Psalms 133 How Good & Pleasant When Brethren Dwell in Unity 1

Psalms Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing-Life forevermore. 2

Introduction This statement shows God’s view of Unity Unity is viewed as comfort and beauty Unity is according to the scriptures - 1 Corinthians 1:10 Jesus prayed for it - John 17 Paul commanded it - 1 Corinthians 1:10 Unity is from Heaven - discord from hell Unity is… Pleasant - especially among brethren and the family of God Precious - Exodus 30:23 A blessing and brings spiritual life - like refreshing dew 3

Evils of Division A kingdom divided cannot stand Mark 3:24-25 A sign of carnality 1 Corinthians 3:3 Does not serve the Lord Romans 16:17-18 Cause of unbelief John 17:21 Where envy, strife, confusion & every evil work are James 3:16 Sowers of discord are hated by God Proverbs 6:

The Need for Unity Jesus prayed for unity John 17:20-23 Paul pled for unity 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Unity is very pleasant Psalms 133 Necessary “that the world might believe” John 17:21-23 To see the Lord and follow peace Hebrews 12:14 Peacemakers are blessed Matthew 5:9 5

The Basis for Unity No theories, opinions & doctrines of men Matthew 15:8-9 No traditions & practices of men Colossians 2:8; Mark 7:9-13 Have a love for God & Christ Mark 12:28-31; 1 John 5:3; John 14:15, 21 Have a love for Truth Isaiah 66:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 Have love for one another 1 Thessalonians 4:9 Walk by the same rule Philippians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Rely on Bible authority 1 Peter 4:11 Abide in the Doctrine of Christ 2 John 9 6

Ephesians 4: I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all

1 Corinthians 12: For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

9 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalms 133:1