Be of one mind

Romans 15:4-13  “ Likeminded”

 

“….now the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to be likeminded toward one another according to Christ Jesus that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God”

 

   Instead of unity within the Church of Jesus Christ, our history has been one of splits, confusion, insensitivity and false doctrine.  This has had untold effects upon people----our fellowship should be one of unity, and the power of like-mindedness can help us.  Philippians 2 says the same : “ If there be any encouragement in Christ , if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassions, fulfil my joy , that ye be of the same mind, the same love , having , joined in one thing the soul minding….”

 

    What is the basis for being of one mind and being likeminded as Christians?  It is none other than the Christ of Advent!  We heard Isaiah 11 ,” there shall be a Root of Jesse; And He shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”

 

I.                   Christ’s Prayer for Unity

 

John 17:11- “ Now I am no more in the world, and I come to thee, Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are”

 

Why is this so important?  17:20-23 “ that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me: and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest meI have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

 

When non-Christians see unity and true oneness, their hearts cry out to be a part of that love.  We are not talking about the color of the carpet, or where the Advent wreath is located.  We are talking about true unity in the real Christ whose presence we are in in this place.  We have a true presence of Christ in the Sacrament , a real spiritual presence that we “ feel” and we “know” as take part of His blessed body and blood, the spiritual food of the Holy Communion----the blessed Lord “ who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark , learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy Holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which we have been given by God in our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

 

II.                A Great and Dynamic Example---the Jerusalem Church , which was a direct answer to Jesus’ prayer:

 

“ And all that believed were together, and had all things common…and they continuing daily with one accord in the temple breaking bread from house to house eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people.” Acts 2:44-

 

That does not mean there were no problems.  Acts 6 ‘ there arose a murmuring against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were being neglected in the daily ministration.”  The result of working on this problem 6:7 “ and the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly..”

 

III.             Lastly, this was the Apostle’s concern as well

 

Romans 12:16  “ Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.  Be not wise in your own conceits.”

 

Romans 14:9  “ Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”

 

Ephesians 4:3 “ endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

 

Philippians 1:27 “ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel”

 

Conclusion-   A unified Church is a church that works together to be a witness to Jesus Christ . Unity is not automatic.  It takes work and maturity in Christ, not like the world. 

“NOW MAY THE GOD OF PATIENCE AND COMFORT GRANT YOU TO BE LIKE-MINDED TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, ACCORDING TO CHRIST JESUS THAT YOU MAY WITH ONE MIND AND ONE MOUTH GLORIFY THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.”