The unity of God’s people is extremely important to God.
When unity breaks down in the Church, problems happen everywhere else.
Paul commands followers of Jesus to make every effort to keep the unity.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. —Ephesians 4:1-3
The Heavenly Father longs for his people to dwell together in unity.
Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! —Psalm 133:1 NASB
Jesus is at the center of the unity God desires for us.
And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. —Revelation 5:9
God’s people are powerful when we are gathered together — worshiping and serving the One True King in unity.
- We desperately need each other.
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. —Romans 12:4-5 NLT
- We can do infinitely more together.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them.
—Acts 4:32-34
The world will see God’s love.
…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one…23 so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. —John 17:20-21, 23
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
God made us unique and different. We come from various cultures and have backgrounds, experiences, opinions… It’s a beautiful thing, but it also makes it hard for God’s people to live in unity. There is something extremely important to God about the unity of his people. When Jesus is at the center of our unity, the church is powerful to show the world the love of God. That must be why the apostle Paul said that we must make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:1-3; Psalm 133:1; Rev 5:9; Romans 12:4-5; Acts 4:32-34; John 17:20-23
Discussion questions:
- Want to take your next step in your faith? The next Water Baptism is Sunday, November 3. You can register and receive more information on the app.
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- Read Ephesians 4:1-3 and Psalm 133:1. Why do you think the unity of God’s people is so important to God?
- Read Revelation 5:9. How well does your circle of relationships reflect the diverse beauty of the body of Christ? What steps can you take to enlarge your circle and learn from different cultures and perspectives?
- Read Romans 12:4-5. How is there strength in our differences? How does a united church with diverse people and giftings display God’s power to the world? What do you see as your part to play in the body of Christ to help carry out God’s mission for the Church?
- Read John 17:20-21, 23. Our world is tired of hearing about the love of Jesus. They need to see it. How does our unity around Christ display that God sent Jesus to reach a lost and broken world?
Take a Step
- If there is someone in the community of believers with whom you have a strained relationship, what step can you take this week toward unity?
Here’s My Prayer
Father, thank You that no matter how divided the world may be, we can show the world Your power as Christians through a united church. May my life reflect Your love as I work to protect the unity of Your body, the church. In Jesus’ name, amen.