POWER OF ONE -- PART 2

UNDERSTANDING TRUE UNITY

John 11:21-22

That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

I.                   REVIEW

1.       Jesus understood the Power of Unity

2.       He also understood that disunity is Satan’s most lethal weapon against the church

3.       Jesus Prayed for Unity

4.       Unity Evokes power

5.       We discussed the things that separate us,

6.      We discussed the Benefits of being united.

II.                UNITY IN GOD’S PERSPECTIVE

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  ³ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

1. Like Minded – There is Unity within the God-Head 

2. Having the Same Love -- as the father has for his Son

3. Being in One Accord --It is Love that binds us together in unity

III.             WHAT UNITY IS NOT

1.     It Is Not Sameness

Why would God demand that we speak the same thing, when he had divided up our languages?  I think you know the answer to that!!  You and I may speak the same intonation or dialect and still not be united.

2.     Unity is not conformity to others cultural beliefs

Acts 15:1

And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.

We must never seek to – Suppress In the name of Unity

                        2 Corinthians 3:17 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty.

3.     Unity is not all Inclusive

We must never feel like unless we get buy in from all we are not in unity, and therefore cannot accomplish destiny!

Is better to get a buy in from all, but the word says if two shall agree concerning anything…Sometime it maybe just you and the Holy Ghost ….

IV.             HOW TO KEEP UNITY

1.     Do all things unto the Lord

Colossians 3:18-25

¹⁸ Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ²² Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. ²³ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality

2.     Let Stuff Go

Let Stuff Go

Romans 12:19

¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

3.     Remember you need Mercy Often

Lamentations 3:21-23

²¹ This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. ²² Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”

4.     Realize Offense is Bait

Luke 17:1

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

skándalon; gen. skandálou, neut. noun. The trigger of a trap on which the bait is placed, and which, when touched by the animal, springs and causes it to close causing entrapment

5.     Obey the Word of God

Romans 12:18-21

¹⁸ If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹ Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore ^gif thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. ²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.