Which other Scriptures highlight the importance of unity in church decisions? Unity at Work in Corinth: 1 Corinthians 5:4 “When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,” • Paul assumes the whole church will stand together. • Authority is exercised “when you are assembled,” not in private corners. The Pattern Jesus Gave: Matthew 18:15-20 • v. 17 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.” • vv. 19-20 “Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” Jesus ties His presence to the agreement of believers gathered in His name. Early Church Case Studies in Acts • Acts 6:2, 6 “So the Twelve summoned all the disciples… They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” – The whole body helps choose the seven; leaders confirm the choice. • Acts 14:23 “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord.” – Elders are plural; shared oversight protects unity. • Acts 15:22, 28 “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose men… It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” – Doctrinal disputes are settled by a council that listens for the Spirit and speaks with one voice. Paul’s Reinforcement of Majority Action: 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 “The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient… Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.” • Discipline required congregational consensus. • Restoration also needed that same united front. General Calls to One Mind in the Epistles • 1 Corinthians 1:10 “…that you may be united in mind and conviction.” • Ephesians 4:3 “…with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” • Philippians 2:2 “…being of one mind, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.” • Colossians 3:14-15 “…love…is the bond of perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body.” • Romans 15:5-6 “…so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.” Underlying Theological Foundation: Christ’s Prayer for Oneness John 17:21, 23 “…that all of them may be one…that the world may believe that You sent Me…that they may be perfectly united…” Unity in decision-making flows from the unity shared within the Godhead and desired by the Son. Practical Takeaways for Decision-Making Today • Assemble: major choices belong to the gathered body, not a lone individual. • Agree in the Lord: seek consensus rooted in Scripture and led by the Spirit. • Honor plural leadership: elders or pastors act together, reflecting Acts 14:23. • Let love and restoration be the goal: discipline without unity devastates; unity without truth compromises. • Remember the witness: Christ says our oneness shows the world the reality of the gospel (John 17). |
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