October 2007 Newsletter


"Unity"

By: Craig Rippy

During the September evening services, Alan has been preaching on unity. I thought it would be good to follow that series with an article, since unity is so important.

The New International Version uses the word "Unity" five times in the New Testament. Other good translations are similar.

First, it is used in John 17:23, "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (NIV)

Here, the word is "hen" (Greek). This word primarily means "one." In context, we understand Jesus is praying to the Father, asking Him to bring a oneness to the believers as there is oneness in the Godhead. As there is unity between the Father and Son, so Jesus is praying that the believers will have unity.

Wow, that's asking a lot! Do you have oneness with your Christian brother or sister here at Solid Rock? More to the point, do you have a oneness with Christians in other congregations? Whether St. James has one congregation of believers or many, we are to have a unity that reveals the unity the Father has with the Son.

Grudges, jealousies, disputes and other disharmony is in opposition to Christ's prayer. Oneness reveals singleness of purpose and harmonious cooperation. As Christians serve in oneness, the world around us can recognize we belong to God, Christ is our bonding agent, and that we experience what all people want- mutual love.

Yes, oneness is evangelistic. Since Jesus died to save the world, the church is to work eagerly to achieve oneness so the plan of God through Christ is clearly portrayed to the world around us. Anything less is sin.

The next word used for unity is a combination of three Greek words meaning, "to be like-minded." This is found in Romans 15:5, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus" (NIV).

This should be simple, being like-minded. There is only one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all, one Bible with one Gospel message, and one Church. Yet, we want to be independent minded, having our own views instead of humbly submitting to the Holy Spirit's intended message.

When believers are not like-minded they aren't Spirit-minded. Other motivations besides honoring God lends to division. Division of the church is sin.

"Henotes" is the third Greek word we need to understand. It is found in Ephesians 4:3 & 13. It has the same thought as "Hen," but with more emphasis on unanimity, or the agreement of all members.

It isn't enough to be in agreement with a few members of the congregation or Christian community. God is directing us to be in agreement with all of our brothers. This takes great effort. Each believer is to give great effort to achieve this. Matter of fact, this unity is only achievable as leadership leads the flock. Reading the fourth chapter of Ephesians reveals that Evangelists and Elders are to teach Biblical truths in such a way that people recognize the need for unity and work to achieve it.

The last word used for unity is "Sundesmos." It is found in Colossians 3:14," And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (NIV)

This word indicates being shackled together or bound by ligaments. We find in Colossians 3:12-14, that love is the ligament that bonds us together. The other parts that complete this bond are the virtues found in verses 12-13, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. Love is the glue that forces us to live together in unity. "Love never fails" and will hold believers together, causing believers to achieve unity by displaying the aforementioned virtues (1st Corinthians 13:8).

Unity is being one with one another, reflecting the unity of the Father and the Son. It is being like-minded, unifying upon the truth of what the Spirit of God has communicated to us. Unity is having unanimity with the brotherhood of believers, all members giving effort to agree. And finally, unity is achieved as we allow love to bond us inseparably together. Unity is peaceful and evangelistic. The Christian should be eagerly seeking unity to reveal God's desire to save the world through His Son.