I Am Not Ashamed: One Mind and One Voice

David Krueger

I Am Not Ashamed • Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

Romans 15:5–13

Church Fellowship and Unity

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Harmony in the church that glorifies God

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Theme: Harmony in the church that glorifies God

Date: 07/09/17 File name: Romans46.wpd ID Number:

The Apostle’s passionate desire for the Christian congregation in Rome is a spirit of harmony within the church that glorifies God. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude [harmony] of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (, NIV)

Unfortunately, the natural inclination for people seems to be to divide, not unite. We see it in every sector of society from churches, to politics, to marriage to the best rock bands. And all splits have one thing in common: the primary focus becomes the differences rather than agreements.

ILLUS. The small community of Centerville, Georgia has a population of just over 7,000 people. But with a total of 48 Presbyterian Churches, they also hold the record for the most Presbyterian Churches per capita of any town in America. The high number of churches has to do with multiple splits that have taken place over the years because of one issue or another. Originally, in 1899, only one Presbyterian church existed, simply known as "Centerville Presbyterian Church." With about 20 families, the church was, at that time, the largest in the Centerville area.

In 1911 a dispute arose within the congregation over whether-or-not the offering should be taken before or after the sermon. Thus the first split took place, with the dissenting congregation forming "Centerville Reformed Presbyterian Church."

In 1915 a dispute arose amongst the members of Centerville Reformed Presbyterian Church over whether-or-not to have flowers in the sanctuary. As a result the Centerville Reformed Presbyterian Church split and Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church of Centerville was organized.

Several more splits took place over various issues between the years 1915 and 1929. In 1931 a dispute arose amongst the members of the Seventh Presbyterian Reformed Covenantal Church of Centerville over an issue that no one can seem to remember. The result was the formation of the Third Westminster Trinity Covenant Presbyterian Reformed Church of Centerville.

Again, more splits took place between 1931 and 1975 when a major split took place within the Presbyterian Church of the United States. At that time Eleventh Westminster Covenant Presbyterian Church of Centerville voted to remain in the PCUS. Fifteen members broke off and formed St. John's Presbyterian Church. One week later, St. John's Presbyterian Church split over the name for the church. Several members objected to using the word "Saint" in the name of a Reformed Church.

Since 1975 several more splits have happened with the most recent occurring in 2008, when a dispute arose amongst the members of Second Street First Ninth Westminster Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church over the issue of the observance of the Lord's Day. The issue in question was whether or not it was acceptable for someone to check their email on Sunday. Those who objected split off and formed The Presbyterian Totally Reformed Covenantal Westminsterian Sabbatarian Regulative Credo-Communionist A Millennial Presuppositional Church of Centerville. One member said: "I think we've finally got it right now."

The Presbyterians in Centerville, Georgia are the anthesis of Paul’s plea for harmony within the local church. There are some things worth fighting over — especially the fundamental doctrines of the church. But here are also some thing worth fighting for, and harmony within a local congregation that glorifies God is one of them.

I. A CHRIST-CENTERED CHURCH WORKS TOWARD UNITY AMONG THE BRETHREN

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus," (, NIV)

yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus," (, NIV)

1. the apostle Paul writes this letter to the believers at Rome while working among the Christians at Corinth

Christians at Corinth

a. no wonder he speaks of unity to the Roman believers!

b. if there was one thing the believers at Corinth did not have it was a spirit of unity

2. in the midst of a polarized church, full of cantankerous and obstinate believers, Paul reminds the believers at Rome of the virtues of unity

reminds the believers at Rome of the virtues of unity

a. Paul's prayer-wish is that these believers at Rome live in harmony with each other

A. OUR UNITY WITH EACH OTHER IS BASED ON OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST

1. somehow we've gotten the idea that unity among the brethren in a local church means everybody has to think alike on all subjects

means everybody has to think alike on all subjects

a. not so

2. Christian unity among the early believers was not based on doctrinal conformity or worship-style patterns or mission-support philosophy

doctrinal conformity or worship-style patterns or mission-support philosophy

a. unity among those early Christians was based on a common experience with a risen Lord

risen Lord

"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." (, NIV)

1) notice that John does not say, “We proclaim to you that we believe in the inerrancy of the Scriptures, so that you also may have fellowship with us ..."

inerrancy of the Scriptures, so that you also may have fellowship with us ..."

