What other scriptures emphasize the importance of unity among believers? The Lesson from Luke 6:15 “ ‘Matthew and Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,’ ” Matthew the tax collector served Rome; Simon the Zealot opposed Rome. In Christ, natural enemies stood side-by-side as brothers. Scripture records this fact to show that the gospel destroys dividing walls and calls believers into real, practical unity. Old Testament Foundations of Unity – Psalm 133:1 — “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” – Jeremiah 32:39 — “I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me…” God’s redemptive plan has always involved gathering His people into a single, worshiping family. Jesus’ Own Prayer for Oneness “I ask…that all of them may be one…so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Unity among believers is evangelistic proof that the Father sent the Son. Christ stakes His reputation on our visible oneness. Snapshots from the Early Church – Acts 1:14 — “All with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer.” – Acts 2:44 — “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 4:32 — “The multitude of believers was one in heart and mind.” Luke highlights unity as a Spirit-produced hallmark of genuine revival. Paul’s Vision of the Unified Body – Romans 12:4-5 — “We who are many form one body.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10 — “Be perfectly united in mind and judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 — “In one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” • One body • One Spirit • One hope • One Lord • One faith • One baptism • One God and Father of all Paul grounds unity in shared doctrine, not mere sentiment. Because Scripture is accurate and sufficient, its revealed truths become the glue that holds us together. Practical Character of Unity – Philippians 2:1-4 — Believers count others as more important than themselves. – Colossians 3:12-15 — “Above all these put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” – 1 Peter 3:8 — “Be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.” Key Takeaways • The diversity of Matthew and Simon shows that allegiance to Jesus overrides every social, political, and cultural boundary. • From Genesis to Revelation, God speaks consistently and without error about His desire for united worshipers. • Unity is anchored in shared truth—one faith, one gospel, one Lord—never in compromise of revealed doctrine. • Visible oneness testifies to the world that the Father truly sent the Son. • Genuine unity grows as believers practice humility, sacrificial love, and Spirit-led obedience to the inerrant Word. |
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