The Imperative of Unity 6, Engaging the Enemy

Unity is an Imperative To walk to the praise of His glory To show the wisdom of God to rulers and authorities To walk worthy of the invitation to be His rich and glorious inheritance With appropriate attitudes Having defined the unity of the Spirit Understanding it’s tough & takes motivation

Consider 3 Things 2Co 13:11 ¶Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. SOUNDS LIKE UNITY! Restoration is an aspect of unity

Consider 3 Things 1Cor 5:1-2 1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. Restoration is an aspect of unity The “church” was to take action

Consider 3 Things Restoration is an aspect of unity The “church” was to take action If the church was to act then the church was to have understanding When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. I Cor. 5:4-5

Consider 3 Things Restoration is an aspect of unity The “church” was to take action If the church was to act then the church was to have understanding  But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. I Cor. 5:11

Consider 3 Things Restoration is an aspect of unity The “church” was to take action If the church was to act then the church was to have understanding  If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones   “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:10-14

 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 Church is not a place to go, it is a place to grow

 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

THREE Steps to Focus ON You and him alone Leviticus 19:16-18, You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people… I am the LORD. 17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.

THREE Steps to Focus ON You and him alone Taking others along If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matt. 18:15 Implies the whole church should reach out in love

Why don’t we follow Jesus’ instructions Haven’t really considered the pattern

 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between (1) you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between (1) you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But (2) if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between (1) you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But (2) if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he (3) refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between (1) you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But (2) if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he (3) refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if (4) he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

Why don’t we follow Jesus’ instructions Haven’t really considered the pattern Lack of organization Not my job

What will touch the sinner’s heart? Respect, from a younger person? Compassion, from someone older? Reminded of example, from a new Christian? Praise, from a mature brother or sister? Reminded of brotherhood? Sisterhood? Multiplied concerns?

Why don’t we follow Jesus’ instructions Haven’t really considered the pattern Lack of organization Not my job I’m not comfortable

Fellowship to many is eating and fun In the New Testament fellowship was sharing together, working together in God’s work. Phl 2:2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Impossible?

If there is ANY fellowship that we can get behind it ought to be restoration

Restoration is UNITY engaging the enemy If there is ANY fellowship that we can get behind it ought to be restoration Restoration is UNITY engaging the enemy