2) notice that he does not say, “We believe in using worship choruses instead of the hymnal, so that you also may have fellowship with us ..."

the hymnal, so that you also may have fellowship with us ..."

3) notice that John does not insist, “We believe in the associational approach to missions support instead of the societal approach, so that you also may have fellowship with us..."

missions support instead of the societal approach, so that you also may have fellowship with us..."

3. all those things important to me

a. that's why I'm a Baptist and not a member of some independent, ecumenical congregation that doesn't know what it believes or stands for

congregation that doesn't know what it believes or stands for

4. but none of those things are the basis of our fellowship within this local church

B. THOSE THINGS WHICH DIVIDE US SHOULD NOT BE AS POWERFUL AS THAT WHICH UNITES US

B. THOSE THINGS WHICH DIVIDE US SHOULD NOT BE AS POWERFUL AS THAT

WHICH UNITES US

1. why is it so hard for us to get along?

ILLUS. Some years ago I heard a preacher tell a story which illustrates the differences among denominations. It seems six men were marooned on a desert island. Two were Jewish, two were Catholic and two were Baptist. The two Jews got together and founded "Temple Immanuel." The two Catholics organized "The Church of the Sacred Heart." The two Baptists also broke ground, and formed the "First Baptist Church", but within six months had split with one of them forming the"New Hope Baptist Church." across the island.

The two Jews got together and founded "Temple Immanuel." The two Catholics organized "The Church of the Sacred Heart." The two Baptists also broke ground, and formed the "First Baptist Church", but within six months had split with one of them forming the"New Hope Baptist Church." across the island.

2. if you read the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Christians in the church at Corinth you known that they had fallen into disunity over personalities and petty power struggles

known that they had fallen into disunity over personalities and petty power struggles

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? ... ” (, NIV)

a. a few paragraphs later, the Apostle characterizes such divisions as resulting from our rebellious, fleshly, and sinful nature

our rebellious, fleshly, and sinful nature

“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” (, NIV)

1) translation ... most — not all, but most — disharmony and disunity in a local church is the result of spiritual immaturity, worldliness, and jealousy

church is the result of spiritual immaturity, worldliness, and jealousy

2) it needs to be repented of because the Body of Christ is more important than petty squabbles among believers

petty squabbles among believers

b. and finally, the Apostle gives the Corinthians an ominous warning ... “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” (, NIV)

destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” (, NIV)

1) if you’re part of an effort that kills a local church, your might wish for the mountains to fall on you before God’s righteous indignation does

mountains to fall on you before God’s righteous indignation does

3. Paul prays that God of endurance and encouragement will grant these believers in Rome a spirit of harmony

Rome a spirit of harmony

4. unity within a local body of believers requires both of these graces

a. endurance ...

1) the word can also be translated as steadfastness

2) in the NT it is the characteristic of a man who does not swerve from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

3) let's face it, sometimes we can get on each others nerves and we need endurance — patient steadfastness — to maintain unity

endurance — patient steadfastness — to maintain unity

b. encouragement ...

1) the word refers to persuasive discourse, or a stirring address

ILLUS. If you’re a sports aficionado you know that we’re smack-dab in the middle of the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament being played in England. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious sports events of the modern era. The Wimbledon semi-final on July 2, 1981, was one of the great matches in Tennis history. It was particularly hard fought going all five sets. The contestants were Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors, and each had their vocal set of fans. In between play, some fans would yell, "Come on, Borg!" While others yelled, "Come on, Connors!" During one set, the crowd noise became so clamorous that the umpire stopped the action and demanded silence. As the next player prepared to serve, the silence was broken by a single voice that cried out, "Come one, everybody!"

