To emphasize the importance and blessings of unity and fellowship among believers, and the dangers of division.
Good morning, family. Today, let's open our hearts and minds to God's Word from Psalm 133, a beautiful psalm of unity and brotherhood. It's a short psalm, but packed with wisdom and truth.
Opening Scripture Reading – "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 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; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life forevermore" (Psalm 133 KJV).
Our topic today is "The Blessing of Unity, The Danger of Division, and The Power of Fellowship." What a timely message for today's world that is often divided by various issues. As the respected Christian author Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "Christian community is like the Christian's sanctification. It is a gift of God which we cannot claim."
Opening Prayer – Let's start with a prayer. Dear God, we thank you for the gift of fellowship and unity. We pray that you would guide our hearts and minds as we dive into your word today. Help us to understand and apply it in our lives. May we learn to live in unity as we strive to be more like you, and may we extend your love to others. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen. Let's unpack this beautiful Psalm together, shall we?
This psalm, written by King David, begins with an exclamation of the goodness and pleasantness of unity among brethren. The psalmist uses the metaphor of a precious ointment running down Aaron's beard and onto his garments to depict the beauty and value of unity. This image is not only vivid but also symbolic. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a sign of consecration, setting apart for a holy purpose. Similarly, unity among believers is a sacred thing, set apart by God for His divine purpose.
Unity is indeed a blessing, and it is a blessing that God desires for His people. It is a state of being that reflects the very nature of God Himself. The triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – exists in perfect unity. Therefore, when we live in unity with one another, we are reflecting the image of God. We are living out our identity as His children.
A. Moreover, unity is not just about being in agreement or having no disputes. It goes beyond that. It involves mutual love, respect, and understanding. It involves valuing others above ourselves, just as Christ did for us. It is about living in harmony, not just in our actions, but also in our thoughts and attitudes.
B. Unity also brings strength. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." When we stand together in unity, we can withstand the trials and challenges that come our way. We can support each other in times of difficulty, and we can rejoice together in times of victory.
C. Furthermore, unity is a powerful testimony to the world. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers in John 17:21, "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." Our unity as believers is a testament to the reality of Christ and the truth of the Gospel.
D. However, unity does not mean uniformity. We are all unique individuals with different gifts, talents, and perspectives. Unity is about embracing our differences and using them for the common good. It is about working together for the glory of God, despite our differences.
Transition – The blessing of unity is indeed a precious gift from God. It is a gift that we should cherish and strive for. It is a gift that brings joy, strength, and a powerful testimony to the world.
Division, in essence, is the opposite of unity ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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