United We Stand
Psalms 133:1-3 (ESV)
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
2 Chronicles 30:12 (ESV)
The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 30:12 (NIV)
Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 30:12 (MSG)
God worked powerfully among them to make it unanimous, responding to the orders sent out by the king and his officials, orders backed up by the word of GOD.
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
1st The motive for unity
Philippians 2:1 (NIV)
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion.
1. Encouragement from being united with Christ
Philippians 2:1a (NIV)
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ
2. Comfort from His love
Philippians 2:1b (NIV)
if any comfort from his love
3. Fellowship with the Spirit
Philippians 2:1c (NIV)
if any fellowship with the Spirit
4. Tenderness and compassion
Philippians 2:1d (NIV)
if any tenderness and compassion
2nd The means to unity
1. Like-minded
Philippians 2:2a (NIV)
then make my joy complete by being like-minded
2. Same love
Philippians 2:2b (NIV)
having the same love
3. One in spirit & purpose
Philippians 2:2c (NIV)
being one in spirit and purpose
4. Unselfish
Philippians 2:3a (NIV)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit
5. Humility
Philippians 2:3b (NIV)
but in humility consider others as better than yourselves
6. Care for Others
Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
Each of you should look not only to your own interests but to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 (MSG)
Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
1. Without unity the church loses its blessing
2. Without unity the church loses its voice
3. Without unity the church loses the victory
