Bible Study

Title: Unity in the Church
Date: Sep 28, 2005
Topic(s): Relationships
Scripture: Philippians 4:2, Philippians 2:1-4

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There is a short poem that says,

"Oh, to live above with the saints we love, that will be glory.
But to live below with the saints I know, that's another story."

Unity has been a problem within the Church from the start. The apostle Paul had to write to two ladies in the church at Philippi admonishing them: "I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord" (Philippians 4:2, NKJV).

But the Bible not only urges us to live in unity, it tells us how. Let's see what it says.

What Does God Say?

In the Book of Philippians, Paul writes,

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing" (Philippians 2:1-4, NLT).

• What does a spirit of unity say about the rest of our spiritual walk (v. 1)?
• What often is the root cause for disunity in the Church?
• What attitudes promote unity in the Church?

My Thoughts

How does a lack of unity in the Church affect your spiritual life? Are the issues separating you from your brothers and sisters in Christ really worth what it is costing you spiritually?

My Part

Look at the last three sentences in the passage above. What can you do this week to put the attitudes found here into practice? Prayerfully ask God to show you a way to bring unity or increase the unity in your church.

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