What's Killing Our Unity

What’s Killing Our Unity?

What is actually killing our unity? Because something is. In Romans 15:5-7, Paul is writing to the church in Rome - a congregation he has never visited, full of people he has never met. In these three verses, there is a wealth of things to consider. Today, we’ll ask, what kills our unity, and what does God say about it?

1. We’ve Confused Unity with Uniformity

   1. Romans 15:1: Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves

      1. “Obligation” is not a suggestion. It’s a responsibility.

   2. Romans 15:3: For even Christ did not please himself. This statement drives the entire passage.

   3. Romans 15:7: Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.

      1. “to take someone fully into your fellowship. See them as a companion.”

      2. “To grant access to one’s heart.” “To take into friendship.”

         1. This is not just polite tolerance; Paul is calling for something that costs you and transforms you.

   4. How This is Accomplished

      1. A void passing judgment on a weaker brother.

      2. C ommit yourself to live for Christ.

      3. C ontrol your attitudes and emotions with love.

      4. E dify everyone you can.

      5. P rivately hold to your personal convictions.

      6. T reasure people like Jesus did.

   5. How did Christ Receive You? Romans 15:7: just as Christ also welcomed you.

2. We’ve Made Secondary Things Primary

   1. Romans 15:5: Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus,

      1. His answer isn’t … figure out who’s right and make the other side comply.

   2. Those that we draw lines against …Christ died for them.

3. We’ve Forgotten What We’re For

   1. Romans 15:6: so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.

      1. One mind. One voice. This is the goal.

      2. When we become fragmented and fractured: God is not glorified and the world doesn’t see Jesus … they see us.

   2. And really, it’s not about us.

      1. Romans 15:7: Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.

      2. Note how our welcoming each other is actually an act of worship.

   3. Compare John 17:21: May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.

      1. When Christ welcomed you, he was making an investment - not just in you, but in what your life joined to others would produce for His Father’s glory.

4. As We Close…

   1. We have truth. God’s word is settled. Christ is Lord. But the truth is not a weapon, or a wall, or a membership card. You hold it … according to Christ Jesus. He is the standard.

   2. Here’s Where We Start:

      1. Look at the person sitting beside you today - Ask yourself: Did Christ receive them?

      2. If He did, what right do we have to do anything else?