Dictionary of Bible Themes The church is one in essence, because it is founded on one gospel, united to one Lord and indwelt by one Spirit. Its unity is under constant threat because of the tendency to division that is inherent in fallen humanity, and needs to be continually maintained and actively expressed in fellowship. Romans 12:5The unity of the church See also The church is one 1 Corinthians 12:12,20Ephesians 4:25 Colossians 3:11 See also The church transcends all barriers John 10:16Acts 10:28-29,47; 15:8-9 Galatians 3:28 Ephesians 2:14-16; 3:6 Ephesians 4:4-6 The great divide threatening the first Christians was between Jew and Gentile, but the church was able to unite the two into one body in Christ. The church's unity reflects the unity within the Trinity See also John 17:11The unity of the church is built around the persons of the Trinity: one Spirit, one Lord, one Father. Romans 3:29-30; 10:12-13Galatians 3:27-28 Ephesians 2:16-18 See also The church's unity is the work of the Trinity John 11:52Acts 10:45-47 1 Corinthians 12:13 Ephesians 2:22; 4:3 John 17:23 The purpose of the church's unity See also To lead others to faith John 17:21Ephesians 4:13 To lead believers to maturity Philippians 2:1-2The nature of the church's unity See also 2 Corinthians 13:11Emphasis is placed on an inner unity of mind and spirit rather than external uniformity. Philippians 1:27Colossians 2:2 Ephesians 4:3 Appeals for unity in the church See also Romans 12:10; 15:5,71 Corinthians 12:25 Colossians 3:14 1 Peter 3:8 1 Corinthians 1:9 The church's unity is expressed in fellowship See also Fellowship with God 2 Corinthians 13:14Philippians 2:1 2 Peter 1:4 1 John 1:3,6-7 Acts 2:46 See also Fellowship expressed by meeting together Acts 2:1,42; 5:12; 6:21 Corinthians 14:26 Hebrews 10:25 Acts 2:44-45 See also Fellowship expressed through sharing resources Acts 4:32,34-37; 11:27-30Romans 15:26 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 2 Corinthians 8:2-5,13-14; 9:13 Philippians 4:14-18 Revelation 1:9 See also Fellowship through suffering Romans 8:172 Corinthians 1:7 Philippians 3:10; 4:14 Hebrews 10:33-34; 13:3 1 Corinthians 9:23 See also Fellowship through shared spiritual blessings Romans 11:17Philippians 1:7 2 Thessalonians 2:14 1 Peter 5:1 Jude 1:3 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 Specific actions which express fellowship and unity in the church See also Sharing in the Lord's Supper Acts 2:46; 20:71 Corinthians 11:33 Ephesians 4:4-6 See also Baptism as an expression of unity 1 Corinthians 12:13Acts 28:7 Romans 12:13; 16:23 Extending hospitality 1 Timothy 5:10Titus 1:8 1 Peter 4:9 3 John 1:8 Acts 18:27 Romans 16:3-16 Greeting one another 1 Corinthians 16:19-20Colossians 4:10 Philemon 1:17 Acts 9:26-27 Galatians 2:9 Welcoming former opponents 2 Corinthians 2:5-8Divisions in the church Mark 9:34; 10:35-41Causes of division in the NT church Personal ambition: Acts 6:1pp Mt 20:20-24 Ethnic tension: Acts 15:37-40Philippians 4:2 Differences of opinion: Romans 16:17Jude 1:19 Troublesome heretical leaders: 1 Corinthians 1:11-12; 3:3-41 Corinthians 6:1-6 Partisan spirit: 1 Corinthians 11:18,20-21litigation and disputes James 4:1-3Greed: 1 Corinthians 1:10See also Warnings against divisions in the church Romans 12:16; 16:172 Corinthians 12:20 Ephesians 4:31 James 4:11 Romans 14:1-3,5-6 Acceptable differences in the church 1 Corinthians 8:9-13In secondary matters of conscience, Christians are to respect rather than judge each other. These things need not impair the essential unity that is in Christ: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6,14-25Galatians 2:7 In varieties of spiritual gifts: 2 Corinthians 11:2-6,13-15Necessary divisions in the church Galatians 1:6-9Between the true gospel and heretical alternatives: Colossians 2:8,16-191 Timothy 4:1-6 1 John 2:18-19 2 John 1:9-11 Jude 1:18-20 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Between those truly committed to Jesus Christ, and those apparently part of the church but living sinful lives: 1 Timothy 6:3-52 Timothy 3:2-9 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2:1-3 Revelation 2:20,24; 3:1,4 Acts 15:2,5-6,19 Galatians 2:11 Over essential gospel principles: See also 1175 God, will of5008 conscience 5835 disappointment 6754 union with Christ 7030 unity 7209 congregation 7921 fellowship 7921 fellowship 8211 commitment to world 8292 love 8341 separation 8766 heresies |
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