Building Unity Through Faith and Humility
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the faithfulness and goodness of God. We began by expressing our gratitude for His protection, love, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We acknowledged that God holds and sustains us, and we cast our burdens and anxieties upon Him, knowing that He is faithful. We praised God for His steadfast love and mercy, and we committed to keeping Him first in our lives.
We delved into the importance of not allowing anything to take God's place in our lives. Drawing from the stories of the kings in the Bible, we noted how they often failed to remove high places of idol worship, and we related this to our own lives where we might place careers, relationships, or other priorities before God. We emphasized the need for constant evaluation to ensure God remains our top priority.
We highlighted the story of King Josiah, who not only tore down idols but destroyed them completely, ensuring they could not be rebuilt. This serves as a powerful reminder to eliminate anything that competes with God for our devotion. We committed to keeping God in His rightful place and to daily acknowledge, trust, and lean on Him.
We introduced our new series, "Brick by Brick," focusing on the theme of building unity within the body of Christ. Using the analogy of Legos, we illustrated how individual pieces, though distinct, come together to create something beautiful. We emphasized that unity does not erase individuality but enhances it, and that each member of the body of Christ plays a crucial role.
We explored the importance of humility, gentleness, patience, and endurance in fostering unity. We noted that Jesus prayed for our unity, and that our unity preaches Jesus to the world. We each have a responsibility to bring unity, and this requires intentional effort and a willingness to adjust our steps to walk together.
In conclusion, we challenged ourselves to ask God what we can do differently to strive for unity. We prayed for God to work in us, to remove pride, and to help us walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and love. We committed to being eager to maintain unity, knowing that it is through our unity that the world will see Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Faithfulness and Our Response: We must continually recognize and thank God for His faithfulness, protection, and love. By casting our burdens and anxieties upon Him, we acknowledge His sustaining power and commit to praising Him regardless of our circumstances. This act of surrender and praise keeps us grounded in His steadfast love. [36:28]
2. Eliminating Idols in Our Lives: Just as the kings in the Bible struggled with idol worship, we too must be vigilant in identifying and removing anything that takes precedence over God in our lives. This requires a constant evaluation and a commitment to keeping God first, ensuring that nothing competes with our devotion to Him. [40:47]
3. Unity in the Body of Christ: Unity does not mean uniformity; it means coming together with our unique gifts and backgrounds to build something greater. Each member of the body of Christ is essential, and our collective unity preaches Jesus to the world. We must strive to maintain this unity through humility, gentleness, patience, and love. [51:40]
4. The Role of Humility and Gentleness: To foster unity, we need to walk in humility, recognizing that we do not have it all figured out and allowing others to take precedence. Gentleness, or meekness, involves exercising power under control, knowing when to apply pressure and when to hold back, to avoid breaking the unity we are called to maintain. [53:30]
5. Patience and Endurance in Love: Building unity requires patience and the willingness to endure differences. We must put up with each other’s quirks and imperfections, focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. This endurance in love is crucial for maintaining the unity that Jesus prayed for and that we are called to embody. [01:13:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:28] - Casting Our Burdens on God
[38:59] - God's Faithfulness in Our Lives
[40:47] - Removing Idols from Our Lives
[42:40] - The Example of King Josiah
[44:06] - Daily Acknowledging and Trusting God
[45:50] - Introduction to "Brick by Brick" Series
[47:20] - The Analogy of Legos and Unity
[48:41] - The Importance of Unity in the Body of Christ
[50:16] - Following God's Instructions for Unity
[51:40] - Many Members, One Body
[53:30] - Humility and Gentleness in Unity
[55:27] - Jesus' Prayer for Our Unity
[57:16] - Unity Preaches Jesus
[58:43] - Our Responsibility to Bring Unity
[01:00:25] - Unity in Every Area of Life
[01:01:58] - The Importance of Every Member
[01:03:19] - Adjusting Our Steps for Unity
[01:06:52] - The Role of Humility, Gentleness, Patience, and Endurance
[01:13:49] - Enduring in Love for Unity
[01:15:38] - The Impact of Division
[01:17:12] - Striving for Unity in All Relationships
[01:19:00] - Eagerness to Maintain Unity
[01:22:19] - The Challenge to Strive for Unity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NKJV)
> "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many."
