True Unity: Spiritual Connection Over Organizational Structure

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we explored the profound and often challenging topic of evangelical unity and its implications for our faith and practice. We began by acknowledging the complexities and difficulties that arise when discussing unity, especially in terms of cooperation among evangelicals. It's crucial to recognize that unity is not merely a superficial agreement or a coalition of convenience but a deep, spiritual connection rooted in shared beliefs and the work of the Holy Spirit.

We delved into the nature of true unity, emphasizing that it is not a physical or organizational construct but a spiritual reality. True fellowship is based on shared truth and doctrine, not merely on personal preferences or social compatibility. We must be cautious not to prioritize fellowship over doctrine, as the latter is foundational to genuine unity.

Furthermore, we examined the misconception that unity is essential for successful evangelism. History shows that great revivals and evangelistic movements have often been sparked by individuals or small groups filled with the Holy Spirit, rather than by large, unified bodies. The power of the Holy Spirit, not human efforts at unity, is what truly drives the spread of the Gospel.

We also addressed the dangers of viewing unity as an end in itself or as a means to achieve worldly success. True unity is not about creating large, impressive organizations but about being united in spirit and purpose through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a living, organic reality that transcends mere human efforts.

Finally, we were reminded of the importance of humility, meekness, and love in maintaining unity. Defects of character, carnality, worldliness, and wrong doctrine can all disrupt fellowship. We must strive to embody the qualities of Christ and rely on the Holy Spirit to create and sustain true unity among us.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual Unity Over Physical Unity: True unity is not about physical gatherings or organizational structures but is a spiritual connection rooted in shared beliefs and the work of the Holy Spirit. Fellowship must be based on truth, not personal preferences or social compatibility. [39:11]

- Doctrine Before Fellowship: We must never prioritize fellowship over doctrine. Doctrine is foundational to genuine unity, and any attempt to create unity without a shared understanding of core beliefs is superficial and unsustainable. [42:07]

- Unity and Evangelism: Successful evangelism is not dependent on large, unified bodies but on the power of the Holy Spirit. History shows that revivals often begin with individuals or small groups filled with the Spirit, not through human efforts at unity. [37:02]

- Unity as a Living Reality: True unity is not about creating large organizations but about being united in spirit and purpose through the Holy Spirit. It is a living, organic reality that transcends human efforts and is sustained by the Spirit's work. [46:17]

- Character and Unity: Defects of character, such as pride and ambition, can disrupt unity. We must strive for humility, meekness, and love, relying on the Holy Spirit to create and sustain true unity among us. [52:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [32:45] - Introduction and Personal Reflection
- [34:00] - The Challenge of Evangelical Unity
- [35:14] - Historical Context and Protestant Reformation
- [36:46] - Unity and Evangelism
- [38:27] - Nature of True Unity
- [39:11] - Spiritual vs. Physical Unity
- [42:07] - Doctrine Before Fellowship
- [43:17] - Misconceptions About Unity
- [46:17] - Unity as a Living Reality
- [50:24] - Maintaining Unity
- [52:42] - Character and Unity
- [54:57] - Carnality and Division
- [59:08] - Worldliness and Sin
- [01:03:01] - Call for Revival and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Evangelical Unity

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:4-6 - "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
2. Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
3. 1 Corinthians 1:10 - "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the difference between spiritual unity and physical unity? [39:11]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in creating true unity among believers? [48:36]

3. What historical examples were given in the sermon to illustrate that successful evangelism does not depend on large, unified bodies? [37:02]

4. What are some character defects mentioned in the sermon that can disrupt unity among believers? [52:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul emphasizes "one body and one Spirit." How does this passage support the sermon's view on the nature of true unity? [48:20]

2. Acts 2:42 mentions the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching and fellowship. How does this relate to the sermon's point about prioritizing doctrine before fellowship? [42:07]

3. The sermon suggests that unity should not be seen as an end in itself. How does this perspective align with the biblical call for unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10? [46:17]

4. How does the sermon interpret the role of humility and meekness in maintaining unity, and how does this relate to the biblical teachings on character? [52:58]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own church or small group. Are there areas where personal preferences or social compatibility are prioritized over shared beliefs? How can you address this? [39:57]

2. Think of a time when you witnessed or experienced a disruption in unity due to character defects like pride or ambition. How can you personally work towards embodying humility and meekness in such situations? [53:16]

3. The sermon emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit in evangelism. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit in your personal evangelistic efforts rather than on human strategies? [37:33]

4. Consider the idea that unity is a living, organic reality. How can you contribute to fostering a spirit of unity in your community that transcends organizational structures? [46:17]

5. Identify a specific tradition or personal preference that might be hindering true unity in your church. How can you approach this issue with a focus on truth and shared beliefs? [56:25]

6. The sermon calls for a revival as a means to achieve true unity. What steps can you take individually and collectively to pray for and work towards a spiritual revival in your community? [01:03:01]

7. How can you ensure that your interactions within the church are guided by the principles of love and humility, as described in 1 Corinthians 13? What practical steps can you take this week to improve in this area? [53:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Unity as a Divine Connection
True unity among believers is not about physical gatherings or organizational structures but is a profound spiritual connection rooted in shared beliefs and the work of the Holy Spirit. This unity transcends personal preferences and social compatibility, focusing instead on the truth that binds believers together. It is essential to recognize that this spiritual unity is a divine gift, cultivated by the Holy Spirit, and not something that can be manufactured by human efforts. As believers, we are called to seek this deeper connection, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and sustain our fellowship. [39:11]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize spiritual unity over social compatibility in your interactions with fellow believers today?


