The Unity of the Trinity John 17:11, 21, 22
Divided or United? The religious world is divided Local churches of Christ are divided What is the solution? Unity (Psa. 133:1; 1 Cor. 1:10) What kind of unity? Unity in diversity? Unity in “core” beliefs? Unity at all cost?
Jesus Prays for Unity Unity based upon the word of the apostles (v. 20) Unity based upon the example of the Godhead (v. 11, 21-22) We are to be unified “even as” the Godhead is unified. How is the Godhead unified?
The Godhead is Unified in Nature The Godhead is unified together in their divine nature (Jn. 1:1-2, 14, 18; 17:5; 20:28)
The Godhead is Unified in Work The Godhead worked together in creation (Jn. 1:1-3; see Gen. 1:1-2,27) The Godhead worked together in redemption (Jn. 1:29, 36; 3:16-17; 20:21- 23) The Godhead worked together in preservation (Jn. 5:17-23, 36; 10:25, 30- 38; 14:10-11)
The Godhead is Unified in Word The Godhead is unified together in their obedience to the Father’s word (Jn. 3:34; 8:28-29; 12:49-50; 14:10-11, 24, 31) The Godhead is unified together in their revelation of the Father’s word (Jn. 16:13- 15)
The Godhead is Unified in Role The Godhead is united together in their role and relationship to each other: Jesus and the H.S. were subject to the Father and sent by the Father (Jn. 3:17, 35; 5:17- 23, 26, 36-37; 43; 6:37-40, 44, 46, 57, 69; 7:16-18, 28, 33; 8:16, 23, 28, 42; 10:36; 12:27; 13:3, 16-17; 14:12, 24, 26, 28; 15:26; 28; 16:27-28; 17:8; 20:17, 21; see 1 Cor. 3:23; 11:3)
The Godhead is Unified in Support The Godhead is united together in their support of each other (Jn. 1:32-33; 3:2; 6:27; 8:29; 10:27-29; 16:32)
The Godhead is Unified in Love The Godhead is united together in their love for each other (Jn. 3:35; 5:20; 10:17; 14:31; 15:9-10; 17:24)
Are We Truly Unified? In nature (2 Pet. 1:4) In work (Eph. 4:16) In word (2 Jn. 9-10) In roles (Eph. 5:23; 1 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 13:17) In support (1 Thess. 5:11) In Love (Jn. 13:34; 15:12, 17)