"HOW GOOD...HOW PLEASANT" Psalm 133 I. Introduction. A. In many Jewish minds there was nothing that would compare to the Old Testament order and the promised land of Canaan. B. Imagine David in a period of peace after becoming king and writing this Psalm. C. In anointing to God's service: Psalm 133:2. D. The refreshing dew: Psalm 133:3. E. The subject of the Psalm: Psalm 133:1. II. Body. A. Unity: 1. ...indicates a common standard. a. All accept the truth: truth will produce. b. Must be internal agreement: not just outward, formal unity. c. This is the starting point. d. Where there is no standard--they can be no agreement. e. I Peter 4:11. 2. ...shows common interest. a. Promote the glory of Christ; worship the one God. b. United to move forward in greatest work in the world. c. All other interests subordinate to this. d. Mutual esteem and affection to be present. e. Similarities bring people together: Philippians 2:20. 3. ...indicates a common ancestor. a. It is "brethren." b. Many members-one body: I Cor. 12:27. c. Galatians 3:26-27. d. And-I Corinthians 3:9. 4. ...sees a common goal. a. Notice how people unite in disaster?... in sorrow?...in war? b. The goal: heaven--is it worth the effort? c. Think of ths songs we sing: what is more common theme? d. If heaven not the goal--why not go separate ways? 5. ...demonstrates agreement. a. Jehovah said: Amos 3:3. b. Psalm 133 may refer to "fellowship." c. "Music is not a monotone but a harmony" (Pulpit Commentary). d. A common life is produced: a Christian. 6. ...brings peace. a. When meet together with others of common faith: how excellent. b. To be free from problems of world; mis- treatment of others; disappointments of this life; etc. c. There are some things that are good--but not pleasant. There are some things that are pleasant--but not good. Unity is both! d. "Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace..." B. Division: 1. ...indicates false doctrine. a. Not following standard or changed the standard. b. Paul's warning: II Timothy 4:3-4. 2. ...has different standards a. Cannot(or will not) agree. b. Some are even delighted over it. c. Some always seeking someone to follow this own personal standards. d. Corinth illustrates: I Corinthians 1:12. 3. ...promotes selfish ambitions. a. Desire to have own way rather than the Lord's way. b. Note: I Corinthians 3:1-3. 4. ...Causes dissension. a. Plea of Abraham: Genesis 13:8. b. No one wants to be a part of a group where discord prevails. c. Note: Titus 3:8-11. 5. ...destroys spiritual growth and progress. a. Division is bad and hateful. b. Strife takes energies that should be used in building. c. No family can reach its potential with it. d. No church as effective when it is present. e. Consider the conditions of Israelites at times(even Saul vs. David). C. Those who refuse to follow and practice the truth force division upon disciples. 1. Even Christ pointed out he came not to bring peace--but a sword. 2. Be aware of Romans 16:17-18. III. Conclusion. A. Where Jehovah's blessings were found under O.T. B. Where God's blessings are found today.-jy