Preacher: Pastor (Dr) Otive Igbuzor
Text: Ps 133: 1-3 Date: 20/10/24
Introduction
Solidarity refers to a deep sense of unity and mutual support among individuals. Solidarity emphasizes love, justice, compassion and collective responsibility to care for others.
Solidarity is a powerful biblical principle that highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in the body of Christ. For ministry to progress, there must commitment to working together and supporting one another.
When the body is united, the work of God flourishes.
The Power of unity for progress: Unity is pleasant to God and a condition for flow of His blessings.
Ps 133: 1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (KJV)
The power of unity was demonstrated when Aaron and Hur supported Joshua in the fight against the Amalekites.
Ex 17: 10-13 – So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. (NIV)
“If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go with people.”
Solidarity helps to meet the needs of the People: The early church demonstrated solidarity, shared their resources and supported one another. This attracted God’s favour and the church grew rapidly.
Acts 2: 44-47 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)
Solidarity makes everyone to work for a common purpose: Progress in ministry occurs when everyone works towards achieving a common goal.
1 Cor 12: 12-14; 26-27 – 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)
Solidarity brings accomplishment and progress even in then face of opposition and challenges
Neh 4: 6 -So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. (NIV)
Solidarity strengthens the church in spiritual warfare: When believers stand together, they achieve more.
Eccl 4: 9-12 -Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)
Conclusion
Solidarity is essential for progress in ministry. It is through unity that we experience God’s anointing, overcome challenges, and fulfill the mission of the church. As members of one body, we must commit to working together, supporting one another, and striving for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Let us embrace the biblical call to solidarity, knowing that through it, God will command His blessing, and the ministry will prosper.
Prayer Point
- Father, help me to walk in solidarity with the brethren
- Let your anointing flow freely in our church
- Let us see progress in our church