1 Peter Chapter 3 Pt. 4 Maintain Unity Within The Church Of Jesus Christ

So far, Peter has given us doctrinal truth about our Lord Jesus Christ, and our standing with God through faith in Jesus.

The Holy Spirit led him to teach us about family relationships, between a Christian husband and wife. We explored this in some detail.

Today, Peter is going to turn to the subject of suffering for the sake of our Savior. 

1 Peter 3:8-9  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9)  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 

Peter reminds the church that unity is evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work among a local church family.

There are many examples of unity among the redeemed people of God with regard to accomplishing His work on earth.

Psalm 133:1-3  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. 

This Psalm of David describes the beauty of unity among God's people. Unity among Christians is good and lovely in the sight of God. 

Unity is compared to the expensive and sweet smelling ointment that anointed Aaron as high priest. It is compared to the heavy dews of Mount Hermon that help sustain life for all. 

Where do you think the point of Satan's attack will be, in light of these scriptures? He will attack unity among the church of Jesus Christ. 

Whatever God is for, the Devil opposes. Whatever God is doing, Satan seeks to hinder. 

One specific thing on the list of things that God hates, is a person who sows discord among the brethren (Proverbs 6:19).

Unity among Christians is when we are drawn together for a purpose that God has ordained for us to work on together.

Unity is having the same mind, cherishing the same things, and working toward the same goals. For Christians, unity should revolve around the Great Commission that our risen Lord gave us to do.

Romans 15:5-6  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6)  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Like-mindedness is a wonderful gift from our Father in heaven. He is the God of patience and comfort, and He wants to work unity into our hearts, through the ministry of His Spirit. 

The purpose is always something that brings honor and glory to God, and that teaches us to be humble and happy before Him. 

Being likeminded in this case, unites us to glorify God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Unity pictures many hearts united together in praise and expressing adoration to our All Glorious God. 

1 Peter 3:8-9  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9)  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 

Peter is calling for a unity among  Christians, that impacts our relationships with each other. 

We will have compassion for other believers in Christ. We will come alongside to sympathize and comfort those who are suffering and hurting. 

The idea of being "pitiful" is being united in having tender hearts toward other Christians. 

Unity with other Christians will cause us to be friendly and kind hearted toward them. 

This kind of sincere, Spirit generated unity is very much opposite what is observed in much of our culture.  

Christians should never seek to avenge themselves against someone who has wronged us. Vengeance belongs to the Lord (See Romans 12:9).

Christians should not engage in shouting matches or in hurling hurtful insults at others. 

The heart of Jesus Christ is meek and lowly, and the fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering and gentleness. 

If we are using vindictive words, displaying hateful attitudes, or engaging in getting revenge, how can we say Christ lives in us? 

1 John 2:9-10  He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10)  He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 

This is a litmus test to help us determine how genuine our profession of faith in Christ really is. If we profess faith in Christ but we hate our Christian brother or sister, then something is terribly wrong in our heart. 

Exodus 35:21  And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

Exodus 35:26  And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.

Exodus 35:29  The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

Notice the phrases "whose heart stirred him up" or "whose heart made them willing." The great task Moses was given after leading the Hebrews out of Egypt, was to construct the tabernacle according to the pattern God gave him. 

The Spirit of God was at work, leading men and women to contribute all the necessary gold, silver, luxurious fabrics, and other materials, needed to build it. 

In addition, many men and women's hearts were stirred up to participate in making the tabernacle's components. 

We could read about the like mindedness of the people when they worked on rebuilding the destroyed walls of Jerusalem (See Nehemiah 4). 

Acts 2:42-47  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43)  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44)  And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45)  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46)  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47)  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 

Perhaps the clearest testimony of unity among the people of God is found in the book of Acts, after the church was birthed. 

3,000 people were saved in one day after Peter finished preaching his first sermon. Then, they stayed united together, hearing the apostolic preaching, spending time praying together, and sharing meals together.

If someone had a need, someone else stepped up to provide it. 

Ephesians 4:1-3  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 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. 

The apostle Paul also stressed unity within each local church. Part of walking a worthy walk with our Lord, is allowing the Holy Spirit to change us. 

He wants to make us meek, lowly, longsuffering, and full of love for other believers in Christ. 

We must focus on keeping the unity of the Holy Spirit by basking in the peace of God that passes all understanding.

May the Holy Spirit keep working these things into each Christian, that we might reflect Jesus Christ more and more each passing day.

Bob