Importance of Unity

Ephesians 4:2-6 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

We do not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called if we be not faithful friends to all Brothers, and sworn enemies to all sin.

1. The meanings of unity:

By lowliness we are to understand humility, which is opposed to pride.

By meekness, that excellent disposition of soul which makes men unwilling to provoke others Brothers, and not easily to be provoked or offended with their infirmities; and it is opposed to angry resentments and peevishness.

Long-suffering implies a patient bearing of injuries, without seeking revenge.

Forbearing one another in love signifies bearing their infirmities out of a principle of love, and so as not to cease to love them on the account of these infirmities.

The best Christian Brothers have need to support one another, and to make the best of one another, to provoke one another's graces and not their passions. We find sin in ourselves which is hard to forgive; and we find sin in others which makes it hard to forgive them, and yet we must forgive them as we forgive ourselves in order to be forgiven by God. Now without these things unity cannot be preserved.

The first step towards unity is humility; without this there will be no meekness, no patience, or forbearance; and without these no unity. Pride and passion break the peace, and make all the problems. Humility and meekness restore the peace, and keep it. Only by pride comes contention; only by humility comes unity. We do not walk worthy of the vocation which we are called if we do not have a meek and lowly heart: Jesus demonstrated meekness and lowliness of heart, and has commanded us to learn that of him.

2. The nature of that unity which these verses prescribes is the unity of the Spirit. The seat of Brotherly unity is in the heart and spirit: it does not lie in one set of thoughts, nor in one form and mode of worship, but in one heart and one soul. This unity of heart and affection is the Spirit of God; it is worked by him, and is one of the fruits of the Spirit. This we should endeavor to keep. We must do our utmost.

If others will quarrel with us, we must take all possible care not to quarrel with them. If others will despise and hate us, we must not despise and hate them.

Peace is a bond, as it unites Brothers, and makes them live friendly with each other. A peaceable disposition and conduct bind Brothers together, whereas discord and quarrelling disband and separate their hearts and affections.

Many slender twigs, bound together, become strong. As in a bundle of rods, they may be of different lengths and different strength; but, when they are tied together by one bond, they are stronger than any, stronger even than the thickest and strongest was by itself.

3. Consider how many unities that are the joy and glory of our Christian faith. There should be one heart; for there is one body, and one spirit. Two hearts in one body would be monstrous. If there be but one body, all that belong to that body should have one heart.

The Church is one mystical body of Christ, and all Christian Brothers make up but one body, incorporated by one charter, that of the gospel, alive by one Spirit, the same Holy Spirit who by his gifts and graces quickens, enlivens, and governs that body. If we belong to Christ, we are all put into motion by one and the same Spirit, and therefore should be one. All Christian Brothers are called to the same hope of eternal life. There is one Christ that we all hope in, and one heaven that we are all hoping for; and therefore we should be of one heart.

One Lord, that is, Christ, the head of the church, to whom, by God's appointment, all Christian Brothers are immediately subject to.

One faith, that is, the gospel, containing the doctrine of the Christian faith: or, it is the same grace of faith (faith in Christ) whereby all Christian Brothers are to be saved.

One baptism, by which we profess our faith, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; and so the same sacramental covenant, whereby we engage ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ.

One God and Father of all. One God, who owns all the true members of the church for his children; for he is the Father of all such by a special relationship, as he is the Father of all men by creation: and he is above all, and in you all, in all believers, in whom he dwells as in his holy temple, by his Spirit and special grace.

It would be great if enough could be said, to persuade people to live together in unity. It is good for us, for our honor and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. The enjoyment of this is similiar to the holy anointing oil. This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ, and adorns his gospel. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it brings blessings as numerous as the drops of dew. The Lord commands the blessing; man can only beg for a blessing.

Psalms 133:1-3 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

1. Brethren's dwelling together in unity, not only not quarrelling, and devouring one another, but delighting in each other with mutual endearments, and promoting each other's welfare with mutual services.

Sometimes it is chosen, as the best purpose for preserving peace, that Brothers should live at a distance from each other; as when Abram and Lot chose to separate themselves so that they could live in peace. This might indeed prevent enmity and strife, but the goodness and enjoyment are for brethren to dwell together and so to dwell in unity, to dwell even as one, as having one heart, one soul, one interest.

2. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is! It is good in itself, agreeable to the will of God, earth conforming to heaven. It is good for us, for our honor and comfort. It is pleasant and pleasing to God and all good men; it brings constant delight to those who do live in unity.

Behold, how good! We cannot conceive or express the goodness and enjoyment of it. It is a rare thing, and therefore admirable. It is an amiable thing, which will attract our hearts. It is an exemplary thing, which, is to be used by us with a holy effort.

3. How the enjoyment of unity is illustrated.

(1.) This ointment was holy. So must our Brotherly love and unity be, with a pure heart, devoted to God.

(2.) This ointment was a composition made up by a divine dispensation; God appointed the ingredients and the quantities. Thus believers are taught of God to love one another; it is a grace of his working in us.

(3.) This ointment was a very precious and expensive ointment. So is holy love and unity, in the sight of God, of great price; and this is very precious indeed which is in God's sight.

(4.) It was grateful both to Aaron himself and to all about him. So is holy unity; it is like ointment and perfume which rejoice the heart. Christ's love to mankind was part of that oil of gladness with which he was anointed above his fellows.

(5.) Aaron and his sons were not admitted to minister to the Lord till they were anointed with this ointment, nor are our services acceptable to God without this holy love and unity; if we don't have it we are nothing, 1 Cor. 13:1, 2 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

4. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it is as the dew; it brings abundance of blessings along with it, as numerous as the drops of dew. It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the evening dews cool the air and refresh the earth. It contributes very much to our fruitfulness in every thing that is good; it moistens the heart, and makes it tender and fit to receive the good seed of the word.

5. The proof of the excellency of Brotherly Love, is that loving people are blessed people.

(1.) Where Brothers dwell together in unity, the Lord commands the blessing. It is God's prerogative to command the blessing, man can only beg for a blessing. Blessings according to the promise are commanded blessings, for he has commanded his covenant for ever. Blessings that take effect are commanded blessings, for he speaks and it is done.

(2.) We are everlastingly blessed. The blessing which God commands on those that dwell in unity is life for evermore; that is the blessing of blessings. Those that dwell in unity not only dwell in God, but will dwell in heaven. Those that live in unity, love and peace shall have the God of unity, love and peace with them now, and they shall be with him shortly, in the world of endless unity, love and peace.

Men, you and I need to own for ourselves that same clarity of vision that so marked the life of Christ. We need to give ourselves up for our brides and the Bride as He did. So that the family might live well. There's a world out there that needs some Tender Warriors. It's every man's purpose... every woman's dream.., and every child's hope. It's the definition of a man. I want to head up that road. My prayers are with the men of this church as we plan in our respective ministries. I believe God has some wonderful things in store for us and our families that will be the result. We must come together in unity and reach other men. When a man/father is the first person of the family to come to Jesus Christ, the rest of the family will follow 93% of the time! Let's not overlooked this mission field.

Unity Is Encouraged

All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the head of the body, and the common center of our unity. Believers aren't in this world as a confused disorderly heap, but we are organized and knitted together, and we are united to one common head, and are moved to action by one common Spirit.

All believers are members of this body, necessary parts, which makes us parts of the whole, and in relation to the whole, deriving life and spirit from Christ.

Each member has a place and office, for the good and benefit of the whole, and of every member. We are not only members of Christ, but we are members one of another. We stand in relation one to another; we are engaged to do all the good we can for each other, and to act in conjunction for the common benefit. For that reason we must not be puffed up with a conceit of our own accomplishments, because, whatever we have, we received it not for ourselves, but for the good of others.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many.

One body may have many members, and that the many members of the same body make but one body. Christ and his church make one body, as head and members, this body is made up of many parts or members, yet but one body; for all the members are baptized into the same body, and made to drink of the same Spirit. Christians become members of this body by baptism in the name of Jesus: we are baptized into the one body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:15, 16
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

Each member has its necessary form, place, and use. The inferior member makes a part of the body. The foot and ear are less useful, perhaps, than the hand and eye; but because one is not a hand, and the other an eye, shall they say that they do not belong to the body? So every member of the body can't have the same place and office; but what then? Shall it disown relation to the body? Because it is not fixed in the
same place, or favored with the same gifts as others, shall it say, "I do not belong to Christ?" No, the inferior member of the body of Christ is as much a member as the noblest, and as truly regarded by him. All his members are dear to him.

