Sermon Recap
In his letter to the Ephesian church the Apostle Paul pleads with the Church to live a life worthy of our calling. Our calling to be disciples who go into the world and make more disciples of Jesus, the witnesses that will testify to the Good News of the Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul then tells us exactly how to do that. Step 1, get along with other believers. Be unified by the Savior and the Spirit that connects us all to one another. However, if we are to truly set our lives to the rhythm of unity there are things we must understand about unity.
Unity is NOT uniformity. God intended for us to be one, not the same. Unity tells us that we are better together, even in our differences. Therefore, we should make allowances for each other rather than cause division. In so many ways the church is failing at unity because we often demand uniformity rather than desiring unity.
Unity is unachievable by human effort. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit, who binds us together, can true unity occur. Biblical unity is unachievable in the natural. But more than possible when God’s people are sourced by His Spirit.
Unity is not optional. According to the Apostle Paul it is the very first thing that makes us worthy of our callings in Christ. It is not an optional add on to our faith, but rather essential for the Church of Jesus Christ to thrive.
Pride kills unity. When our faith journey is more about us than it is about Jesus our pride is a threat to unity in the church.
Scripture is so clear, God hates disunity. His desire is for His people to be one not the same. The rhythm of unity, when adopted, puts just on full display in our lives like few other things can. This is why it is the very first attribute that Paul attaches to those who are living lives worthy of their calling as disciples of Jesus.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
When you read through the passage in Acts what are some of the things that you notice about the early church? How do you believe these attributes impacted the success of the spread of the Gospel?
Why do you think the Apostle Paul puts such a strong emphasis on unity in his letter to the Ephesians?
Think about how you perceive brothers and sisters in Christ who operate from a different theological framework or belong to different denominations than you. Do your preferences and opinions affect what you think of them or how you speak about them? Do you regard sameness as more important than oneness? Why or why not?
Read the passage on John 17. Does Jesus promote sameness or oneness in His prayer? What are the reasons for this specific prayer?
How have you struggled with or thrived in the area of unity in the church? Why do you believe God desires this for His children?
Prayer
In your prayer time this week as the Holy Spirit to search and know you. To reveal any areas of your heart that might harbor ill feelings toward another believer. Ask God to allow you to see those people as He does. To give you an increased capacity for unity so that the Church of Jesus Christ might thrive.
Life Application
Spend time reflecting. Ask yourself some hard questions; has a spirit of offense led me to hold animosity toward others in the church? Do I see my theology as superior, making me better than other believers? Are my opinions and preferences more important than what is pleasing to God?
Out of this time of self-reflection spend time in prayer. Confess what needs to be confessed and surrender your thoughts, attitudes, and actions to the authority of the Holy Spirit so that you might be an agent of unity in the Church.
Don’t Forget!
Join us for our family Christmas services Sunday December 17th
Christmas Eve services at 9:00am and 11:00am
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