Introduction

  • John 17:20-21
  • Ephesians 4:1-3 – “unity of the spirit in the bond of peace”

Unity and peace among brethren

  • Psalms 131
  • Ephesians 4:13
  • Philippians 1:27; 2:2
  • Mark 9:50
  • Luke 1:79
  • John 16:33
  • Romans 8:6; 14:19
  • I Corinthians 14:13
  • II Corinthians 13:11
  • Galatians 5:22
  • Ephesians 6:15
  • I Thessalonians 5:13
  • I Timothy 2:22
  • Hebrews 12:14
  • I Peter 3:11
  • Jude 1:2
  • Philippians 4:7
  • John 17:23
  • I can be the source of unity and peace or of discord in the local church.

Lack of unity among believers produces infidelity

  • John 17:20-21
  • How God looks on one that causes disunity:
    • Proverbs 6:16-19
  • How God looks on one who sows discord demands that we mark those that cause disunity.
    • Romans 16:17

God’s platform for unity

  • Ephesians 4:1-7
  • I Corinthians 1:10
  • If we build our lives on God’s platform for unity, we will be acceptable to Him.

Things that are detrimental to unity.

  • III John 9 – Having our own way.
  • II Timothy 2:14 – Strife among brethren
  • James 3:5-6 – Uncontrolled tongues
  • I Corinthians 5:1-5 - Worldlines

Means of promoting unity and peace

  • Philippians 2:3-4 – Humility
  • I Corinthians 9:19-22 – Serving others
  • Ephesians 4:15
  • I Thessalonians 2:10

Unity, peace, and joy

  • Unity and peace will ultimately produce joy.
  • Philippians 4:1
  • Romans 12:12; Psalms 5:11; I John 1:4

Unity, peace, joy, and happiness

  • Matthew 25:46
  • I Thessalonians 4:13-17 – What happiness!