1 Corinthians 12:17-20
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

There must be a distinction of members in the body and for that reason must have distinction among them, and yet are but one body. One member of a body is not a body; the body is made up of many; and among these many there must be a distinction, difference of situation, shape, use, etc.

So it is in the body of Christ; its members must have different uses, and therefore have different powers, and be in different places, some having one gift, and others a different one. Variety in the members of
the body contributes to the beauty of it. So it is for the beauty and good appearance of the church that there should be diversity of gifts and offices in it.

1 Corinthians 12:21-24
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

All the members of the body are, in some respect, useful and necessary to each other. God has so fitted and tempered members together that they are all necessary to one another, and to the whole body; there is no one redundant and unnecessary. Every member serves some good purpose or other: he is useful to members, and necessary to the good state of the whole body.

As members of the body of Christ, we ought to be useful to our fellow members, and at some times, and in some cases, is needful to them. None should despise and envy another, seeing God has made the distinction between us as he pleased, yet so as to keep us all in some degree of mutual dependence, and make us valuable to each other, and concerned for each other, because of our mutual usefulness. Those who excel in any gift cannot say that they have no need of those who in that gift are their inferiors, while perhaps, in other gifts, they exceed them. The lowest members of all have their use, and the highest cannot do well without them. The eye has need of the hand, and the head of the feet.  Unity is here encouraged.

1 Corinthians 12:25, 26
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

God's divine wisdom has planned and ordered things in this manner that the members of the body should not be divided from each other and acting upon separate interests, but intimately affected to each other,
tenderly concerned for each other, having a sympathetic awareness of each other's griefs and a communion in each other's pleasures and joys. God has tempered the members of the body natural in the manner mentioned, that there might be no division in the body, no rupture nor disunion among the members, nor so much as the least mutual disregard. This should be avoided also in the spiritual body of Christ. The members should be closely united by the strongest bonds of love. Again unity is encouraged.

Where Christians grow cold towards each other, they will be careless and unconcerned for each other. And this mutual disregard is a division started. The members of the natural body are made to have a care and concern for each other, to prevent a division in it. So should it be in Christ's body; the members should sympathize with each other. As in the natural body the pain of the one part afflicts the whole, the ease and pleasure of one part affects the whole, so should Christians reckon themselves honored in the honors of their fellow Christians, and should suffer in their sufferings. Christian sympathy is a great branch of Christian duty. We should be so far from slighting our Brother's sufferings that we should suffer with them, so far from envying their honors that we should rejoice with them and reckon ourselves honored in them.

Gal. 3:26-29
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

This is the great advantage of the gospel over the law, under which we not only enjoy a clearer discovery of divine grace and mercy than was afforded to the Jews of old, but are also freed from the state of bondage and terror under which they were held. We are not now treated as children in a state of minority, but as sons grown up to a full age, who are admitted to greater freedoms, and instated in larger
privileges, than they were. For, having shown for what intent the law was given, in the close of the chapter the Apostle acquaints us with our privilege by Christ, where he particularly declares, that we are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

1. The great and excellent privilege which real Christians enjoy under the gospel: We are the children of God; we are no longer accounted as bondsmen or slaves, but sons; we are not now kept at such a distance, and under such restraints, as the Jews were, but are allowed a nearer and freer access to God than was granted to them; yes, we are admitted into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of his children.

2. How we come to obtain this privilege, by faith in Christ Jesus. Having accepted him as our Lord and Savior, baptized in His name, and relying on him alone for justification and salvation, we are admitted
into this happy relation to God, and are entitled to the privileges of it.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to
those that believe on his name.

And this faith in Christ, where we become the children of God, the Apostle reminds us, was what we professed in baptism; for he adds, As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Having in baptism professed our faith in him, we are devoted to him, and have declared ourselves to be his servants and disciples; and having thus become the members of the body of Christ, we are through
him owned and accounted as the children of God.

