Granby church of Christ Sermon Outlines The Beauty and Function of Unity

The Beauty and Function of Unity

Source: 

Tim Nichols, Associate Editorial                                                                               
The Gospel Journal, January, 2001

It seems axiomatic that anything worthy of our protection and deep concern is also worthy of careful examination.  A thing for which one would be willing to die ought to be a thing that is cherished in life.  No soldier relishes guard duty when he has no clear conception of what he is guarding.  Ask any private in the army and he will tell you that there is just something strange about staying awake all night long walking around some bunker or building with a loaded rifle, without understanding the value of what he is protecting or the reasons for its security.  Only duty, possible consequences, and/or some degree of trust in the one who has placed him there, will keep him at his post.

When one deeply loves that which he protects, however, he will protect it with his very life.  The man who cherishes his wife and children does not live only to protect them, but to nurture and delight in them, savor their company, and to give to them.  He appreciates them, not only for what they can do for him, but because of who they are.  He sacrifices for them willingly.  He toils for their well-being and happiness.  He exults in their triumphs and takes extreme pleasure in their wholesome growth.  He seeks to strengthen them where they are weak, comfort them when they are afraid, and guide them when they are bewildered.  His primary delight is not in protecting them but in treasuring them.  It is only because he loves them so that he is prepared to protect them with every fiber of his being when they are threatened.

We speak often and of necessity concerning the need to protect the unity for which our Lord prayed so fervently and for which He gave His life.  We challenge those doctrines and practices that threaten it.  We work to preserve it.  We refuse to stand aside when doctrines that have not originated with Jesus Christ threaten to destroy it.

Maybe it would be helpful to take some time to think about, promote, love, and encourage one another to deeply appreciate that unity that we seek to preserve without speaking of it only in the context of that which is contrary to it.  Maybe then we can come to understand better the importance of its protection.

Christian Unity Is Divinely Given

For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.                      (Zephaniah 3:9)

And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem. . .  And the Lord shall be king over all the earth:  in that day shall there be one Lord and his name one.   (Zechariah 14:8-9)

Speaking of other disciples who were not then known by the apostles, Jesus said that they would come to be one with those nearest Him:

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd   (John 10:16)

In the limited time entrusted to us on earth, let us not lose sight of the fact that the terms of entrance and the code of conduct within the body of Christ are not ours to trifle with.  Christian unity is a stewardship granted to us from Heaven.  May we prize it as such.

Christian Unity Is Beautiful

Pleasant and good unity produces gladness within the family of God and often the good will of our neighbors.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.               (Acts 2:46-47)

The harmony of brethren provides each of us with a harbor in the sometimes-harsh storms of this life:  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”   (Psalm 133:1)

Christian Unity Connects Us to One Another

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.  (Romans 12:4-5; I Corinthians 12:12, 25-27; Philippians 2:1-5, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 2:6)

There is no camaraderie more real and precious than that which exists between men and women who have totally given themselves to the common cause of Christ.  No racial banner, national flag, team pennant, company logo, or any other temporal ensign even approaches it.  May we bask in the glory of our Banner.  (Exodus 17:15; Psalm 20:5; Psalm 60:4; Isaiah 11:10)  Who is Jesus Christ, as we work and live together for the greatest cause ever.

Christian Unity Connects Us, Collectively, With Christ

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:  for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.  And again, I will put my trust in him.  And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.  (Hebrews 2:11; see also I John 1:3)

This declaration is not just about you, me, and us.  When we work in harmony with one another in the name of Jesus Christ, we also work in harmony with Jesus Christ.

Christian Unity Is Powerfully Evangelistic

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  (John 17:22-23; see also John 13:34-35)

When unity is sought, achieved, exhibited, and safeguarded – as it ought to be – to the observant and lost world, it cultivates the potential faith that exists in those who are watching.  Unity is like a breeze that can help to bring that ember to full flame.  Think of the power of unity to ignite an interest in learning the Truth that produces unity!  We must not withhold such power from the world!

Christian Unity Is Good for Mankind

And they shall be by people, and I will be their God:  And I will give them one heart, and one way; that they may fear me forever, for the good of them. And of their children after them:  And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.  (Jeremiah 32:38-40; see also Acts 4:32)

The next time we see anything being done or taught that is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ – anything that threatens the unity of His people with one another and with Him – we should make ourselves pause and think of its many lovely, functional, and compelling qualities.  Unity is not just a word.  It is a beautiful condition worthy of our constant attention.  It is not merely a human arrangement wherein a body of people choose their own standards and purposes.  It is a wonderful thing to be cherished, fostered, nurtured – and protected – by the Lord’s people.  Only those who are very confused about its nature will leave unchallenged those things that threaten it while claiming to pursue it.

Tim Nichols

Article presented July 7, 2013 by Bobby Stafford