Part Iii: Unity Of The Spirit - Level 3 Series

Introduction to Part III

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

In Parts I & II 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 & II of our discussion, we asked and answered 4 questions about Level 1 & Level 2 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 3 unity. These will lead to answers to the essential questions posed in the introduction.

Now to the highest level of unity possible in the church on earth today.

Level 3 Unity: Sharing and common stewardship of all things

Acts 2:44-45

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.

The four questions for Level 3 unity:

A. What does level 3 unity look like?

It helps to understand a few of the Greek terms used here:

together (SC 1909) - upon, on, at, by, before (ie. ‘near’ to each other)

common (SC 2839) – together, fr (SC 4862) –union

possessions (SC 2933) – an acquirement, estate

goods (SC 5223) – existency or proprietorship, property

First, some observations on what level 3 unity IS NOT:

- They did not live in a commune. Acts 2:46 says they went from house to house…. They still had their homes – those that didn’t, lived with other members (note well - not in the Salvation Army shelters?.)

- They didn't necessarily agree on minor doctrinal issues but it was not a source of separation of their hearts.

- They didn’t have all the same preferences regarding lifestyle, culture, etc. but these were of no consequence to their hearts being bound together in love.

What level 3 unity IS:

“Togetherness”:

They were together (v44, and Acts 4:32): ie. There was no pattern of disconnected believers who separated themselves from the church body. In today’s church, there are many such disconnected believers.