In our baptism we put on Christ; we profess our discipleship to him, and are obliged to behave ourselves as his faithful servants. Being baptized into Christ, we are baptized into his death, that as he died and rose again, so, in conformity, we should die unto sin, and walk in newness of life.

Rom. 6:3, 4
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.


It would be of great advantage to us to remember this. This unites us together, for we are the Children of God, many, but as one. Again Unity is Encouraged.

The Similitudes

Matthew 5:13-16

 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.   14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.   15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.   16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Christ had lately called his disciples, and told them that they should be fishers of men; here he tells them further what he designed them to be--the salt of the earth, and lights of the world, that they might be indeed what it was expected they should be.


I. Ye are the salt of the earth. This would encourage and support them under their sufferings, that, though they should be treated with contempt, yet they should really be blessings to the world, and the more so for their suffering thus. The prophets, who went before them, were the salt of the land of Canaan; but the apostles were the salt of the whole earth, for they must go into all the world to preach the gospel. It was a discouragement to them that they were so few and so weak. What could they do in so large a province as the whole earth? Nothing, if they were to work by force of arms and dint of sword; but, being to work silent as salt, one handful of that salt would diffuse its savor far and wide; would go a great way, and work insensibly and irresistibly as leaven. The doctrine of the gospel is as salt; it is penetrating, quick, and powerful (Hebrews 4:12); it reaches the heart Acts 2:37. It is cleansing, it is relishing, and preserves from putrefaction. We read of the savour of the knowledge of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14); for all other learning is insipid without that. An everlasting covenant is called a covenant of salt (Numbers 18:19); and the gospel is an everlasting gospel. Salt was required in all the sacrifices (Leviticus 2:13), in Ezekiel's mystical temple, Ezekiel 43:24. Now Christ's disciples having themselves learned the doctrine of the gospel, and being employed to teach it to others, were as salt. Note, Christians, and especially ministers, are the salt of the earth.

1. If they be as they should be they are as good salt, white, and small, and broken into many grains, but very useful and necessary. Without salt human life cannot be sustained. See in this,

(1.) What they are to be in themselves--seasoned with the gospel, with the salt of grace; thoughts and affections, words and actions, all seasoned with grace, Colossians 4:6. Have salt in yourselves, else you cannot diffuse it among others, Mark 9:50.

(2.) What they are to be to others; they must not only be good but do good, must insinuate themselves into the minds of the people, not to serve any secular interest of their own, but that they might transform them into the taste and relish of the gospel.

(3.) What great blessings they are to the world. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were a vast heap of unsavoury stuff, ready to putrefy; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines, to season it with knowledge and grace, and so to render it acceptable to God, to the angels, and to all that relish divine things.

(4.) How they must expect to be disposed of. They must not be laid on a heap, must not continue always together at Jerusalem, but must be scattered as salt upon the meat, here a grain and there a grain; as the Levites were dispersed in Israel, that, wherever they live, they may communicate their savor. Some have observed, that whereas it is foolishly called an ill omen to have the salt fall towards us, it is really an ill omen to have the salt fall from us.

2. If they be not, they are as salt that has lost its savour. If you, who should season others, are yourselves unsavory, void of spiritual life, relish, and vigour; if a Christian be so, especially if a minister be so, his condition is very sad; for, 

(1.) He is irrecoverable: Wherewith shall it be salted? Salt is a remedy for unsavoury meat, but there is no remedy for unsavoury salt. Christianity will give a man a relish; but if a man can take up and continue the profession of it, and yet remain flat and foolish, and graceless and insipid, no other doctrine, no other means, can be applied, to make him savory. If Christianity do not do it, nothing will.

(3.) He is doomed to ruin and rejection; He shall be cast out--expelled the church and the communion of the faithful, to which he is a blot and a burden; and he shall be trodden under foot of men. Let God be glorified in the shame and rejection of those by whom he has been reproached, and who have made themselves fit for nothing but to be trampled upon.

