How can we "agree together" to avoid divisions in our church community? Our Central Text “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.” What Paul Is Calling Us Toward • “Agree together” – literally, “say the same thing”; speak with a shared gospel vocabulary. • “No divisions” – the word pictures a torn net; unity keeps the church’s net whole for catching souls. • “United in mind and conviction” – thoughts and attitudes knit together around Christ. Why Unity Matters • John 17:20-23 – Jesus prays that our oneness will make the world believe the Father sent Him. • Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” • Ephesians 4:1-6 – one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. • Division blurs the gospel; unity displays it. Practical Ways to “Agree Together” 1. Keep Christ at the Center ‑ 1 Corinthians 3:11 – no other foundation than Jesus Christ. ‑ Speak often of His cross, resurrection, lordship, and soon return. 2. Stay Anchored in the Same Word ‑ Acts 17:11 – search the Scriptures together. ‑ Commit to teach, counsel, and correct only from the Bible. 3. Walk in the Same Spirit ‑ Galatians 5:16-26 – yield to the Spirit; let His fruit flavor every conversation. ‑ Resist fleshly impulses to win arguments or nurse grievances. 4. Cultivate Humility and Gentleness ‑ Philippians 2:3-4 – count others more significant. ‑ James 3:17-18 – heavenly wisdom is peace-loving and submissive. 5. Practice Quick Reconciliation ‑ Matthew 5:23-24 – settle matters promptly. ‑ Ephesians 4:26-27 – do not give the devil a foothold through lingering anger. 6. Celebrate Diversity without Fragmentation ‑ Romans 12:4-5 – many members, one body. ‑ Diverse gifts serve a single mission; varied backgrounds enrich one fellowship. Guardrails That Protect Unity • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Refuse gossip and slander (Proverbs 16:28). • Confront false teaching firmly yet graciously (Titus 1:9). • Submit to godly leadership (Hebrews 13:17). • Pray for one another continually (Colossians 1:9-12). The Danger of Party Spirit 1 Corinthians 1:11-13 shows factions rallying around human leaders. When personalities overshadow Christ: • Loyalty shifts from Savior to speaker. • Lines are drawn where Scripture never draws them. • The cross is emptied of its power in public perception (1 Corinthians 1:17). Living Out Agreement in Everyday Church Life • Attend and serve consistently; shared labor knits hearts. • Sing truth together; corporate worship realigns focus. • Share testimonies; hearing grace stories bonds the family. • Eat together; hospitality turns acquaintances into brothers and sisters. • Stand shoulder-to-shoulder in outreach; united mission dissolves petty preferences. Finishing Thought When we treasure Christ above all and submit to His unfailing Word, we will “agree together,” divisions will wither, and our congregations will shine as living proofs that the gospel is both true and powerful. |
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