The Wimbledon semi-final on July 2, 1981, was one of the great matches in Tennis history. It was particularly hard fought going all five sets. The contestants were Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors, and each had their vocal set of fans. In between play, some fans would yell, "Come on, Borg!" While others yelled, "Come on, Connors!" During one set, the crowd noise became so clamorous that the umpire stopped the action and demanded silence. As the next player prepared to serve, the silence was broken by a single voice that cried out, "Come one, everybody!"

2) that's what encouragement is all about in the body of Christ

3) it's not rooting for this side or that

4) it's encouragement of all — Come on everybody!

C. THE GODHEAD IS OUR EXAMPLE OF HARMONY

“May ... God ... give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,” (, NIV)

1. this is astounding to me

a. 1st, the Apostle prays for a spirit of unity — literally a like-mindedness — among these Christians at Rome

these Christians at Rome

1) a spirit of unity does not necessary mean that Christians think exactly alike on every subject

every subject

2) it does mean that Christians are to walk together in the things in which they are agreed, and to differ without condemning each other in the things in which they disagree

agreed, and to differ without condemning each other in the things in which they disagree

b. 2nd, the Apostle looks to Christ as our example of like-mindedness

1) who was Jesus like-minded with? ... it was the Father in Heaven

“Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (, NIV)

“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.” (, NIV)

• “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.” (, NIV)

2) these verses speak of the harmony of mind, and will, and spirit that God the Son had with God the Father

had with God the Father

3) and while God’s people will never ever achieve that kind of like-mindedness with each other this side of Heaven, the Apostle holds it up to us as an example to strive toward

each other this side of Heaven, the Apostle holds it up to us as an example to strive toward

2. this kind of like-mindedness comes only when there is a deep knowledge of our brothers and sisters in Christ that comes from worshiping together, and praying together, and playing together, and working together

brothers and sisters in Christ that comes from worshiping together, and praying together, and playing together, and working together

II. A CHRIST-CENTERED CHURCH HAS SINGLENESS OF PURPOSE

“so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (, NIV)

1. here is why harmony is so important in the body of Christ

a. so that we keep our focus on the primary purpose of our gathering ... to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

2. our praise is to be of one heart

ILLUS. A few years ago, I read an article by Theodore Levitt that had originally appeared in the Harvard Business Review. He originally wrote the article in 1960, and it’s become one of the most quoted articles in the business world. The article talks about industries that either atrophy or fail outright because the owners of those industries fail to realize the business they are actually in. Levitt referred to it as "Market Myopia" or short-sightedness. For example, in the mid-1950s the railroad industry began to decline. The railroads are in trouble not because the need for passenger transportation has declined or even because that need has been filled by cars, airplanes, and other modes of transport. Rather, the industry is failing because those behind it assumed they were in the railroad business rather than the transportation business. Similarly, at the end of the 19th century, the telegraph industry assumed they were in the telegraph business instead of the communications business. In 1886 they could have bought every single U.S. patent for a new invention called the “telephone” for $40,000. Levitt writes that these industries didn't know what business they were in. If you're going to go into business, it's important that you understand what your fundamental business is all about.

in the Harvard Business Review. He originally wrote the article in 1960, and it’s become one of the most quoted articles in the business world. The article talks about industries that either atrophy or fail outright because the owners of those industries fail to realize the business they are actually in.

Levitt referred to it as "Market Myopia" or short-sightedness. For example, in the mid-1950s the railroad industry began to decline. The railroads are in trouble not because the need for passenger transportation has declined or even because that need has been filled by cars, airplanes, and other modes of transport. Rather, the industry is failing because those behind it assumed they were in the railroad business rather than the transportation business.

