Church Unity #2 Series

#14 6-24-07

Church Unity #2

Text; Philippians 2:3-4

I. The Motivation for Church Unity (2:1)

A. The motivation most come from within

B. Our relationship with Christ motivates us to unify

C. The love of God motivates us to unify

D. The fellowship of the Spirit motivates us to unify

E. The love and affection for each other motivates us to unify

II The Marks of Church Unity (2:2)

A. “Having the same mind”

1. Believers are to be spiritually minded (Romans 8:5-7, Colossians 3:2)

2. Believers are to have the same attitude (2:5, 3:15)

B. “Having the same love”

1. We most maintain God’s love

2. Love each other equally, don’t show favoritism.

C. “Unity in spirit”

1. Word use in Greek is psuchos, is used for the human soul and is not

referring to the Holy Spirit.

2.

D. “Intent on one purpose”

1. Striving together for one purpose, to please Christ.

2. A church cannot be unified if its people are self-centered Christians

III. The Maintaining of Church Unity (2:3,4)

A. Remove the cause of disunity

1. Contentiousness (selfish ambition)

a. Rivalry, competition with other’s personal goals

b. With your words

grumbling, complaining, criticizing (putting other down),

gossiping and giving bad reports.

Application, How do you feel when you find out that someone has been

criticizing you behind your back?

2. Seeking personal prestige

a. Seeking to be admired and respected

b. Seeking position and power

B. Promote what builds unity

1. Humility builds unity. When we humble ourselves and ask forgiveness

2. Caring for others build unity. When we show acts of kindness that endears

us to each other.

Are you causing disunity in your church?

Are you spiritually or fleshly minded?

Are you showing favoritism in the church?

Are you being contentious with you tongue?

Are you focused just on your personal needs?

Are you building unity in your church?

Are you committed to giving only good reports?

Are you considering others as more important than yourself?

Are you looking out for the needs and interest of others?