In what ways can we apply the principle of unity under God's will? Setting the Scene: A Lesson from Babel “That is why it is called Babel—for there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth, and from there the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth.” • Humanity gathered with one language and one ambition—but the ambition was self–exalting: “let us make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4). • God judged that counterfeit unity by scattering and confusing speech, showing that any togetherness opposed to His will is fragile and doomed to fracture. • The episode is historical and instructive: true oneness must flow from submission, not rebellion. False Unity vs. God-Honoring Unity • Counterfeit unity: – Centered on human pride and autonomy (Genesis 11:4). – Maintains outward togetherness while inwardly resisting God. – Ends in confusion, dispersion, and lost purpose. • True unity: – Founded on God’s Word and character. – Exalts His name, not ours (Psalm 115:1). – Produces harmony, witness, and lasting fruit (Psalm 133:1; John 17:21). Christ Reverses Babel’s Curse • At Pentecost the scattered nations heard “the mighty works of God” in their own tongues (Acts 2:1-11). God united diverse people around the gospel rather than language. • Jesus prayed, “that all of them may be one… so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). His cross and resurrection supply both the power and pattern for oneness. Living Out Unity Under God’s Will 1. Align every goal with Scripture. • Ephesians 4:3—“endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”. • Before launching plans, ask, “Does this clearly honor Christ and obey His Word?” 2. Pursue humility, not notoriety. • Philippians 2:3—“In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Celebrate what God is doing through others instead of building personal towers. 3. Keep Christ as the common center. • 1 Corinthians 1:10 urges us to be “united in mind and conviction” around the Lord Jesus. • Regularly rehearse the gospel together—in sermons, songs, small groups, family devotions. 4. Embrace Spirit-shaped diversity. • Different languages, gifts, and backgrounds enrich the body when surrendered to the same Lord (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). • Unity is not uniformity; it is harmony under one Conductor. 5. Maintain open, grace-filled communication. • Babel’s judgment was confusion of speech; Pentecost’s blessing was clear testimony. • Speak truth in love, listen well, and resolve conflict quickly (Ephesians 4:25-32). 6. Pray together before acting together. • Acts 1:14—believers “all joined together constantly in prayer” prior to Pentecost. • Shared intercession aligns hearts to God’s agenda and knits believers together. 7. Serve on mission side by side. • Philippians 1:27—“contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” • Outward-focused service prevents inward-focused squabbling. Guardrails That Protect Unity • Test every new trend or teaching by the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11). • Refuse gossip and divisive talk; lovingly confront it when it appears (Titus 3:10-11). • Keep short accounts—confess sin, extend forgiveness, restore quickly (Colossians 3:13). • Honor God-given leaders who labor for the church’s health (Hebrews 13:17). Looking Ahead: Eternal Oneness Revelation 7:9 pictures a unified multitude “from every nation” worshiping the Lamb. The church’s present harmony previews that future reality and proclaims the wisdom of God to a fragmented world. Until that day, let’s build no more towers to our own fame. Instead, let’s stand shoulder to shoulder beneath His throne, unified in will, word, and work—so the world may see, believe, and glorify the One who alone is worthy. |
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