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A Goal That Is Greater Than Our Differences

Our common purpose ought to make us more unified

Introduction

1. Text: 2 Thess. 1:11,12.

2. The Lord's body is made up of people who differ from one another in many ways. Is there a force strong enough to keep us working together despite our dissimilarities?

3. But not only are we different in personality and background, we also disagree in matters of judgment
   and doctrine.

4. Can anything overcome the disruptive forces that would tear the Lord's people apart?

5. Do we not have a goal that is greater than our differences?

I. GOD'S GLORY IS OUR GOAL

1. The highest purpose and privilege of God's people has always been to bring glory to Him by their obedience - Deut. 4:5-8. Cf. Isa. 49:3; 1 Cor. 6:20.

2. A failure to glorify God is a part of the very essence of sin - Rom. 1:21. Contrast Psa. 86:11-13.

3. Jesus' own purpose was to glorify His Father, even by His death - Jn. 12:27,28; 17:1. Cf. Jn. 13:31,32.

4. Like Him, our highest aim must be to glorify God, whether by life or by death - Phil. 1:20,21. Cf. Jn. 11:3,4; 21:18,19; Rom. 14:7,8; 1 Pt. 4:16.

II. DOING EVERYTHING TO GOD'S GLORY

1. As Christians, we should do whatever we do in such a way that God is glorified - 1 Pt. 4:10,11.

2. In obedience, our goal is not self-centered, but God-centered - 2 Cor. 9:12,13.

   1. Jesus saw His work as that of glorifying the Father - Jn. 17:4.

   2. Jesus did His work in a way that resulted in the glorification of God - Mt. 9:8; 15:31; etc.

   3. Like Him, we are to let a light shine from our lives that results in the glorification of God - Mt. 5:16.
      Cf. Tit. 2:10; 1 Pt. 2:12.

3. Even our assemblies are to be such that the outsider "will worship God and report that God is truly among you" (1 Cor. 14:25).

III. DISCIPLESHIP AND THE GLORY OF GOD

1. We are not faithful disciples of Jesus Christ if we do not bear fruit that glorifies God - Jn. 15:4-8.

2. God's intent was that He be glorified not only by Christ's apostles, but also by all those who believed in Christ through their preaching - Jn. 17:10,11,20-22.

IV. A GOAL GREATER THAN OUR DIFFERENCES

1. The goal of glorifying God is of greater importance than any differences among us - Phil. 1:18,27. Cf. 1 Thess. 5:12,13.

   1. We are told that "love will cover a multitude of sins" (1 Pt. 4:8). Cf. Prov. 10:12.

   2. Like love, a common desire in all things to see God glorified will cover many of our differences with a mantle of patience. Cf. Col. 3:12-15.

2. There are few unifying forces stronger than a great common purpose, one which means more to people than the things that separate them.

V. DEALING WITH DIFFERENCES SO THAT GOD IS GLORIFIED

1. We should work diligently to remove any differences that hinder us in bringing glory to God - Rom. 15:5-7.
   Cf. Jn. 17:20,21; Hb. 12:12-15.

2. It should be a cause for embarrassment if the members of a congregation lack the maturity to work out their differences among themselves. Cf. 1 Cor. 6:1-7.

3. But there are two kinds of differences that can separate Christians: (1) insignificant differences and
   (2) serious differences.

4. The goal of glorifying God should make a big difference in how both of these are handled.

   1. Insignificant differences.

      1. The greatness of our goal will cause us to allow for these and not let them disrupt our work.

      2. In reality, variety and diversity make us stronger, not weaker. Cf. Gal. 3:28.

   2. Serious differences.

      1. If we properly value God's glory, we will constantly be studying together and working to remove any serious difference that detracts from the unity we need in order to glorify God.

      2. As we work to remove these differences, we can extend gentleness and patience to those with whom we differ. Cf. 2 Tim. 2:24-26.

5. Even when we disagree over whether a difference is insignificant or serious, our overriding desire to seek God's glory will cause us to be patient, forbearing, and humble as we continue to study and work toward greater unity in understanding - Eph. 4:1-3. Cf. Phil. 2:1-4; 2 Thess. 1:11,12.

6. Disagreements are inevitable -- but folks who are committed first and foremost to God's glory will deal with disagreements in a very different way than those who have other priorities.

Conclusion

1. Our common goal -- the glorification of God -- ought to be a unifying force among the Lord's people.

2. We also have a common adversary -- the devil -- and we simply must not allow him to influence us in any way that would diminish our role as those whose work is to glorify God.

3. Whatever may confront us, our greatest concern should be that "the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified" (2 Thess. 3:1). That concern will:

   1. Keep us STUDYING to remove any differences that would detract from the Lord's work.

   2. Keep us, while differences remain, from ACTING TOWARD ONE ANOTHER in any way that would detract from the Lord's glory.

4. We do not always have a "map" of the territory we must traverse, but the goal of glorifying God is our "compass." This reliable compass will lead us through the dangers of divisiveness and disruption.

5. Ultimately, we look forward to that day "when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe" (2 Thess. 1:10).