THE FRUIT OF REVIVAL
UNITY!
Psalm 133:1-3
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Pastor Brian Matherlee
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” Ps. 133:1-3
David points out in this short Psalm how great it is to get along. He compares it to two things:
• First, the oil he talks about was something reserved only for the priests. In this he demonstrates the sweetness everyone enjoys when we live in unity.
• Secondly, he compares unity to the dew of Hermon falling on Mt. Zion. Hermon didn’t receive very much rain in the summer months and the dew kept it lush with vegetation. During this time the Israelites made two pilgrimages to Jerusalem and would look and see how green Hermon was in spite of the dryness. Mt. Zion represents the people of God. Unity brings a freshness to the people of God no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.
One of the greatest benefits of revival is unity. It may need to be renewed or restored but no revival is complete if the Body of Christ is not drawn together in unity.
What does the Bible say about unity?
1. The Benchmark of Unity
a. John 14:5-14 & John 17:10-22
b. We are to be one just like God and Jesus are one--inseparable in:
i. Character
ii. Conduct
iii. Belief
iv. Power
v. Provision
vi. Purpose
2. The Benefits of Unity
a. 2 Chronicles 30:12, carry out God’s plans
b. John 17:2-23, others will believe God makes a difference
c. Romans 12:4, the Body works efficiently
d. Romans 15:5-6, it glorifies God
e. Ephesians 4:11-16, attain the fullness of God’s plan
f. Colossians 2:2-3, attain full richness of understanding
g. 1 Peter 3:8-11, we inherit blessing
3. The Barriers of Unity
a. John 17:15, the devil
b. Romans 12:3,16-21, pride
c. Romans 14:3 condemnation of our brothers
d. Ephesians 4:14, lack of spiritual growth
e. Colossians 3:5-11, sin
f. Proverbs (hatred, pride, anger and hot tempered people)
4. The Building Blocks of Unity
a. Don’t put up with it
i. Romans 16:17, watch out for these people & keep away from them.
ii. Titus 3:9-11, avoid foolish arguments; warn divisive people twice then cut them off (warped people are tough to straighten out—have you ever tried to play with a warped ball?)
b. We don’t put up with it because:
i. It damages the testimony of the church
ii. It is a poor example to the church, especially new, young believers.
iii. It stirs up things that had been past
iv. It may snap the person out of it when they find themselves (as Israelites did) outside the camp.
c. Set aside our personal agenda’s for God’s mission
d. Rejoice when something builds our brothers up even if it’s not our thing
e. Build bridges—find something, anything in common
f. Be an encourager
Our prayer should be the same as Jesus, make us one!
