4 Things that Hurt Unity
1999063
Introduction
A. Spent this AM dealing w/4 points which can bring our group here close together.
1. Tonight: wish to discuss 4 things that can hinder/hurt unity.
2. How would you describe Southside? Are we as unified as we could be?
3. If not….what holds us back? Let us make up our mind to do better where necessary.
B. Jhn. 17:20-21 – Christ desired unity for His people.
1. why so hard to get brethren serious about this? Look at us!
a) divided/split up here n there.
b) Folks who just can’t seem to get along.
2. Yet….notice Jesus….asks His Father that those carrying His name have unity….yet many IGNORE THIS.
3. Let us not fall into this trap.
C. His apostles continually drive this point home to FC church. Note:
1. 1 Thess. 4:9-10
a) note unity of Thessalonians.
b) Paul still desired more out of them.
c) We have much to be thankful for here….but can we do better?
2. Heb. 10:24
a) consider (think about) one another. What can I do to help you do better?
b) NOT:
1) How can I defend myself
2) What did he mean by that?
c) must look for the best in each other.
3. Col. 3:14-15 – let love be the underlying theme.
4. Phil. 1:27 – standfast…in one spirit….w/one mind. That’s unity! That’s what we must be pursuing here at Southside!
5. 1 Cor. 1:10 – no divisions among you
6. Eph. 4:2-3 – be diligent to pursue unity – endeavor!
D. The above written to different people – encouraging them to be one!
1. is that too much to ask?
2. Must put selfish wants to death & work for unity.
E. Let us consider 4 things which hurt the spirit of unity.
I. Unity is neither good nor bad in itself.
A. some things always wrong. Unity not like that.
B. Unity can be good/bad – depending on the motives b/h it.
1. unity in community improvement; serving God; lifting each other up = good!
2. Unity in committing crime; lynching = deplorable.
C. Unity in faith = commendable. Unity in rebellion = sinful!
1. Num. 16 – 250 men of renown stood a/g Moses.
2. These men – leaders, chosen by Israel. Probably respected by many. They:
a) died that day – they unified in what they doing – but that didn’t make it right.
D. Purpose/motive b/h unity is what makes it right/wrong.
1. Jhn. 17:20-21
2. unite to fulfill His prayer – to abide in His teaching!
E. Unity needs to be proclaimed. A steadfast effort must be made to obtain/keep/improve it.
1. may involve “sitting down” on an opinion so that unity may exist.
2. must do what we have to do to have it.
II. 4 Things That Hurt the Spirit of Unity
A. A lack of effort.
1. remember intro & instruction of the HS.
2. Unity something that often talked about – but many don’t seem to get around to doing what need to do.
a) consider how easy to just say in comfort zone & not work
b) good intentions not enough.. Must follow through – Eph. 4:3, 16
3. Get involved w/each other.
a) open up homes
b) come to get togethers.
c) Do fun stuff together. The only time I see some brethren is at church.
4. Are we really trying to achieve unity?
B. Exalting self.
1. many have failed to crucify self. Can’t serve Christ & self at same time.
2. 3 Jhn. 9-10 – what happens when man in church exalt himself? (can be women too)
a) quarreling/division result.
b) Man here = thought he special….
3. often this occurs in congregation when matters of judgment/indifference arise among us.
a) matter = misdiagnosed – call something doctrine when boils down to judgment.
b) Bible processes of dealing w/problem ignored.
1) go to them! Talk to them! Don’t go to preacher, complain. Go to bro/sis in question & RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
2) Bus mtg not the place to resolve personal problems. If we allow something to be handled publicly that should have been held privately – then we’re not working for unity!
4. on other hand…must also realize – unity never result if ignore problems – hope it go away on own.
5. If we determined that our side/belief/judgment is going to sin at all costs – then unity will never happen!
6. 1996 survey of 400 preachers/church leaders stated that # 1 problem contributing to conflict among COC is “personality differences among members.”
7. Solve problem: Phil. 2:3-5 – serve Christ & not ourselves & unity will come about.
C. Disorder.
1. Jud. 21:25 – here’s a picture of genuine disorder.
a) no leader; no followship; no order.
b) Everyone doing what right in own eyes.
2. must learn to humble ourselves to each other. Put God/Jesus in proper place; learn to follow Christ & His teachings. Do this…and following won’t happen.
a) Phil. 2:14; Js. 4:11
b) Happens when a few step out & take charge and seek to accomplish things.
c) Don’t have elders here….but are the men of the congregation being the proper example to each other? Are we leading the best we can?
3. God’s plan = for there to be order. We to be subject/humble toward each other.
D. Lack of growth
1. Heb. 5:11-12 – some falling back in Jerusalem.
a) had quit pursuing excellence by not growing Biblically.
b) all appears to have grown old/bored in this area.
2. Rev. 3:1
a) hope that this does not describe us individually/or as a congregation.
b) watch out for ourselves….done by growth/self examination.
3. Step out! DO More!
a) get involved. Teach a class
b) host young people in home. Have a devotional.
c) read bible together as a family.
4. As a congregation – we must grow up spiritually!
a) 20/30 yr. Christians that still immature.
b) Must mature into loving, tenderhearted, good natured people.
5. Must anticipate growth!
a) are questions problems or opportunities?
b) Is there fear of the untried?
III. 4 Things Above Need Converting.
A. Lack of effort into diligence.
B. Exalting self into serving. Put others ahead of our wants.
C. Disorder into fellowship.
1. participate!
2. Be involved w/each other.
D. Lack of growth into growth.
1. grow into what we need to be.
E. Eph. 4:15-16 – what are you supplying for unity?
1. What are YOU doing to make things better around here?
2. Quit complaining/don’t carp at each other. Let’s just be motivated to serve God together!
F. First…you must be unified/one w/Christ.
G. I N V I T A T I O N