Similarly, at the end of the 19th century, the telegraph industry assumed they were in the telegraph business instead of the communications business. In 1886 they could have bought every single U.S. patent for a new invention called the “telephone” for $40,000.

Levitt writes that these industries didn't know what business they were in. If you're going to go into business, it's important that you understand what your fundamental business is all about.

3. may the church never forget what our fundamental business is all about

a. our primary purpose — our “business” if you like — is to glorify, magnify, praise and worship a holy God

and worship a holy God

b. everything, absolutely everything — our preaching, our witnessing, our benevolent ministries, our mission endeavors our educational institutions — have one purpose: that we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

ministries, our mission endeavors our educational institutions — have one purpose: that we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

III. A CHRIST-CENTERED CHURCH ENCOURAGES ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER BELIEVERS

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (, NIV)

ILLUS. There are times when we all feel like Lucy in the comic strip "Peanuts." Lucy stands there, shaking her little fist in defiance, proclaiming: "I know everybody in this family hates me. I'm gonna go where I'm appreciated! There must be a place in the world where I'd be appreciated." She turns to leave, then stops and sheepishly says, "Give me a hint."

1. that's what we're all looking for: A place where we'll be loved and appreciated

Several weeks ago, one of our young adults posted some comments of her Facebook Page. She wrote in part: “On an unrelated note, does anyone else wish there was a "positive vibes only" social media platform? Can we make one if it doesn't already exist? Our world is in sore need of a place where we only encourage, inspire, and say kind things to one another. A place where "challenges" are seen as opportunities for growth, and every human is allowed a certain degree of imperfection. Can such a place exist on this earth?” I responded back saying, “Yes. Such a place exists ... it's called a New Testament Church.”

I responded back saying, “Yes. Such a place exists ... it's called a New Testament Church.”

2. that's what the church can be and ought to be — a social media platform where real people, gathered in a real place come together to encourage, inspire, and say kind things to one another. A place where "challenges" are seen as opportunities for growth, and every human is allowed a certain degree of imperfection.

A. IF CHRIST ACCEPTED US THEN WE OUGHT TO ACCEPT EACH OTHER

1. for Christ to be able to accept sinners meant nothing less than leaving the glories of heaven, entering into the miseries of earth, and undergoing a death so agonizing that words are lacking to describe it

heaven, entering into the miseries of earth, and undergoing a death so agonizing that words are lacking to describe it

a. we are told that in accepting us Christ became a servant

b. if our Christ did this for us, how dare we not do it for each other?

2. God demands a similar price in our acceptance of each other

a. true acceptance of those around us begins when we die to self and become each others servant

others servant

3. the potential for conflict in the church at Rome was significant

a. Paul is writing to a diverse church consisting of Jewish and Gentile believers — Jews who were finding it hard to move from some of their traditions, and Gentiles who’ve forsaken idols for a new allegiance

Jews who were finding it hard to move from some of their traditions, and Gentiles who’ve forsaken idols for a new allegiance

b. Paul is saying that we have no right to reject those whom God has received

1) this is at the heart of New Testament fellowship

c. the word accept in vs. 7 means to pull someone alongside of you

1) it’s the idea that you receive someone into your life as you would welcome a friend into your home

friend into your home

2) and the verb form means to continue to do this

4. believers must accept one another by allowing Christ's indwelling love to overcoming our reservations and judgments about other people

our reservations and judgments about other people

a. the call is for all believers within the local church to accept one another, including new believers, as a mandatory necessity

new believers, as a mandatory necessity

5. once again, our motivation for doing this is in order to bring praise to God

ILLUS. When my brother and I were growing up, and our parents would take us to see friends or family, we would be instructed to “play nice” with the other children. You’ve probably said the same thing to your children. Parents like to see their children “playing nice” with other children — especially when those other children are family.

friends or family, we would be instructed to “play nice” with the other children. You’ve probably said the same thing to your children. Parents like to see their children “playing nice” with other children — especially when those other children are family.

a. in this passage, God is commanding his children “play nice”

IV. A CHRIST-CENTERED CHURCH LOOKS TO CHRIST AS OUR LIFE AND HOPE

ILLUS. In his book On This Rock I Stand, the great evangelist, Vance Havner tells a story of two preachers having a conversation. One preacher asks his minister friend, "What's the size of your pastorate?" The other preacher responded, "Twenty-five miles wide and one inch deep."

