Romans 15:1-6 "Unity in Diversity"
While selfishness may characterize our society, it should never characterize the Church of Jesus Christ.
Jesus emphasizes His desire for the Church to be together in unity. John 17:21-23a.
We should be testifying both to our commitment to and our practice of unity in the fellowship of the local church.
“Snowflakes are frail, but if enough of them get together they can stop traffic.” Vance Havner
Can we have unity in diversity? Is it possible to accept all people uncritically in Christian love, even those with whom we differ? Yes.
In our text, we will se concerning unity in diversity, a principle, a prototype, and a provision.
The Principle of Unity in Diversity (vss. 1-2)
Being strong in Christ means that we have certain responsibilities that go with that strength.
Different people in different places with different needs – who will meet their needs? Will you?
The purpose for which we care for one another is to build up in the faith a brother or sister.
Our unity is based on our commitment to follow Jesus.
The Prototype of Unity in Diversity (vss. 3-4)
Jesus Himself is our divine prototype.
He did not come to be ministered to, but to minister to others.
We need to follow the example given to us by Jesus.
What Jesus gave cost Him. It will cost us as well. But what will come forth from our work will be born of the Spirit and will be used of God to bless others with fresh life in Christ.
The Provision for Unity in Diversity (vss. 5-6)
God did not leave us without the power to accomplish His work.
God both has and is the provision for our need.
God wants us to be united. (v6)
- “Likeminded”
- “…with one mind and mouth.”
When we become united like this, we will find that God can use us powerfully.
Bruce Shelley, in his book, What is the Church, says, "In one of my favorite Peanuts cartoons, Lucy demands that Linus change TV channels and then threatens him with her fist if he doesn’t. ‘What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?’ asks Linus. ‘These five fingers,’ says Lucy. ‘Individually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold.’ ‘Which channel do you want?’ asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, ‘Why can't you guys get organized like that?’"
