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The Importance Of Unity
Contributed by Edward Hardee on Oct 19, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: Shows the importance of Unity of the Church.
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Title: The Importance of Unity
Theme:
Text: Psalms 133:1-3
Ps 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren (brothers and sisters) to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing; Life forevermore.
Introduction
Some say that David was looking out over Jerusalem as he noticed the tribes coming together to vote for the king. Others say it was a time when all of Israel made there ascent on Jerusalem to make a pilgrimage to the city.
Either way it excited him as he saw the Unity of the brethren. You see David understood that when there is unity in the Lord God will bless the people.
Jesus told us in Mat 18:19-20 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
There is an importance in unity. I want us to notice this morning just a few things about unity.
I. Unity allows the anointing to flow
It is in unity where the anointing flows. This is the picture that David is giving here. He talks about the oil that flowed down the head and robe of Aaron. Aaron, the high priest of Israel and the brother of Moses. God anointed him (Ex 40).
Noticed how it was not just a touch of oil but he poured it over his head.
Oil is a symbol of the Holy Ghost in scripture. It is as God consecrates a person for service.
Anointed: consecration.
The church needs that anointing:
Jesus prophesied in Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."
1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
II. Unity allows growth to happen
shows “undivided devotion”
Heb 10:24 NKJV And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Ecclesiastes 4:8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business! 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
III. Unity diminishes Satan’s kingdom
Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.
Luke 10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." 18 And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 11:17 “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.”
“Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.”
Conclusion
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5)
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3-6)