2. John 17:20-23 (NKJV)
> "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
3. Ephesians 4:1-6 (NKJV)
> "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 say about the unity and diversity within the body of Christ?
2. According to John 17:20-23, what was Jesus' prayer for future believers?
3. In Ephesians 4:1-6, what qualities does Paul say are necessary to maintain unity in the body of Christ?
4. How did King Josiah ensure that idols could not be rebuilt in his kingdom? ([42:40])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus prayed for unity among future believers in John 17:20-23? How does this prayer relate to our current church community?
2. How does the analogy of Legos used in the sermon help us understand the concept of unity in the body of Christ? ([48:41])
3. What does it mean to "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" as stated in Ephesians 4:3? How can this be practically applied in our church?
4. How can the story of King Josiah's destruction of idols be applied to our personal lives in terms of removing anything that competes with our devotion to God? ([42:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: Are there any "idols" (e.g., career, relationships) that you have placed before God? How can you begin to remove these idols to keep God first? ([40:47])
2. Jesus prayed for our unity. What steps can you take this week to foster unity within your small group or church community? ([55:27])
3. Think of a situation where you struggled to walk in humility, gentleness, or patience. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to promote unity? ([01:06:52])
4. Identify a relationship in your life where there is division. What practical steps can you take to bring about reconciliation and unity in that relationship? ([01:17:12])
5. How can you be more intentional in adjusting your steps to walk in unity with others, especially those who are different from you? ([01:20:21])
6. In what ways can you be eager to maintain unity in your church or community? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this eagerness? ([01:22:19])
7. Consider the qualities listed in Ephesians 4:2-3 (lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, bearing with one another in love). Which of these qualities do you find most challenging, and how can you work on developing it this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Sustaining Power
Description: We must continually recognize and thank God for His faithfulness, protection, and love. By casting our burdens and anxieties upon Him, we acknowledge His sustaining power and commit to praising Him regardless of our circumstances. This act of surrender and praise keeps us grounded in His steadfast love. When we face life's challenges, it is easy to become overwhelmed and forget that God is in control. However, by intentionally casting our burdens on Him, we demonstrate our trust in His ability to sustain us.
In our daily lives, we can practice this by starting each day with a moment of gratitude, acknowledging God's presence and thanking Him for His faithfulness. This simple act can transform our perspective, reminding us that we are not alone and that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us. [36:28]
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: What specific burdens or anxieties are you carrying today? Take a moment to cast them upon God and thank Him for His sustaining power.
Day 2: Removing Idols from Our Lives
Description: Just as the kings in the Bible struggled with idol worship, we too must be vigilant in identifying and removing anything that takes precedence over God in our lives. This requires a constant evaluation and a commitment to keeping God first, ensuring that nothing competes with our devotion to Him. In our modern context, idols can take many forms, such as careers, relationships, or material possessions. These things, while not inherently bad, can become problematic when they overshadow our relationship with God.
To address this, we must regularly examine our priorities and ask ourselves if there is anything that we are placing above God. By doing so, we can take intentional steps to remove these idols and refocus our hearts on Him. This might involve setting boundaries, making sacrifices, or seeking accountability from others. [40:47]
2 Kings 23:24 (ESV): "Moreover, Josiah put away the mediums and the necromancers and the household gods and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might establish the words of the law that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the Lord."
Reflection: What is one thing in your life that might be competing with your devotion to God? How can you take a step today to remove or reprioritize it?
Day 3: Embracing Unity in the Body of Christ
Description: Unity does not mean uniformity; it means coming together with our unique gifts and backgrounds to build something greater. Each member of the body of Christ is essential, and our collective unity preaches Jesus to the world. We must strive to maintain this unity through humility, gentleness, patience, and love. In a diverse community, it is natural to encounter differences, but these differences should not divide us. Instead, they should enhance our collective strength and witness.
By embracing our unique roles and working together, we can create a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. This requires intentional effort and a willingness to adjust our steps to walk together in harmony. When we prioritize unity, we reflect the heart of Jesus and demonstrate His love to the world. [51:40]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community today? What specific action can you take to foster a spirit of togetherness?
