Sermon Central
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Part I: Unity Of The Spirit - Level 1 Series
Contributed by Louis Posthauer on Mar 26, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: There are three distinct levels of unity in the Spirit that are evident in the early church. Most of the western church in the 21st century is only familiar with the first or lowest level of unity that Jesus referred to in John 17.
Introduction to Part I
What does the term “Unity of the Spirit” really mean for Christians? Is it an ethereal sixth sense based on feelings or intuition? Is it an intellectual or symbolic type or anthropomorphic construct used to create a theological distinction between Christians and “other” beliefs? How relevant is it to the church today? Is it important to you as a believer? Why? Are we “one” today in the local church, in the “unity of the Spirit” today?
Do you care? And does it matter?
Significance
The term ‘one’ used in reference to unity in the body of Christ is used dozens of times in the NT.
It was the focus of Jesus’ most eloquent and fervent prayer in John 17 for the entire church – every believer in Him down thru the ages – that we may all be “one”.
Jesus said (Jn 17:21) that the entire purpose – goal- of His church here on earth would be accomplished by the (incredible) testimony of unity in His church so that the world may believe that the Father has truly sent Jesus. So yes, it matters - because when unity is demonstrated to the world, it will be the testimony that Jesus is who He is- the only Son of God, Savior. When Jesus is thus “lifted up” then all men shall be drawn to Him.
Paul continued to emphasize the importance of unity throughout his writings. Ephesians 4 summarizes it succinctly:
Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
This is the vision and purpose that Christ has for His body here on earth. But to understand and live it, we must understand:
• Exactly what does “unity” or oneness mean in the body of Christ?
• How do we know when (and if) the body of Christ is in unity?
• What must the church do (and what must God do) to accomplish unity in the body of Christ?
• What responsibilities do church pastors & clergy have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in His work of unity at this level?
In attempting an answer to these core questions, answers to the questions raised in the introduction will become clear - as well as our role now.
What is the model for unity of the Spirit in the church?
From the Greek Strong’s Concordance, there are two related words used in this context of unity:
Unity (SC 1775) – “oneness”; “unanimity” see Eph 4:3,13; and,
One (SC 1520) – “one” see John 17; and dozens of other NT references.
There is a reality to the term “unity of the Spirit” that can be measurably demonstrated in the church.
It isn’t just a feeling or sense, or intuition.
It isn’t a symbol or intellectual construct to differentiate Christians from others.
It is REAL, TANGIBLE and it is MEASURABLE.
It is verifiable in the scriptures describing the early church.
What follows is a perspective of the real, tangible, and measurable "unity of the Spirit" found in the Bible.
Real, Tangible, and Measurable
The perfect and highest expression of unity of the Spirit was modeled in the early church after Pentecost:
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 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,
47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Three distinct “levels” of unity of the Holy Spirit are actually expressed here:
Level 1 – LCD (lowest common denominator)
(42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Level 2 – Signs & Wonders
(43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Level 3 – A lifestyle of mutual support and sharing all things
(44-47) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
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 favor with all the people.
Each of these three represents a progressively higher level of unity in the church, the body of Christ on earth. And, each of these levels is real, tangible, and measurable – just like the actual resurrected body of Jesus!
