The opposite of unity is disunity. The opposite of something that is bonded is something that is divided. And the opposite of peace is turmoil. Disunity, division and turmoil have affected every institution from the family, to the church, to the government.
The effects of disunity, division and turmoil mark individual people who are a part of these institutions. Every one of us struggles with walking in unity in the bond of peace because deep within every one of us is a tiny little thing called a heart. And our hearts are often disunited, divided and in turmoil.
If your heart is full of disunity, division or turmoil then you have to ask, why is this so? Why is my heart so full of disunity? Why is my heart so divided? Why is my heart so full of turmoil? And what will it take to bring unity, single-mindedness and peace to my heart?
Division simply means two visions. When your heart is divided it’s because your heart has been captured by another vision of the good life that competes with the vision of the God-life that we are called to. If your heart is disunited, divided and in turmoil then somewhere along the line you’ve made an agreement in your heart that Christ alone isn’t good enough to satisfy you. Somehow you’ve believed that Jesus plus something is better than Christ alone. One part of your heart is chasing Jesus and the other part of your heart is chasing something else.
There are seven biblically and historically true statements in Ephesians 4:4 – 6 that could be called “The Unity Creed”. In fact, some scholars rightly point out that the early church used these seven statements of unity as a confession of faith for members of the church. A confession of faith comes after a confession of sin and it’s meant to produce repentance in us. We must remember that there is no true repentance without a confession of sin and a confession of faith.
The words of the prophet Hosea confront our divided hearts. The words of Moses call us to walk in singular devotion to the Lord. The story of the prodigal son calls us to come to our senses and run home to the arms of our loving Father in Heaven (Hos. 7:8 – 13; Deut. 6:4 – 15; Lk. 15:11 – 20). In the midst of these Biblical stories, reminders and commands are the promises and warnings of God that help us to walk in a manner that is worthy of our calling with hearts that are eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Observation, Application and Prayer
What key phrases or truths caught your attention from this sermon?
- Scriptures and Observation: Read the following passages and reflect on them together. Take them one at a time and respond to the following questions: What observations does the Lord bring to your attention? What thoughts or feelings are you aware of? What do you learn about God? What do you learn about you?
Ephesians 4:1 – 6; Hosea 7:8 – 13
Deuteronomy 6:4 – 13; Luke 15:11 – 20; Psalm 86:11
- Application: How will you apply these passages and sermon to your life right now? How was this study helpful in your struggle with sin? What truths do you need to trust? What truths do you need to obey?
- Prayer: Spend some time praying for one another as a response to this study.