Be of One Mind
Text: 2 Corinthians 13
30 August 2015
THE APPEAL TO BE ONE
1. The Prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ for All disciples to be One (John 17:21-23)
2. The promotion of the doctrine of oneness by the apostle Paul
a) Clear
b) Consistent
c) Concrete
3. The same strong appeal for oneness is reflected in the Epistles of the Apostle Paul
a) Appeal to the Corinthian Church
“Speak the same thing… be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” 1 Corinthians 1:10
b) Appeal to the Ephesian Church
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:3
c) Appeal to the Philippian Church
“Being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind”
Philippians 2:2
BE OF ONE MIND
1. The phrase, “Be of one mind”
Literally translated, “Think the same thing” 2 Corinthians 13:11
2. Similar phrases (almost identical in the Greek text)
a) Being like-minded (Philippians 2:2b)
b) Let this mind be in you (Philippians 2:5a)
3. What did Paul have in mind?
a) Oneness begins with Thinking
i) Much thought must be put in
ii) Good and wholesome thoughts
iii) Thoughts of Oneness
b) Oneness is consciousness of being centered in the Lord Jesus Christ
i) He has given us the Church
ii) It is called His body
iii) We are all members of that One Body
iv) All of us have different roles to play to contribute to Oneness
c) Oneness is a special work of the Holy Spirit
i) He is the One who builds the Church as a dwelling place for God
ii) He empowers us all to use our gifts effectively to build the Church
A SPECIAL CHALLLENGE
1. Be complete (2 Corinthians 13:11)
a) Repair is in mind
b) Restoration is needed
2. Be of good comfort
3. Be of one mind
4. Live in peace
5. The God of love and peace will be with us
Two special blessings:-
a) God’s love
b) God’s peace