Unity

Matthew 12:25-29

Introduction

Unity is critical for believers at every level—in our relationships, church, and culture. Without unity, we are like football players on the same team running in different directions instead of working together toward one goal line, or like members of a rowing team who start rowing their own way and throw their vessel into chaos. As the body of Christ, we should pursue the clear and central vision of God’s Kingdom. God will not bless disunity. Therefore, Kingdom unity is an absolute necessity for believers to experience God’s work in our lives.

Kingdom unity reflects the triune nature of God. He is one God, composed of three co-equal persons, distinct in personality. The Trinity is like a pretzel containing three separate holes. The first hole is not the second, and the second hole is not the third, but they are all tied together by the same dough. Similarly, each member of the Trinity bears the attributes of deity but has different functions. The Trinity demonstrates that unity means oneness of purpose, not uniformity. The people of God should exemplify this kind of unity. As believers, we each have unique gifts and are to use them for the same purpose. When we are unified, we invite God’s presence into our midst.

Meanwhile, our enemy has set up his own copycat, a unified kingdom to rival God’s Kingdom. Satan’s intention is to thwart the purpose and plan of God by causing disunity among Christians. He opposes God’s unity by using deception to cause believers to work in different directions. When we try to pursue our own goals, we create conflict, division and discord. God will not operate in our disunity. Our lack of harmony also results in losing access to His presence and power. The good news is that Kingdom unity was accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross, rendering Satan powerless (Hebrews 2:14). God, not Satan, has the final say among believers. If we want to see more of God, we must prioritize operating in unity. We need to go in the direction that pleases God. Then we can experience more of God’s blessings, and our prayers align with His will.

Getting Started

1. What are examples of unified organizations or groups of people with one purpose?
2. What happens when all the members of an athletic team start playing by their own playbook?

Let’s Get Personal

1. What blessings have you experienced as a result of being unified with fellow believers?
2. How have you allowed Satan to cause disunity in your family, among your friends or in your church? How has this discord affected you and others?
3. Where is your purpose aligned with God’s purpose, and where is it out of alignment?

Take the Next Step

1. How can you grow in unity and oneness of purpose with fellow believers, other church members, family members and friends?
2. How can you prevent Satan’s deception from blocking your access to the power of God? Pray with an accountability partner this week for wisdom to uncover the lies you have believed.
3. Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Matthew 12:25-29; Genesis 11:1-9; Ephesians 4:1-6; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 14:19; Psalm 133:1-3; John 17:20-24; Matthew 18:19; Colossians 2:13-15; Hebrew 2:14; 1 Peter 3:7; 2 Chronicles 5:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Renew Your Mind

“And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.’”

Matthew 12:25