Message Notes

ONENESS IN THE BODY OF Christ

THE DOCTRINE OF ONENESS

1. This was taught by the Lord Jesus Christ

a) Prayed for by the Lord Jesus          John 17:21

b) Exemplified by Christ’s Oneness with the Father          John 17:21-22

c) Glory of Oneness          John 17:22

d) Perfection in Oneness

e) Love as one of the Central Elements that will enable this special sense of Oneness          John 17:24

2. The Lack of Oneness

a) In the days of the apostles

b) Churches threatened by schism

i) Corinthian church

ii) Galatian church

iii) Philippian church

3. A strong appeal to Develop Oneness
A five-fold appeal

a) Consolation in Christ          Philippians 2:1a

b) Comfort of love          Philippians 2:1b

c) Fellowship of the Spirit          Philippians 2:1c

d) Affection (compassion)          Philippians 2:1d

e) Mercy          Philippians 2:1e

Focus: The application of all that we have believed in and experienced in Christ.

4. A personal appeal
Fulfil my joy          Philippians 2:2a

5. Features of Oneness highlighted: –

a) Like-minded          Philippians 2:2b

b) Having the same love          Philippians 2:2c

c) One accord          Philippians 2:2d

d) One mind          Philippians 2:2e

6. Things to avoid

a) Selfish ambition          Philippians 2:3a

b) Conceit          Philippians 2:3b

7. Things to encourage

a) Lowliness of mind (humility)          Philippians 2:3c

b) Esteeming others better than self          Philippians 2:3d

c) Look out for the interest of others          Philippians 2:4

BIBLE MEMORY

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.
Philippians 2:4