Part Ii: Unity Of The Spirit - Level 2 Series

Introduction to Part II

What does the term “Unity of the Spirit” really mean for Christians?

In Part I we presented insights into this uniquely Christian concept: unity of the Spirit. We are endeavoring to arrive at a practical understanding which is meaningful to our daily walk. We answer questions like:

Is unity of the Spirit 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?

We are examining the three real, tangible and measurable levels of this phenomenon in the church – the body of Christ.

Let’s recap:

The Unity of the Spirit is Real, Tangible, and Measurable

The perfect and highest expression of unity of the Spirit was modeled in the early church after Pentecost:

Acts 2:42-47

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 expressed:

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 as needful

(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. And, each of these levels is real, tangible, and measurable.

Discussion of Levels of Unity of the Spirit

In Part I of our discussion, we asked and answered 4 questions about Level 1 unity:

A. What does this level of unity look like in the church?

B. What conditions are necessary for this level of unity to exist in the church?

C. How can the church enter in/rise to this level of unity?

D. What responsibilities do church pastors & clergy have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in His work of unity at this level?

We continue with these four questions as we examine Level 2 unity These will lead to the answers to the essential questions posed in the introduction.

Level 2 Unity: Signs & wonders through Apostles

(43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

The four questions for Level 2 unity:

A. What does level 2 unity look like?

Level 2 unity in the church is characterized by the presence of “signs & wonders”.

Typical in both the OT and NT, these categories of signs and wonders are represented:

- Healings

- Deliverances

- Suspension of nature/natural laws

However, the same Greek words in the NT are used for both heavenly and demonic signs & wonders. And unfortunately, much of the church is turned "off" to signs and wonders due to a fear of the demonic counterfeit. But we want to press in to this higher level.

So, how can we tell the genuine from the counterfeit?

The inferences in Act 2:43 provide some differentiators:

Genuine Signs (Acts 2:43) Counterfeit Signs

-Originate thru several -originate from one man exclusively

apostles

-A sense (awareness) of fear (awe) - no fear of the Lord present

of the Lord

- Testifies of Jesus - testifies to the man performing the act

The acts of Simon the magician (Acts 8) and Peter, Stephen, Paul and others (Acts 3,5,6, etc.) are examples of counterfeit and genuine signs, respectively, which exhibit these characteristic differentiators.

Some of the Greek words that are used in describing genuine signs in Acts 2: 43 include:

Apostle (SC 652) – a delegate; an ambassador of Christ, messenger; from(SC 649): set apart, sent out