What steps can we take to achieve "one man" unity in our church? Foundation Verse: God’s Blueprint for Unity Ephesians 2:15: “by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace.” What “One Man” Unity Looks Like • Christ has already forged a single, peace-filled body out of divided people (Ephesians 2:14–16). • Our task is to live out what He has accomplished (Ephesians 4:1–3). • When we do, the watching world sees the gospel on display (John 17:21). Step 1: Embrace Christ’s Finished Work • Unity is not manufactured; it is received. • Thank Him regularly for tearing down every wall—ethnic, social, generational. • Remind the church that we are “one body” and “each member belongs to one another” (Romans 12:4-5). Step 2: Anchor Our Identity in Him • Personal preferences bow to our shared position in Christ. • Encourage testimonies that highlight new life in Jesus, not personal achievements. • Read passages that reinforce our common baptism into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). Step 3: Walk by the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Flesh fuels division; the Spirit produces peace (Galatians 5:16, 22). • Call the congregation to daily dependence on the Spirit—prayer, Scripture intake, obedience. • Celebrate Spirit-prompted acts of kindness that stitch people together. Step 4: Speak the Truth in Love • Truth without love wounds; love without truth withers. • Train members to address issues biblically (Ephesians 4:15). • Model conversations that combine clarity with compassion. Step 5: Use Our Gifts to Serve, Not to Compete • Christ “gave gifts to men” so the body “may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Highlight service opportunities that invite diverse gifts to cooperate. • Publicly honor unseen servants, disarming the craving for spotlight. Step 6: Choose Humility and Patience Every Day Ephesians 4:2: “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Practical ways: • Assume the best motives until proven otherwise. • Defer stylistic preferences in music, programs, and decor. • Celebrate the successes of other members as if they were your own. Step 7: Resolve Conflict Biblically and Quickly • Follow Matthew 18:15-17 for personal offenses. • Invite impartial, mature believers when needed. • Keep reconciliation private as long as possible; announce it publicly only when repentance and restoration are complete. Step 8: Prioritize Corporate Worship and Communion • Gathering weekly around Word and Table keeps us centered on Christ, not ourselves (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • Encourage small groups to process sermons together, reinforcing shared convictions. • Regular communion reminds us we all eat the same bread and drink the same cup. Step 9: Love Beyond Preference Colossians 3:14: “And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” • Intentionally pair people from different backgrounds for ministry teams. • Practice hospitality across age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic lines. • Sponsor service projects that require cooperation. Putting It All Together • Christ created “one new man.” • We guard that unity by treasuring His finished work, living Spirit-led lives, and practicing humble, loving service. • As we pursue these steps, “we all reach unity in the faith… as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). |
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