Unity In The Church

Teaching Ministration Delivered by Pastor James E. Okon (JP) during the First National Combine Service held on Sunday 7th February 2010 at the Field Headquarters PK. 18 Abobo.

UNITY IN THE CHRUCH

Preamble

The fact of unity cannot be overemphasized in the church. It is not only foundational to her but also fundamental to her existence being consequential to her conception (John 17:11), birth (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1), operations (Acts 4:32-37) and her consummation (1 John 3:2-3; 1 Cor. 15:49-54; Isa. 11:6, 7). It is however disheartening to discover that the existing body of presumable believers has little or no idea about this all important element of the Christian faith. While some show apathy to this, some others display flagrant disregard to it while some others are confused having nebulous controversies all of which are based on individualized ideas void of any biblical basis.

In some stances, some people project their ideas only to search for some verses of the scriptures to justify their claims without any regard for the context of their selected portions of the scriptures.

The teaching is thus timely considering the havoc which the devil has unleashed on the body of believers for the church. The church which had been designed to be a place of repose for the oppressed has now turned out to be a citadel of mutual suspicion of members due to mistrust, distrust, envy, hatred, grudges, and total disenchantments. Permit me to say at this juncture that this is indeed the plan of the devil knowing fully well that the strength of the church is determined by her unity. This is well expressed by Timmons in his book ‘Secret of the Dark Kingdom’ when he stated “He (Satan) knows the Holy Spirit and the lord cannot accomplish much with a church of self-centered, un-unified believers. We had better learn that the Holy Spirit can only work to any great degree where there is unity”. He further stated that the devil knows that t here is great power in unity and for this reason, “he has developed the strategy of keeping the church divided. He knows that a weak divisive army is as weak as a wet paper sack and no match for the Dark Kingdom in combat”. Phil. 4:2-3; John 17:11; Eph. 4:1-13.

Teaching Outlines

a. The concept of unity within the context of the Church

b. Causes of disunity in the Church

c. The roles of the individuals in the achievement of unity in the Church

d. Symptoms of disunity in the Church

e. Dangers of disunity in the Church

f. Basic elements of unity in the Church

Concept of Unity within the Context of the Church

The word Unity could better be appreciated if we explore what it is not as it is generally construed or better still misconstrued. Unity is not the same as uniformity as The Creator in His Sovereignty made every individual to be unique in nature.

Secondly, unity does not connote equality in status such that would force a leader within the church to the position of a self imposed follower. In essence, unity is not tantamount to loss of identity which is a sheer human mental imagination.

Unity does not mean the loss of local or cultural peculiarities. Permit me to say that this had been a serious problem to Christendom even with the advent of the European missionaries in the macro Christian community.

Unity does not entail the fusion of the various denominations into an ecumenical church under a single leadership with the same tenets. It should be noted that God in His own wisdom raise men at different time in different places (cultures) for different purposes for the achievement of an overriding purpose. Paul knew this secret in his missionary assignment and this was instrumental to his missionary achievements. (1 Cor. 9:19-23)

Unity does not mean compromise in any form rather unity upholds discipline in high esteem as the focus of discipline is to guarantee individual and overall well being in the long run. Any deviation from the set goal is thus a hindrance to the achievement of the common good of all such that neglects the tenet of unity (1 Cor. 5:1-8).

Having addressed the misconceptions about unity, then what is unity? Unity relates to the state of oneness (Gr. Henetes) or togetherness (Heb. Yahadh) in pursuance of a common, predetermined goal. On a general note, it may involve collusion against constituted authority as in the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9) or against in individual (Acts 23:13, 20, 21; Luke 23:12). In Christianity, unity relates to the act of oneness (One Accord) manifested in one mind. This mind does not relate to an artificial mind but rather the mind of Jesus Christ. It is more than sheer agreement just as Richard submitted that “agree with” can’t explain the breadth of “to auto phronein” (i.e. To have the same mind) as the latter “emphasizes a harmony in attitude and emotions as of outlook”. Unity in Christianity agrees on doctrine (and not opinions) rooted in love that overcomes hurt as well as disagreement and such that dissolves grudges.

Unity focuses on the faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ by individual believers through His Holy Spirit. The radiance of the gaze at him (Hebrew 12:2-4) thus burns the natural or devil fabricated wall of partition that might want to divide entire body of individuals within the fold (John 10:14-15). This will in turn enable each individual to recognize (not organize) the synergy which is embedded in the mutual fellowship with others (Heb. 10:25; RH 429 Stanza 3). Unity thus manifests in love (and not in likeness) which does not evoke any act of sentiment, selfishness or pretence.

Causes of Disunity in the Church

Church relates to the assembly of the called-out people of God for the purpose of becoming Saints (1Cor.1:2) such that are scattered all over various denominations worldwide. These are the individuals who "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" Eph.4:3. Within them, there may not be disunity if they are vigilant (1Pet.5:8) but since they are scattered among various denominations we call 'church', I will then look at the church from the perspectives of groups of people who profess to be Christians. There are two main factors which cause disunity. They are:

a) The Activities of the Unregenerate: These are the people who "secretly slip" into the midst of Christian community (Jude 4,12,13). They occupy various positions in the church with their dastardly, ungodly acts. They appear in sheep cloths but they are ravenous wolves. They are mindful of the things of this world for their selfish, self-satisfying motives at the expense of the church (Philip.2:20-21). They achieve their aim by causing division among the people of God (Prov.6:19) false pretence, patronization through sinister, political means and backbiting.

b) Ignorance: As the factor mentioned above is perpetrated through an unbelieving unregenerate individuals who I regard as outsiders as pertaining to eternal life, ignorance is exhibited among the believers such that they may result in disunity in the church. Ignorance manifests in diverse ways among which are the ignorance of the word of God and carelessness, loss of focus and lack of commitment to the things of the Spirit (1Cor.12:1, 4:6,7) and wholesome desires (James 4:1,2).