Key Idea: To live faithfully for Christ in a world opposed to Christ we must be in the world, but not of the world, for the purpose of witnessing to the world.
I. We must be in the world…
II. …but not of the world…
III. …for the purpose of witnessing to the world
We are on a mission to witness; and that witness is seen in our unity.
A. A mission to witness
B. A witness of unity
Main focus: Our unity must be a priority, because our witness for Christ is a necessity.
1. The Priority of unity
The picture of unity that demonstrates the priority:
a. Unity means being perfectly united in Trinitarian oneness
b. Unity means being foundationally united around the Gospel
c. Unity means being practically united through our love
Practical encouragements:
-
- Be very mindful of whether you are unintentionally creating disunity
- Trust that the elders will hold the theological line not only in primary issues, but in secondary issues as well
- Seek to grow in love and be a purposeful agent of unity
Sample verses on unity: John 17:20-23; Proverbs :16-19; Romans 14:4; Ephesians 4:1-6; Titus 3:9-11; Philippians 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 1:5-7; 1 John 2:9-11; Matthew 5:9; 2 Timothy 2:23-25; Colossians 2:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; James 3:17-18; 1 John 2:9-11, 4:10-12
2. The means of unity
a. We pursue unity through our identity in Christ
b. We pursue unity through abiding in Christ
To abide in Christ means to be sustained and strengthened by Christ through actively pursuing him in faith
c. We pursue unity through a commitment to God’s glory
We pursue unity through sacrificial love\
3. The witness of unity
