Message Notes and Group Study Guide
Date: February 22-23, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Series: Ascent
Message: #8 - Ascend for Unity
Scripture
1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore. —Psalm 133:1-3 (NIV)1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who is the Maker of heaven and earth. —Psalm 134:1-3 (NIV)1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. —John 17:1-5 (NIV)
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. —Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)
Notes
Why is Unity Good?
- Psalm 133:1-3, John 17:3
- Psalm 133:1-3, John 17:3
What is Unity?
- Shared Goal/Purpose
- Encouragement
- Support
- Accountability
How do you get Unity?
- Worship
- Commit to a
- Stop
- Outdo One Another with
- Worship
Study Guide
Step One: Icebreaker (Optional)
As you consider your life in this current season, what might you say is your greatest need right now? If you can’t think of a specific need – what is something you want in this season of life.
Step Two: Prayer and Scripture Reading
Ask someone in your group to pray to open your time together. Ask another person to read Psalm 133-134.
Step Three: Discuss
- Weekend Message: What was most challenging, encouraging, confusing, or stood out most to you?
- Unity in Diversity: Psalm 133 begins with the idea of how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. What are some of the signs that a community is united? How can we cultivate unity in a community where there are so many people from different backgrounds and experiences?
- Blessing of Unity: In verse 3, it mentions that unity brings God’s blessing. What are some specific blessings or benefits you have experienced from being a part of a unified community? How might this impact those outside the faith?
- Challenges to Unity: What are some common challenges that can disrupt unity among believers? How can we address these challenges constructively in our groups?
- Unity Through Worship: Psalm 134 encourages lifting our hands in worship to God. How does worship influence unity between people? What are some ways we can encourage one another to engage in worship?
- Community Ascent: What role does community play in our spiritual journey? In what ways is being involved in community essential? How can we as a group be more unified as we journey toward God and his will for our lives?
Step Four: Close in Prayer
Ask someone in your group to close in prayer, focusing on specific requests for people to find and follow Jesus.