Introduction

Beloved friends, it is a joy to gather with you once more as we seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not mere spectators in this grand narrative of faith, we are active participants, handpicked by God, to manifest His glory in this world.

Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds to a passage that is as beautiful as it is profound. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, paints a picture of the Kingdom of God that is marked by unity, love, and compassion.

Galatians 3:28 reads, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

In this passage, we see the heart of God for His people, a heart that desires unity among diversity, a heart that overflows with love, and a heart that is moved by compassion.

J. C. Ryle once said, "Unity without the gospel is a worthless unity; it is the very unity of hell." This unity that we are called to is not a unity that compromises the truth, but a unity that is founded on the truth of the gospel. And what is this truth? It is the truth that we are all one in Christ Jesus.

We are called to manifest this unity in a world that is often marked by division and strife. We are called to magnify the love of God in a world that is often cold and indifferent. And we are called to model the compassion of Christ in a world that is often hard and unfeeling.

As we reflect on this passage, may we be reminded of the high calling that we have as followers of Christ.

Manifesting Unity

In the heart of the Apostle Paul's message to the Galatians, we find a profound call to unity. This unity is not a superficial, surface-level agreement. It is a deep, spiritual unity that transcends all human divisions and distinctions. It is a unity that is grounded in our shared identity in Christ Jesus.

The world around us: We see a landscape often marked by division and discord. People are divided along lines of race, class, gender, and countless other categories. These divisions often lead to conflict, misunderstanding, and even hatred. Yet, in the midst of this fractured world, the church is called to be a beacon of unity.

Not achieved through human effort or willpower: It is not the result of negotiation or compromise. It is a divine gift, a work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. It is the fruit of our shared faith in Christ, our shared experience of His love, and our shared hope in His promises.

Not uniformity: It does not erase our individual identities or unique experiences. Instead, it celebrates our diversity within the context of our shared identity in Christ. It recognizes that each of us brings something unique and valuable to the body of Christ.

Not passive: It requires active engagement and intentional effort. It requires us to lay aside our prejudices, to listen to one another, to learn from one another, and to love one another. It requires us to bear with one another, to forgive one another, and to seek reconciliation when relationships are broken.

Not an end in itself: It is a means to a greater end. It is a testimony to the world of the power of the gospel to bring together people who would otherwise be divided. It is a demonstration of the love of God that breaks down barriers and builds bridges. It is a sign of the coming Kingdom of God, where every tribe, tongue, and nation will be united in worship of the Lamb.

The church is called to manifest unity: This is not a call to ignore or deny our differences, but to celebrate them within the context of our shared identity in Christ. It is a call to bear with one another in love, to seek reconciliation when relationships are broken, and to strive for peace. It is a call to demonstrate the power of the gospel to bring together people who would otherwise be divided. It is a call to be a sign of the coming Kingdom of God, where every tribe, tongue, and nation will be united in worship of the Lamb.

We may feel inadequate or overwhelmed: We may wonder how we can possibly manifest unity in a world so marked by division. Yet, we are not left to do this in our own strength. The same Spirit who unites us to Christ also unites us to one another. He gives us the grace to love one another, to forgive one another, and to bear with one another. He gives us the courage to seek reconciliation and to strive for peace. He gives us the hope that one day, all divisions will be healed, all tears will be wiped away, and all things will be made new.

Magnifying Love

In the same breath that Paul speaks of unity, he also speaks of love ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO