Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7010 The church as the people of God » 7020 church, the » 7025 church, unity and fellowship of 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. The unity of the church The church is one Romans 12:5 See also 1 Corinthians 12:12,20; Ephesians 4:25 The church transcends all barriers Colossians 3:11 See also John 10:16; Acts 10:28-29,47; Acts 15:8-9; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-16; Ephesians 3:6 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 Ephesians 4:4-6 The unity of the church is built around the persons of the Trinity: one Spirit, one Lord, one Father. See also John 17:11; Romans 3:29-30; Romans 10:12-13; Galatians 3:27-28 The church's unity is the work of the Trinity Ephesians 2:16-18 See also John 11:52; Acts 10:45-47; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:22; Ephesians 4:3 The purpose of the church's unity To lead others to faith John 17:23 See also John 17:21 To lead believers to maturity The nature of the church's unity Philippians 2:1-2 Emphasis is placed on an inner unity of mind and spirit rather than external uniformity. See also 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 2:2 Appeals for unity in the church Ephesians 4:3 See also Romans 12:10; Romans 15:5,7; 1 Corinthians 12:25; Colossians 3:14; 1 Peter 3:8 The church's unity is expressed in fellowship Fellowship with God 1 Corinthians 1:9 See also 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 1:3,6-7 Fellowship expressed by meeting together Acts 2:46 See also Acts 2:1,42; Acts 5:12; Acts 6:2; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 10:25 Fellowship expressed through sharing resources Acts 2:44-45 See also Acts 4:32,34-37; Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:2-5,13-14; Corinthians 9:13; Philippians 4:14-18 Fellowship through suffering Revelation 1:9 See also Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 3:10; Philippians 4:14; Hebrews 10:33-34; Hebrews 13:3 Fellowship through shared spiritual blessings 1 Corinthians 9:23 See also Romans 11:17; Philippians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:1; Jude 3 Specific actions which express fellowship and unity in the church Sharing in the Lord's Supper 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 See also Acts 2:46; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:33 Baptism as an expression of unity Ephesians 4:4-6 See also 1 Corinthians 12:13 Extending hospitality Acts 28:7; Romans 12:13; Romans 16:23; 1 Timothy 5:10; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9; 3Jn 8 Greeting one another Acts 18:27; Romans 16:3-16; 1 Corinthians 16:19-20; Colossians 4:10; Phm 17 Welcoming former opponents Acts 9:26-27; Galatians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 Divisions in the church Causes of division in the NT church Personal ambition: Mark 9:34; Mark 10:35-41 pp Matthew 20:20-24 Ethnic tension: Differences of opinion: Acts 15:37-40; Philippians 4:2 Troublesome heretical leaders: Romans 16:17; Jude 19 Partisan spirit: 1 Corinthians 1:11-12; Corinthians 3:3-4 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 litigation and disputes Greed: 1 Corinthians 11:18,20-21; James 4:1-3 Warnings against divisions in the church 1 Corinthians 1:10 See also Romans 12:16; Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:31; James 4:11 Acceptable differences in the church In 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: Romans 14:1-3,5-6; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 In varieties of spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6,14-25; Galatians 2:7 Necessary divisions in the church Between the true gospel and heretical alternatives: 2 Corinthians 11:2-6,13-15; Galatians 1:6-9; Colossians 2:8,16-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-6; 1 John 2:18-19; 2Jn 9-11; Jude 18-20 Between those truly committed to Jesus Christ, and those apparently part of the church but living sinful lives: 1 Corinthians 5:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:2-9; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Peter 2:1-3; Revelation 2:20,24; Revelation 3:1,4 Over essential gospel principles: Acts 15:2,5-6,19; Galatians 2:11 See also
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