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Unity, Godly
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Psalms 133:1  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) This first verse expresses the goal, the hope, the prayer of all Christians. What a great thing it would be if all the people could live together harmoniously! What things we could accomplish! What great pleasure we would have! How attractive that would be. This verse certainly expresses the joy that results in brethren being united, when they have unanimity, when they are "at one." An irony of this "psalm of unity," however, is that the word "unity" does not literally appear in it. The literal translation of the last phrase is "when brethren dwell also together." The idea of unity is obviously there, but the final Hebrew word is yachad, meaning "together," "both," "joined." The phrase can be translated, then, "when brethren are joined in dwelling" or "when brethren dwell together." "In unity" is the translator's interpretation, not a direct translation. The word "good" here is a fairly general rendering, but the psalmist's idea is "proper": "How proper it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" "How fitting, how right it is for God's people to be one." Pleasant has the sense of "attractive": "How attractive [charming, lovely] it is when God's people dwell as one." And since we are God's dwelling, we could say, "How wonderful it is when God's dwelling, the Temple of the living God, is one building and not scattered pieces all over the place." In God's sight, unity or togetherness among His people is proper, and it pleases Him to no end. It has the same effect on us. Brethren who are thus joined together receive the benefits of the goodness and pleasantness unity produces. That is why we should yearn for this unity, because it is right, good, and fitting and because it is lovely, attractive, and appealing. Richard T. Ritenbaugh Psalm 133

1 Corinthians 1:10-11  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) God had given them everything they needed in terms of spiritual gifts, and they were still disunited. How discouraging! The reason for this, though, Paul gives a little later—the Corinthians were still carnal (I Corinthians 3:1)! This is why they were disunified. They had not done the work that is necessary for unity, and thus their fights, schisms, dissensions, and minor wars continued. According to Paul, they had everything and were not using it. Richard T. Ritenbaugh

1 Corinthians 1:10  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) This section reveals that speaking the same thing is a choice. We have to choose for the sake of unity. It is not an option for those who consider themselves to be converted; it is commanded. There is no option. We have to choose to follow Christ. John W. Ritenbaugh Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership

1 Corinthians 1:10  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) God's Word states that all the members of the body of Christ must "speak the same thing." In other words, there must be no division in what is believed, taught, or preached. God's church should not be divided! Therefore, individual members of the body of Christ today also continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrines—just as the early New Testament Christians did. The doctrines of God's church came from God through Jesus Christ, who taught the original apostles. What and Why the Church?

Philippians 2:9  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) Jesus is not against greatness or having power, but He wants it to be given by God. God will give it to those who are in harmony with His law, His government, and His way of life. Unity with Him begins with the right attitude toward Him, toward others, and toward the self. John W. Ritenbaugh Grace Upon Grace

 

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