Unity

  • 1. Doctrinal Unity

    1. The Epistles continue to exhort unity in the church. Why do we need to be reminded so much? How can we work to preserve and restore demonstrable unity among genuine believers?

    (2 Corinthians 5:18 – 21; Matthew 28:19-20; Galatians 5:7-25; Romans 16:17; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:29-30; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:31-32; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 8:13; Romans 12:9-21)

     

    2. Reconciliation with God must be the basis of reconciliation among believers. What implications does this have for Christian unity?

    (Ephesians 2:11-22; 2 Corinthians 5:18 – 21)

     

    3. What are the primary beliefs for unity in the faith? What is secondary? What is tertiary? 

    (1 Corinthians 15:3; John 14:6; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:23)

     

    4. What is the difference between a denomination and a cult? Are denominations sinful?

    (1 Corinthians 1:10 – 13; Mark 9:38 – 41; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 3:15)

  • 2. Right heart, right speech, right judgement (Col 3:1-17)

    1.      Practically, how can we seek and set our minds on the things above? What daily habits can help the process? (Romans 12:2, Matthew 6:19 – 12, 33)

     

    2.      Does a Christian ever reach a point where he is dead to sin in the sense that it no longer tempts him? How can we believe that we’re dead to sin when we feel so alive to it? Are we just playing mental games? (Romans 6:11 – 17; Romans 7:19 – 20)

     

    3.      How could you help a professing Christian put to death sexual immorality? (1 Cor 6:18; Matt 5:28; 1 Peter 2:11; Proverbs 5:18 – 20; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 9; Genesis 39:12; James 4:7; Galatians 5:16)

     

    4.      Since anger is largely a feeling, how can God command us not to be angry? Can we control our feelings? How much do we need to probe the past to resolve our anger issues? (Genesis 4:6; Proverbs 29:11; Proverbs 25:28; Proverbs 15:18; James 1:19; Proverbs 19:11; Proverbs 12:16)

     

    5.      What makes slander dangerous? How is it linked to passing judgement? (2 Corinthians 12:20; James 3:1 – 6; Proverbs 26:20; John 7:24; Proverbs 18:13; Titus 3:2)

    6.      How can you love someone who has hurt or offended you? What does that look like?  (Rom. 12:18; Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 2:3; 1 Corinth 13:5; Romans 5:8)