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 together

1 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

Are we striving for true unity?