Doctrine of Unity: PART 2
UNITY IN THE SPIRIT:
The second unity is "UNITY IN THE SPIRIT." This is the natural unity that should exist among every believer, those who have had a true "born again" experience. But it is not always easy getting along with every Christian. Paul says that we strive for the unity of the Spirit. Our selfishness gets in the way and when we desire our own way it results in a breakdown in fellowship. But we are called to seek this UNITY IN THE SPIRIT.
Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, (2) with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, (3) eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
UNITY IN THE FAITH:
The third unity is "UNITY IN THE FAITH." This is the unity that they had in Acts 2 when they were of one mind and one accord. This is the unity that Paul spoke would come about in the last days in Eph.4:11-14. We walk with a people with one mind, one faith, and one belief system.
Ephesians 4:11-13 ESV And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (12) to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
The second unity is "UNITY IN THE SPIRIT." This is the natural unity that should exist among every believer, those who have had a true "born again" experience. But it is not always easy getting along with every Christian. Paul says that we strive for the unity of the Spirit. Our selfishness gets in the way and when we desire our own way it results in a breakdown in fellowship. But we are called to seek this UNITY IN THE SPIRIT.
Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, (2) with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, (3) eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
UNITY IN THE FAITH:
The third unity is "UNITY IN THE FAITH." This is the unity that they had in Acts 2 when they were of one mind and one accord. This is the unity that Paul spoke would come about in the last days in Eph.4:11-14. We walk with a people with one mind, one faith, and one belief system.
Ephesians 4:11-13 ESV And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (12) to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.