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a. Psalm 133:1-3
1 A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
1. What is unity and why is it so important to have it in the church?
b. Ephesians 4:1-3
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
1. Explain verse 2 in your own words. What happens when we act the opposite of this?
2. Why does it take every effort to keep unity?
c. Philippians 2:1-5
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
1. What does it mean to be one in spirit and purpose?
2. How can you consider others better than yourself?
3. Whose interests have you been looking out for besides your own? What is the attitude of Jesus? Is yours the same?
d. Matthew 18:15-17
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Matthew 5:23-24
23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
1. How does Jesus tell us to resolve conflicts and disagreements with one another?
2. Who should go to whom first?
3. Is there anyone in the church with whom you need to go and settle a problem?
Application :
Think about your relationships today. Pray to be unified with all your brothers and sisters and reach out to and spend time with those you do not love as Jesus would.
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