1. God has never judged a local congregation by the mightiness of that congregation's programs, or budget, but by the mightiness of its spiritual life

programs, or budget, but by the mightiness of its spiritual life

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (, NIV)

2. Paul began this passage with a prayer-wish

a. it is that the God of endurance and encouragement bring these Roman Christians into spiritual harmony

into spiritual harmony

3. he now ends his thought with a prayer-wish

a. it is that the God of hope fill you ... all joy and peace so that, through the indwelling Spirit, you may abound in hope

Spirit, you may abound in hope

A. OUR HOPE IN CHRIST IS THE GATEWAY TO SPIRITUAL ABUNDANCE

1. the word hope is a generalized term in our language that means there is something we anticipate as a possibility of something good in the future

we anticipate as a possibility of something good in the future

ILLUS. Unfortunately the use of the word in our culture is used superficially … "I hope that the paint does not dry too dark," "I hope she is on time," "I hope I get the present I hinted at."

a. he word translated hope in the New Testament has a much deeper meaning

1) it is the hope that keeps one alive

2) it is the hope of life after death

3) it is the hope that all of our anticipation of what life is all about is realized

4) it is the hope that, after we die, there is an afterlife that is full, and joyous

b. and, according to the Apostle, our ground of hope — our foundation of hope — is Christ Jesus

Christ Jesus

2. the Christian's hope is not a wishful aspiration, but a firmly rooted expectation that God will accomplish exactly what He said He would through Christ in us

God will accomplish exactly what He said He would through Christ in us

3. is Paul's prayer for the Christians at Rome — May the God of hope fill them, and fill us, with all joy and peace that comes from believing

fill them, and fill us, with all joy and peace that comes from believing

a. and, because of the Spirit who indwells you, may you, by his power, abound in hope

hope

b. the word abound in that verse can literally be translated super-abound

1) it refers to abundance, and excess

4. when the virtues of joy and peace reign within the hearts of believers hope will super-abound in our lives

abound in our lives

ILLUS. We live in a time where most people believe that joy and peace come from looking deep within. The Bible focuses our joy and peace in exactly the opposite direction. It is not found by looking deep within ourselves, but by looking deep within the life of the Savior, and believing that he is the source of joy and peace. And then, it is this joy and peace, that grows out of our believing that allows us to abound in hope.

V. APPLICATION

There are some things worth fighting over — especially the fundamental doctrines of the church. But here are also some thing worth fighting for, and harmony within a local congregation that glorifies God is one of them. A Christ-centered church will have One Mind, and will speak with One Voice. Our minds will be focused on the Christ, the Son of the living God, and magnifying him in our lives an in our church. Our voices will be unified in the ancient credo of the Church, “Jesus is Lord.” This will never happen in a “Me-centered” church. Rather than being absorbed in narcissistic individualism the believer is to be marked by a generous servanthood.

A Christ-centered Church Works Toward Unity among the Brethren

• A Christ-centered Church Has Singleness of Purpose

A Christ-centered Church Has Singleness of Purpose

A Christ-centered Church Encourages Acceptance of Other Believers

• A Christ-centered Church Encourages Acceptance of Other Believers

• A Christ-centered Church Looks to Christ as Our Life and Hope

A Christ-centered Church Looks to Christ as Our Life and Hope

[Play J. I. Packer video on Christian Unity]

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