different gifts – one body
New Living Translation uses “harmony” (I Cor.1:10) diff. Notes/one chord
Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit – ONE GOD
III. PURPOSE I Corinthians 1:10
A. Praise God…Ephesians 1:12
B. Please God…I Thess. 2:4
C. Know God….Philippians 3:8-10
D. Tell others about God…I Cor. 1:17, Matthew 28:19-20
EXAMPLES:
Old Testament
DIVISION:
UNITY OF PURPOSE: Moses & 3 million Israelites leave slavery…Exodus
Modern Day
DIVISION: The Church 8,000 different denominations (some est. 25,000!)
UNITY OF PURPOSE: The Homosexual movement (1-3% of pop. changing laws!)
CONCLUSION
In recent studies in the Youth Group we’ve come to the conclusion that we must do all things in love…but in order to love other people (a necessary ingredient for unity) we must first love God (Matt 22:37). We must spend more time in God’s Word and in prayer to Him. These three remain, faith, hope and love…the greatest of these is love. Do you want to eliminate bickering, quarreling and division in order to have a unified army of God’s Saints? Love Him first, so you can love others.