Walking in Unity: Fellowship with God and One Another
In the latest sermon at Laborers for Christ Church, the congregation was encouraged to embrace the essential theme of walking in unity—unity with God and unity with one another. The sermon, titled "Walking in Unity," emphasized the importance of maintaining fellowship with God and the body of Christ, grounded in love, humility, and truth.
Foundational Scripture: 1 John 1:7
The sermon began with a reading from 1 John 1:5-7, focusing particularly on verse 7, which states, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” This passage sets the tone for understanding the critical nature of fellowship and unity in the Christian walk.
Fellowship: The Vertical and Horizontal Dimensions
Fellowship is depicted as having two dimensions: vertical fellowship with God and horizontal fellowship with others in the body of Christ. The vertical dimension represents our personal relationship with God—walking in His light, being cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and staying in continual communion with Him. This is the foundation of our faith, where we receive guidance, strength, and the sanctification necessary to live a holy life.
The horizontal dimension is our fellowship with one another as believers. This unity is symbolized by the cross, where the vertical beam represents our relationship with God, and the horizontal beam represents our relationship with others. True Christian fellowship extends beyond casual social interactions; it is a deep, spiritual connection that is rooted in our shared faith and love for Christ.
The Importance of Walking in the Light
To walk in the light means to live in a manner that reflects the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It involves a conscious and continual effort to stay in God’s presence, being mindful of His Word and His Spirit’s leading. Walking in the light is not a one-time act but a continuous journey of faith and obedience.
The sermon emphasized that walking in the light also means being aware of God’s holiness and our need for ongoing cleansing and sanctification. This is not just about the initial moment of salvation but a daily process of becoming more like Christ. The cleansing power of Jesus’ blood is continually at work in our lives as we remain in fellowship with Him.
Unity in the Body of Christ
Unity within the body of Christ is crucial for the health and effectiveness of the Church. Ephesians 4:1-3 calls believers to be “completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This unity is not automatic; it requires effort, humility, and a commitment to love and serve one another.
The sermon highlighted that despite differences in culture, language, or background, believers are united through Christ. This unity is a reflection of God’s love and serves as a powerful testimony to the world. When the Church walks in unity, it demonstrates the reality of God’s kingdom and the transformative power of the gospel.
Overcoming Division and Maintaining Fellowship
The enemy seeks to sow seeds of division within the Church, knowing that a divided Church is weakened and less effective in its mission. The sermon warned against allowing offenses, misunderstandings, or differences to disrupt the unity of the body. Believers are called to make every effort to maintain unity, recognizing that it is a vital aspect of our witness to the world.
Amos 3:3 was cited to emphasize the necessity of agreement in walking together: “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” This principle applies to our relationship with God and with each other. We must be in agreement with God’s Word and His will to walk in unity with Him and with our fellow believers.
Walking Intimately with God
An illustrative moment in the sermon involved a demonstration of walking in close fellowship with another person, symbolizing our walk with God. The closer we walk with God, the more sensitive we become to His leading, His voice, and His heart. This intimacy with God is essential for effective Christian living, enabling us to sow seeds of righteousness and avoid the pitfalls of the flesh.
Walking closely with God also involves being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide our actions, words, and decisions. When we walk in step with the Spirit, we are empowered to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to others.
The Dangers of Breaking Fellowship
The sermon also addressed the dangers of breaking fellowship with God and others. When we allow sin, doubt, or distractions to disrupt our communion with God, we open the door to deception, discouragement, and defeat. Similarly, when we allow offenses or misunderstandings to break fellowship with other believers, we weaken the unity of the Church and hinder its mission.
To maintain unity and fellowship, believers must be vigilant, continually seeking God’s guidance, and staying connected to the body of Christ. This involves putting away lying, anger, and other sinful behaviors that grieve the Holy Spirit and disrupt the unity of the Church (Ephesians 4:25-30).
The Call to Stay Faithful and United
In conclusion, the sermon called the congregation to remain faithful in their walk with God and to strive for unity within the body of Christ. This unity is not just a nice idea but a divine mandate that reflects the very nature of God’s kingdom. As we walk in the light, maintain fellowship with God and each other, and sow seeds of righteousness, we can be confident that we are fulfilling our calling as laborers for Christ.
The service concluded with a call to action, encouraging believers to draw near to God, to stay in close fellowship with Him, and to commit to maintaining unity within the Church. By doing so, we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes, experience the fullness of God’s blessing, and be effective witnesses for Christ in a world that desperately needs His light.