Life in the Father's House Memorial OPC, Fall 2008

Chapter 9, "Preserving Unity in the Body" Pastor Matthew Judd

I Promise to pursue the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church.

I. Christ's Instruction and Prayer for Unity (John 13:34-35; John 17:20-23)

A. This played out in the Church universal...

B. This played up in the Church local...

Ephesians 4:1-6

Philippians 1:27

Philippians 2:2-4

Galatians3:28

C. Practical illustrations...

Acts 2:46

Acts 15:25

Romans 14:19; 15:5-7

Philippians 4:2-3

1 Corinthians 1:10-13

II. Common Actions which Undermine Unity in the Church

A. Retaliation (most often done with our words - gossip, slander, insults, sowing rumors, etc.)

B. Inaction (grudges, bitterness, coolness)

C. Unwise Confrontation (in our manner, in the content, or in our timing)

D. Others?

III. The Bond of Unity - The Holy Spirit Forming in Us the Mind of Christ (Philippians 2:2-8)

A. Love hopes all things... (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; giving other's the benefit of the doubt)

B. Do unto others as... (Matthew 7:12)

C. Prayerfulness - "When you constantly confess your own sins unto God, you will not be as quick to be offended by the sins of others. When you intercede for the needs of other believers, you will be focusing on them rather than yourself..." (p. 207).

D. Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9; sometimes we need the help of others)

E. There is no problem that God cannot solve - indifference and incompatibility are not solutions. (See page 211.)