Sermon on Oneness of the Church
Oneness is a central command from God and a deep desire of Christ for His church (John 17:20-23). As the psalmist beautifully wrote, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). While some things are good but unpleasant (like surgery) and others are pleasant but not good (like constant entertainment), unity in Christ is a rare combination of both: it's good and pleasant.
Unity makes us strong. A divided kingdom cannot stand (Matthew 12:26), and without unity, there can be no victory.
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Biblical Expressions of Oneness
The Bible describes the church's oneness in many powerful ways. We are called:
• A nation and a people: Together, we form a distinct community set apart for God (1 Peter 2:9-10).
• One body: We are many parts, but we are all members of one body in Christ. Each part has a unique role, but all work together (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:13-17).
• A family: We are not strangers but fellow members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19; Galatians 6:10).
• A bride: The church is presented as a single bride, holy and pure, awaiting her groom, Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-30).
• A temple and a building: We are living stones being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:20-21).
• One flock: We are a single flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ (John 10:16).
The message is clear: the church is meant to live in a singular, unified state.
Christ Prayed for Oneness
Before His death, Jesus's final prayer was not for Himself but for the unity of His followers (John 17:20-23). The early church took this prayer to heart. We see them in the book of Acts:
• Together and in one accord in the upper room (Acts 2:1).
• Persevering with one accord in the temple (Acts 2:46).
• Being of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).
This oneness spread to the crowds, who also received the word "with one accord" (Acts 8:6).
To preserve this oneness, we must:
• Think the same way: Strive for harmony in our thoughts and attitudes (Romans 12:16; 15:5-6).
• Maintain love, spirit, and purpose: Work together with a shared mind and heart (Philippians 2:2).
• Speak the same things: Align our words and actions with God's truth (1 Corinthians 1:10).
• Follow the same rule: Respect and abide by the teachings of God's Word (Philippians 3:16).
• Guard this unity: View unity as a sacred responsibility given by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 1:27).
What Breaks Oneness?
Unfortunately, oneness can be broken. The primary causes are not legitimate differences but rather human flaws:
• Unnecessary disagreements: Quarrels over non-essential matters (1 Corinthians 15:36-39).
• Worldliness and envy: Carnality and jealousy that divide people (1 Corinthians 3:3).
• False teachers: Doctrines that mislead and cause division (Titus 3:10; 2 John 9-10).
• Hypocrisy: Insincere behavior that creates mistrust and fractures relationships (Galatians 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:1).
Lack of unity is often a result of selfishness, pride, and disobedience, not a genuine difference in belief.
See Also
- Preaching on Conviction: I Know Whom I Have Believed 2 Timothy 1:12
- Preaching on Storms in the Life of a Christian
- Preaching on Intimate Relationship with God Revelation 3:20
Conclusion
Oneness is a divine command that is both good and pleasant. It is a sign of a healthy, strong church and a testament to Christ's love. By following His example and guarding the oneness He prayed for, we can reflect God's heart to the world.
