2. Unity in Adversity 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1.1 Christians Will face Adversity

3. 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Unity in Adversity 1.1 Christians Will face Adversity

4. Eccl. 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Unity in Adversity 1.1 Christians Will face Adversity Unity will help us overcome adversity!

5. 5 Unity in Adversity 1.2 Adversity Defined Misfortune, Disaster, Distress, Calamity, Hardship - Jesus faced adversity (Luke 22:28, 44) - Adversity promised to apostles (John 16:33) - Adversity promised to all Christians (Acts 14:22) - Early Christians faced it (2 Tim. 3:12; Rev. 1:9) If not addressed properly, adversity causes division & scattering (John 16:32; Matt. 24:9-12).

6. 6 Unity in Adversity 1.2 Adversity Defined John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. Matt. 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

7. 7 Unity in Adversity 2.1 What Unity Involves A. Unity brings benefits & serves a purpose (Eccl. 4:9-12; John 17:20-21) B. Must labor to keep unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:1-6) 1. A worthy walk, suited to God’s call (4:1) 2. Humble & forbearing, not willful (4:2) 3. Diligent & enduring, not negligent or despairing (4:3) 4. In truth, not opinion or error (4:4-6) C. It can be neglected, eroded or corrupted!

8. A. Unwavering commitment to Truth 1. When facing doctrinal error (Gal 5:7-9) 2. When dealing with unpleasant things (Jude 3) B. Humility, Diligence & Faith 1. When others fail (2 Tim. 4:9-18) 2. When earthly matters threaten to hinder truth (Gal. 4:11-16). C. Remember the Joy set before us (Heb. 12:1-2)! 1. Joy of fellowship in truth! 2. Joy of eternal life! 8 Unity in Adversity 2.2 Examples Of What Unity Involves

9. Discord and rivalry (Gal 5:19, 20-21) –Hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy –Failure to lovingly serve (Gal 5:13-15) ADVERSITY STRIKES THE LOCAL CHURCH 9 Unity in Adversity 3.1 What Do We Do When…

10. ADVERSITY STRIKES THE LOCAL CHURCH 10 Unity in Adversity 3.1 What Do We Do When… False teachers/teaching (2 Tim 2:16-18; Titus 1:10-11) Factiousness - binding opinions (Rom 14:1-5) Power plays (3 John 9-10, Phil 2:3-4) Hidden sin (Josh 6:18; 7:11- 15, 25; Matt 18:15-17) Demand for “new things” (Jer 6:16-17)

11. ADVERSITY STRIKES THE LOCAL CHURCH 11 Unity in Adversity 3.1 What Do We Do When… Financial Concerns (Matt. 6:25-34; Phil. 4:11-13) Should we just give up? Split apart? Argue and fuss? Panic and fret? What is the solution?

12. ADVERSITY STRIKES THE FAMILY 12 Unity in Adversity 3.2 What Do We Do When… Over special occasions –Holidays, birthdays, weddings, funerals, etc. Finances Marital conflicts (Col. 3:19) Solution? –Cannot compromise truth. –But can yield in opinions (Gen 13:8) –Consider & serve (1 Pet. 3:1, 7, 8)

13. We can be united in faith and obedience to Christ… if we choose to be! We can be considerate towards each other in matters of opinion & judgment. We can put on Biblical unity & love, and should! Since these are identifying marks of God’s people (1 Pet. 1:22). Unity in Adversity CONCLUSION

14. 1 Peter 3:20 …God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water: 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Unity in Adversity CONCLUSION