Day 4: Walking in Humility and Gentleness
Description: To foster unity, we need to walk in humility, recognizing that we do not have it all figured out and allowing others to take precedence. Gentleness, or meekness, involves exercising power under control, knowing when to apply pressure and when to hold back, to avoid breaking the unity we are called to maintain. Humility and gentleness are essential qualities for building strong relationships and creating a supportive community.
When we approach others with humility, we acknowledge our own limitations and create space for others to share their perspectives and gifts. Gentleness allows us to navigate conflicts and differences with grace, ensuring that our interactions build up rather than tear down. By embodying these qualities, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. [53:30]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to practice more humility and gentleness? How can you intentionally embody these qualities in your interactions today?
Day 5: Enduring in Love for Unity
Description: Building unity requires patience and the willingness to endure differences. We must put up with each other’s quirks and imperfections, focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. This endurance in love is crucial for maintaining the unity that Jesus prayed for and that we are called to embody. In any community, there will be challenges and conflicts, but our commitment to love and unity must remain steadfast.
Enduring in love means choosing to see the best in others, extending grace, and being willing to work through difficulties together. It requires a long-term perspective, recognizing that unity is a journey that involves ongoing effort and dedication. By committing to this path, we can create a community that reflects the love and unity of Christ. [01:13:49]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where you need to practice more patience and endurance. How can you show love and commitment to unity in that relationship today?
Quotes
1. "We serve and we praise a good holy and faithful god and no matter what you're going on in or around us, God remains faithful. Listen, God remains faithful. James Wright, even when we were faithless, you were faithful. We were singing a few moments ago saying, there is no other God before you. There is no one like you. You are Yahweh." [38:59] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's a daily choice to keep God in the place that he's supposed to be in your life. And it is a constant evaluating of where do I have God positioned? It's a constant evaluation. Listen, for myself, it is a constant evaluation. God's got to be number one because we can so easily revert back to what we knew, to what we were comfortable with, to the old thought pattern." [42:40] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We exist to get people to a place where they will acknowledge, trust, and lean on God daily. Can you say daily this morning? Daily. If you're online, type it in the comment, daily. Daily. D-A-I-L-Y. Daily. We need him every single day to acknowledge him, to trust him, to lean on him. And that's part of what keeps us grounded in the Lord, that we are daily pursuing him, daily chasing after him." [44:06] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are under construction. Every single one of us as believers are under construction and we will always be under construction. It's why I love what Paul writes when he says, it's not that I've already attained it, but I press on. And none of us will attain perfection. We are always growing and we're always developing and we're always supposed to allow God to work in us." [45:50] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Individual bricks are nothing until they are placed with others. And the enemy knows that there is power when we link our bricks together, and so he tries to bring division and so discord because if we're separate, there's no power. And one of the biggest issues that we see in the body of Christ is division, is the lack of unity." [53:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus prayed for us to be one, to come into an interlocking relationship, to be unified, to be one. Do you know why the enemy wants us not to be one and wants us to be individual bricks all around the world and separate from each other? Because of this. Unity preaches Jesus. Unity preaches Jesus. Our unity will preach Jesus." [55:27] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "To walk in unity, we need humility. He says it in verse number two, with all lowliness. Two weeks ago, we talked about the fight or the struggle between pride and humility. It's an ongoing battle. And what does it mean to be humble? It's to put yourself low and allow something else to take place. What happens when you and I don't allow pride to be quenched? And we have to be right." [01:08:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "To walk in unity, we need gentleness. Gentleness. The word gentleness is the same word that can also be translated as meekness. And what does it be to be meek? It means power under control. Power under control. Strength and knowing when to apply it or not." [01:10:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "To walk in unity, we need to endure in love. Endure. In other words, we've got to put up with each other. I know that doesn't sound fun. We've got to tolerate our differences, not sin. We don't tolerate sin. We tolerate our differences." [01:13:49] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "As God is working in each and every one of us and we're allowing him to work, there's a moment in time where we've got to allow for him to do what he wants of putting us all together. So that when the world sees us, says, wow, they're together. They're in unison." [01:24:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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