Day 2: Doctrine as the Foundation of Unity
Doctrine is the bedrock of genuine unity among believers. While fellowship is important, it should never take precedence over the core beliefs that define our faith. Without a shared understanding of these foundational truths, any attempt at unity is superficial and unsustainable. It is crucial for believers to engage deeply with Scripture and sound doctrine, ensuring that their unity is built on a solid foundation. This commitment to truth safeguards the integrity of our fellowship and honors the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst. [42:07]

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV): "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of core Christian doctrines to strengthen your unity with other believers?


Day 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
Successful evangelism is not dependent on large, unified bodies but on the power of the Holy Spirit working through individuals or small groups. History has shown that great revivals and evangelistic movements often begin with those who are filled with the Spirit, rather than through human efforts at organizational unity. It is the Spirit's power that truly drives the spread of the Gospel, and believers are called to rely on this divine strength rather than their own efforts. By focusing on the Spirit's leading, we can be effective witnesses for Christ in our communities. [37:02]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your personal evangelism efforts today?


Day 4: Unity as a Living, Organic Reality
True unity is not about creating large organizations but about being united in spirit and purpose through the Holy Spirit. This unity is a living, organic reality that transcends human efforts and is sustained by the Spirit's work. It is not an end in itself or a means to achieve worldly success but a reflection of the divine nature of the Church. Believers are called to embrace this dynamic unity, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their relationships and purpose. By doing so, they become a powerful witness to the world of God's love and truth. [46:17]

Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the living, organic unity of your church community today?


Day 5: Character and the Sustenance of Unity
Defects of character, such as pride and ambition, can disrupt unity among believers. To maintain true unity, it is essential to cultivate humility, meekness, and love, relying on the Holy Spirit to create and sustain this bond. Believers are called to embody the qualities of Christ, allowing His character to shape their interactions and relationships. By doing so, they can overcome the barriers that threaten to divide and instead foster a community that reflects the love and grace of God. [52:42]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: What specific character trait can you work on today to help sustain unity in your church community?

Quotes



I find this question of evangelical unity particularly in terms of cooperation an extremely difficult question, and people who would give us the impression that it's all so simple and so easy and that there's no real problem at all, it seems to me, are doing very great harm to the cause. [00:34:23]

We must never say that unity is essential because as evangelicals, what we believe is really essential is the power of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes as we know, the Holy Spirit has come and has possessed just one man only and nobody else and has so possessed him that he has been the means under God of leading to revival. [00:37:02]

Unity and fellowship are not something physical but spiritual. What do I mean by that? Well, I mean this, that sometimes as people have talked to me about having fellowship with people, I've been rather given the impression that what they mean by fellowship is something purely physical. [00:39:24]

We must never put fellowship before doctrine. It's never the first thing. It's never an end in and of itself. It is something that comes in because of the doctrine. Well, let me make another negative that I would suggest to you is this one, that unity and union are not merely comprehensiveness. [00:42:07]

True union after all is not a coalition. Now politically, you all must have observed in your study of politics, politically it's never a very difficult thing to get a coalition government of people who don't believe very much of anything in particular. You can always make a coalition of people who haven't got many principles. [00:42:57]

Union is something essentially living. It's positive, it's vital, and so the mere absence of divisions and quarrels doesn't make Union. In slack and lethargic and indolent periods in the history of the church, when men have forgotten doctrine altogether, there has been a negative kind of Union, but it's been lifeless. [00:46:17]

Union is not the result of anything that we do. As we were reminded in the reading at the very beginning and have been reminded since, it is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit himself. We can never create human. We are not even called upon to create human. It's not our task. [00:47:48]

There is only true Union when you have two people in whom the Holy Spirit has done his own blessed work. You can have the kind of acquaintance with a nice kind of man that isn't Union. I say what is Union? Well, you only get Union when you have two people or any number more who under the work and the influence and the power of the Holy Spirit have been convinced and convicted of their sin. [00:48:39]

Whenever there is an absence of lowliness and meekness, fellowship is broken. If ambition comes in, you've broken fellowship. If pride comes in, you've broken fellowship. You see it in some of the New Testament epistles, the strong brother and the weak brother breaking fellowship, the strong despising the weak, the weak perhaps critical and jealous of the strong. [00:52:42]

Carnality I say means thinking in worldly terms in connection with the life of the church. Are we not in danger sometimes of putting tradition in the place of truth and saying oh yes I quite agree about your doctrines you're right about your tooth but, and what's the bus oh well you know this has been very wonderful in the past and tradition. [00:54:57]

Worldliness and sin, you remember that incestuous person in 1 Corinthians 5, you remember how some of them are coming drunk to the communion table 1 Corinthians chapter 11 and their selfishness and their gluttony you remember 2 Corinthians 6 don't you come out from among them and be separate. [00:59:08]

When the revival comes, there is unity in the presence of the power of the Spirit with men seeing themselves in their sin and having a new vision of the glory of God and the beauty of Christ and the marvel of his work upon the cross everything is forgotten and there one God forbid that I should be misunderstood. [01:03:01]

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Transcript
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