Focusing On Unity

Philip 4:2

" I exhort Euodias, and I exhort Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord."

- Examples of Unity - Ecc. 4:9-12

I. Women’s Impact

1. Women were first preached too at Philippi. (Acts 16.12-15)

- They became the first believers in Europe.

2. Lydia was gracious to Paul’s needs

- Lydia continued to show him kindness Acts 16:40

II. Women Who Were Influential

1. “Euodia” means a “prosperous journey.” “Fragrant”

“ Syntyche” means a “pleasant friend.” “Fortunate ”

- Important to the church - Teachers or Deaconesses .

- They did not live up to the meaning of their names.

2. Disagreement affected the church

- Their differences could mar their influence and to shake the faith of new believers .

- Differences that could bring division

- Disagreement within the local body reveals a spiritual problem

- Only solved when your hearts are right with Christ

- Key - Submissive Hearts

III. Unity’s Importance

- Meaning: Being together Being One, In agreement

- Found 2 places in KJV

Eph 4:1-3 (KJV) also in ver 13

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech (beg) you that ye walk worthy (live a life) of the vocation (calling, to the standard) wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness (humility) and meekness, (gentleness) with longsuffering, (patience) forbearing (tolerant, accepting) one another in love;3 Endeavouring (diligent, make every effort) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond (bind yourself with) of peace

IV Unity’s Identity

Ps. 133

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore

1. Unity Is Like Ointment (Perfume)

Mk 14:3 - Demonstrated by Mary Magdalene anointing Christ

- Perfume expression of love

- Women love receiving it as a gift

- Precious Perfume - released so that all may benefit

- Enjoyed by the one who it is upon and others who are influenced by it’s scent

- Poured upon Aaron the first High Priest

- Christ our last High Priest poured out to unite us to himself

- Extravagance in it’s outpouring

- Head beard & skirts

2 Unity Is Like Dew

a. Unity’s love is SILENT,

- Nothing in nature is more silent than the falling dew

- Genuine love is demonstrated.

- The deepest emotions are always the most silent

b. Unity’s love is IMPORTANT,

- As dew it refreshes all that it touches

- Renewing wilted life

c. Unity’s love is GODLINESS.

- Dew comes down from above.

- Real & true love comes down from God