II. Ye are the light of the world. This also bespeaks them useful, as the former (Nothing more useful than the sun and salt), but more glorious. All Christians are light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8), and must shine as lights (Philippians 2:15), but ministers in a special manner. Christ call himself the Light of the world (John 8:12), and they are workers together with him, and have some of his honor put upon them. Truly the light is sweet, it is welcome; the light of the first day of the world was so, when it shone out of darkness; so is the morning light of every day; so is the gospel, and those that spread it, to all sensible people. The world sat in darkness, Christ raised up his disciples to shine in it; and, that they may do so, from him they borrow and derive their light.

This similitude is here explained in two things:

1. As the lights of the world, they are illustrious and conspicuous, and have many eyes upon them. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. The disciples of Christ, especially those who are forward and zealous in his service, become remarkable, and are taken notice of as beacons. They are for signs (Isaiah 7:18), men wondered at (Zechariah 3:8); all their neighbours have any eye upon them. Some admire them, commend them, rejoice in them, and study to imitate them; others envy them, hate them, censure them, and study to blast them. They are concerned therefore to walk circumspectly, because of their observers; they are as spectacles to the world, and must take heed of every thing that looks ill, because they are so much looked at. The disciples of Christ were obscure men before he called them, but the character he put upon them dignified them, and as preachers of the gospel they made a figure; and though they were reproached for it by some, they were respected for it by others, advanced to thrones, and made judges (Luke 22:30); for Christ will honor those that honor him.

2. As the lights of the world, they are intended to illuminate and give light to others, and therefore, 

(1.) They shall be set up as lights. Christ has lighted these candles, they shall not be put under a bushel, not confined always, as they are now, to the cities of Galilee, or the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but they shall be sent into all the world. The churches are the candlesticks, the golden candlesticks, in which these lights are placed, that they light may be diffused; and the gospel is so strong a light, and carries with it so much of its own evidence, that, like a city on a hill, it cannot be hid, it cannot but appear to be from God, to all those who do not wilfully shut their eyes against it. It will give light to all that are in the house, to all that will draw near to it, and come where it is. Those to whom it does not give light, must thank themselves; they will not be in the house with it; will not make a diligent and impartial enquiry into it, but are prejudiced against it.

(2.) They must shine as lights,

[1.] By their good preaching. The knowledge they have, they must communicate for the good of others; not put it under a bushel, but spread it. The talent must not be buried in a napkin, but traded with. The disciples of Christ must not muffle themselves up in privacy and obscurity, under pretence of contemplation, modesty, or self-preservation, but, as they have received the gift, must minister the same, Luke 12:3.

[2.] By their good living. They must be burning and shining lights (John 5:35); must evidence, in their whole conversation, that they are indeed followers of Christ, James 3:13. They must be to others for instruction, direction, quickening, and comfort, Job 29:11.

See here, First, How our light must shine--by doing such good works as men may see, and may approve of; such works as are of good report among them that are without, and as will therefore give them cause to think well of Christianity. We must do good works that may be seen to the edification of others, but not that they may be seen to our own ostentation; we are bid to pray in secret, and what lies between God and our souls, must be kept to ourselves; but that which is of itself open and obvious to the sight of men, we must study to make congruous to our profession, and praiseworthy, Philippians 4:8. Those about us must not only hear our good words, but see our good works; that they may be convinced that religion is more than a bare name, and that we do not only make a profession of it, but abide under the power of it.

Secondly, For what end our light must shine--"That those who see your good works may be brought, not to glorify you (which was the things the Pharisees aimed at, and it spoiled all their performances), but to glorify your Father which is in heaven." Note, The glory of God is the great thing we must aim at in every thing we do in religion, 1 Peter 4:11. In this center the lines of all our actions must meet. We must not only endeavor to glorify God ourselves, but we must do all we can to bring others to glorify him. The sight of our good works will do this, by furnishing them,


1. With matter for praise. "Let them see your good works, that they may see the power of God's grace in you, and may thank him for it, and give him the glory of it, who has given such power unto men."


2. With motives of piety. "Let them see your good works, that they may be convinced of the truth and excellency of the Christian religion, may be provoked by a holy emulation to imitate your good works, and so may glorify God." Note, The holy, regular, and exemplary conversation of the saints, may do much towards the conversion of sinners; those who are unacquainted with religion, may hereby be brought to know what it is. Examples teach. And those who are prejudiced against it, may hereby by brought in love with it, and thus there is a winning virtue in a godly conversation.