The Pursuit of Unity
August 2, 2020

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Message Notes

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” —Ephesians 4:3


“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:35


“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” —Romans 14:19


We are called to pursue unity.

Three non-essentials that caused disunity in the early church.

  • Diet – Romans 14:2-3
  • Days – Romans 14:5-6
  • Drink


“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 14:17


“Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.” —Romans 14:20


Question - What are the effects of negative attitudes and actions?


What are the effects of negative attitudes and actions?


  • They can cause others to stumble.


“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” —Romans 14:13


  • They can cause others to be hurt.


“For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love.” —Romans 14:15a


• They can cause others to be destroyed.


“By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.” —Romans 14:15b


“Maturity is not when you ask is alright for me to do this; maturity is when you ask, ‘How will this affect those around me.’” —Rick Warren


How are we called to pursue unity?


  • We need to make it our goal.


“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” —Romans 14:19


  • We need to handle conflict the Biblical way.


“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” —Matthew 18:15


  • We need to focus on what’s truly important.


“So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.” —Romans 14:16-18


  • We need to limit our liberties out of love for one another.


“Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” —Romans 14:20-21


Question - When is something legitimately wrong?


“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” —James 4:17


“But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” —Romans 14:23


  • When I’m not sure something is right, but I still do it anyway.


What’s the Goal? Unity!


“‘Everything is permissible’–but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’ –but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” —1 Corinthians 10:23-24


How can we build others up?


  • We need to not force our opinions on others.


“The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.” —Romans 14:22


Question - Where’s the balance?


“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” —Romans 12:18


Why should we pursue unity?


  • Responsibility


“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” —Romans 15:1-2


“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” —Romans 15:13


Four marks of a unified church

  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Power
  • Hope

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