1. Unity and Denominationalism
What is True Unity?

2. What is Unity? ἑνότης, henotes –
“A state of oneness or being in harmony and accord” (BDAG)
Ephesians 4:3, 13
One accord – Acts 2:1
To be in agreement and work within that agreement.

3. What is Unity? Unity is NOT: Simply agreeing to disagree
Peace through compromise
Ignoring that which you differ about
Simply tolerating one another
Always getting your way

4. What is Unity? Passages to consider Psalm 133:1-3 John 17:20-21
Philippians 2:1-4
Ephesians 4:1-3
1 Corinthians 1:10
Proverbs 6:16-19

5. Striving for Unity Realize this is what Jesus desires!
John 17:20-21, His prayer
His example – He desired unity, but He never compromised truth!
Philippians 2:5
Who are you here to please?

6. Striving for Unity
Respect God’s Word
1 Corinthians 1:10, “speak the same thing” (cf. John 17:17)
Psalm 119:104
There HAS TO be an objective standard for unity!

7. Striving for Unity
Have a proper attitude
Ephesians 4:2
Lowliness – Phil. 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:25
Gentleness – Galatians 6:1, James 1:21, 3:13
Longsuffering – 2 Peter 3:9

8. Striving for Unity Have a proper attitude Ephesians 4:2
Love – John 13:34-35, Galatians 5:13, 1 John 4:7-8
- respect – Philippians 2:3-4
- allow for differences – Romans 14:1, 19, 15:1 James 3:17, “willing to yield” 1 Cor. 9:22-23

9. Striving for Unity Strive for unity Ephesians 4:3, endeavoring
1 Cor. 1:10, perfectly joined together
Philippians 2:1-4
- like-minded - thinking alike
- same love – “brotherly love”
- of one accord – joined together 1 Cor. 12:12-27, Rom. 12:4-5
- of one mind – same purpose

10. Striving for Unity Deal with division
Sometimes to preserve unity, sin, division, immorality, false-teaching must be dealt with
Romans 16:17 1 Timothy 6:3-5 Titus 3:10-11

11. Striving for Unity
Prayer
Always pray for that which is good, including unity
James 5:16, cf. 1:5 Philippians 4:6-7

12. Are we striving for true unity?