The Secret of Unity
Base Text: John 17:21–23
Introduction
A. The Heart of God: Unity is of utmost importance to God. We see this clearly in the fact that on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed specifically for the unity of His disciples.
B. The Urgency of the Request: If you knew today was your last day on earth, what would you ask for in prayer? Jesus, in His final hours, did not pray for His own comfort, but for the unity of all believers. This demonstrates the immense value He places on our oneness.
C. Strength in Numbers: Unity strengthens and encourages the work of the Lord. A believer standing alone is fragile and easily discouraged, but united, we are strong. As Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 teaches, "a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
D. The Illustration of the Wasps: Even the smallest creatures, like wasps, become powerful and intimidating when they act as one. Likewise, the church is powerful when united but becomes vulnerable when divided.
E. A Divine Command: It is the will of God that His people live in unity, not division. Therefore, we must fight for it rather than contribute to its destruction.
TRANSITION: Let us explore the biblical dimensions of this unity and how we can protect it.
I. Aspects of Biblical Unity
The unity of the first-century church was not just a theological theory; it was a daily practice. It encompasses several key dimensions:
• Unity of Heart and Soul (Acts 4:32): The early church lived without selfishness or rivalry, sharing what they had.
• Spiritual Unity in Christ (Romans 6:5; Galatians 3:26–28): We are all joined to Christ through the same baptism; there is no room for social or racial walls.
• Unity in Feeling and Mind (Romans 12:16; Philippians 2:2): This means having the same spiritual attitude and purpose.
• Unity in the Struggle (Philippians 1:27): We are all in the same battle; we must stand side-by-side to win.
• Unity in Judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10): Thinking and speaking in alignment with the Word of God.
• Unity in Hope (Ephesians 4:4): We serve one Spirit and look forward to the same eternal home.
• Unity in Love (John 13:34–35): Love is the "uniform" that identifies us as true disciples of Christ.
Central Truth: Biblical unity requires a deep commitment to humility and obedience. It doesn't happen by accident.
II. Biblical Figures of Unity
God uses vivid imagery to illustrate how the church is meant to function as a single unit:
• One Flock and One Shepherd (John 10:16)
• A Vine and many Branches (John 15:1, 5)
• One Body with many Members (Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:12–13)
• A Well-Fitted Building (1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:21)
• A Bride and a Groom (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23–24)
• A Family and a Spiritual House (Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:5)
• A Holy Nation (1 Peter 2:9)
Application: God never designed a fragmented or "independent" church; He designed a cohesive, interdependent body.
III. Causes of the Lack of Unity
Unity is fragile. It breaks when we allow practices contrary to God's will to enter the congregation:
1. Human Traditions: Elevating the commands of men over the Word of God (Matthew 15:7–9).
2. Favoritism: Following human leaders rather than Christ (1 Corinthians 1:11–13).
3. Carnality: Letting fleshly desires and jealousy take root (1 Corinthians 1:3:3–4).
4. Hypocrisy: Acting one way but living another (Galatians 2:11–14).
5. Gossip and Strife: Speaking behind backs and stirring up trouble (Proverbs 6:19; 16:28).
Truth: As Jesus said, "a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand" (Matthew 12:26). Division is the enemy’s greatest tool.
IV. Personal Responsibility in Unity
Unity is not the job of "the leaders"—it is the responsibility of every single member.
• Make Every Effort (Ephesians 4:3): The Greek word implies "diligence." Maintaining unity requires constant vigilance and care.
• Prioritize Reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–25): Restoring a broken relationship with a brother is more important to God than presenting an offering.
• Abhor Discord (Proverbs 6:19): God hates it when someone sows discord. In the "symphony" of the church, a person sowing discord is like a loud, clashing note that ruins the music.
• Acknowledge the Beauty of Unity (Psalm 133:1): It is "good and pleasant" when brothers dwell together in unity.
See also
- How should a Christian deal with the truth?
- How to Be a Diligent Christian
- Why We Must Win Souls for Christ
Conclusion
Unity is a high priority for our Savior. He prayed for it, the apostles preached it, and the Holy Spirit empowers it. We have seen that unity is practical, it is beautiful, and it is our primary defense against the enemy.
However, we must also recognize the things that destroy it—gossip, pride, and false doctrine—and cast them out of our lives. We must work diligently to preserve the bond of peace.
Final Call:
Take a moment to look at your own heart. Are you a builder of unity, or have you been a contributor to division? Let us commit today to being the answer to Jesus' prayer in John 17.
