Discipleship: Embracing Unity and Justice in Christ
Summary
In a discourse on the Christian life, the focus is placed on the importance of discipleship and restoration in becoming the full person that God calls individuals to be. It is understood that a true following of Jesus will have a profound impact on one's relationships, extending beyond personal spheres such as marriage and parenting to encompass neighborhoods, cities, and the world. This holistic approach to faith acknowledges that spiritual well-being has social implications.
The message emphasizes that prejudice is a denial of the gospel and is inherently sinful. The directive from Jesus to make disciples of all nations is a call for ethnic reconciliation, which is an intrinsic part of biblical discipleship. The Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel shows nations scattered, but the New Testament event of Pentecost demonstrates a gathering of nations, symbolizing the unity brought by Jesus, who is described as a family maker and barrier breaker.
The discussion moves to the Apostle Paul's teachings, particularly in Ephesians, where he transitions from discussing grace and salvation to addressing race and reconciliation. Paul's message is that Jesus is our peace, breaking down the barriers of hostility and creating one new humanity. This unity is not just a spiritual concept but has tangible social implications, as seen in the early church's multiethnic composition.
The narrative of Moses marrying a black woman and the reaction of Miriam, who was struck with leprosy, is used to illustrate that God cares about justice and the fair treatment of people. The silence of good people in the face of injustice is highlighted as a significant problem, with a call to action for individuals to confront prejudice and promote justice.
The vision presented is one of a diverse kingdom, as seen in the book of Revelation, where people from every tribe, language, people, and nation are united. This vision is not just for the future but is something to strive for in the present, with the church leading the way in demonstrating a multiethnic family.
The message concludes with practical applications, encouraging individuals to join groups and build relationships, embrace diversity, and confront prejudice. The overarching theme is that Jesus, as the family maker and barrier breaker, is the ultimate solution to racism and division, calling for a church that reflects this unity and diversity.
Key Takeaways:
- True discipleship extends beyond personal and familial relationships to influence broader social contexts, including our neighborhoods and global communities. The teachings of Jesus compel individuals to consider the social implications of their faith, challenging them to act justly and love mercy in all areas of life. This holistic approach to faith is not just about personal salvation but about actively participating in the restoration of the world. [33:22]
- Prejudice is fundamentally at odds with the gospel message, which calls for the inclusion of all people. The Great Commission to make disciples of all nations inherently demands ethnic reconciliation. This understanding requires believers to actively work against racism and to build bridges across cultural divides, reflecting the unity and diversity of God's kingdom. [33:56]
- The early church serves as a model for a multiethnic community, demonstrating that the church was the first organization to intentionally bring together people from various classes, cultures, and backgrounds. This historical precedent sets a standard for modern churches to emulate, striving to be a reflection of the heavenly kingdom on earth. [27:11]
- Personal transformation through Jesus is essential for addressing societal issues such as racism. The biblical narrative shows that God's plan for redemption includes not only individual salvation but also the reconciliation of all people. This transformation, from a 'racist' to a 'gracest', is a powerful testament to the life-changing power of the gospel. [24:37]
- The church is called to lead by example in promoting a multiethnic, multinational, and multicolored family. This vision aligns with the biblical portrayal of heaven, where every nation, tribe, people, and language are united in worship. Believers are encouraged to live out this vision in the present, demonstrating the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. [37:05]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 12:1-3 - "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'"
2. Galatians 3:26-28 - "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
3. Ephesians 2:14-16 - "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility."
#### Observation Questions
1. What promise did God make to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3, and how does it relate to the concept of a family in the sermon? ([05:08])
2. According to Galatians 3:26-28, what happens to our individual identities when we are in Christ? ([13:37])
3. In Ephesians 2:14-16, what does Paul say Jesus accomplished regarding the barriers between different groups of people? ([24:37])
4. How does the sermon describe the early church's approach to ethnic and social diversity? ([27:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3 set the stage for the idea of a multiethnic family in the New Testament? ([05:08])
2. What does it mean for believers to be "one in Christ Jesus" according to Galatians 3:26-28, and how should this impact our view of racial and social distinctions? ([13:37])
3. How does Ephesians 2:14-16 illustrate the role of Jesus in breaking down social and ethnic barriers? What practical implications does this have for the church today? ([24:37])
4. The sermon mentions that the early church was the first multiethnic organization. How does this historical context challenge modern churches to reflect the unity and diversity of God's kingdom? ([27:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own relationships. Are there any barriers, whether racial, social, or cultural, that you need to address to better reflect the unity in Christ described in Galatians 3:26-28? How can you start breaking down these barriers this week? ([13:37])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of joining groups and building relationships. Are you currently part of a small group or community within the church? If not, what steps can you take to join one and build meaningful connections? ([35:15])
3. How can you actively work against prejudice in your daily life, as the sermon suggests? Identify one specific action you can take this week to promote justice and confront prejudice in your community. ([33:56])
4. The vision of a diverse kingdom is something to strive for in the present. What practical steps can your small group take to embrace and celebrate diversity within your church and community? ([37:05])
5. Think about someone in your life who is different from you in terms of race, culture, or background. How can you reach out to them and build a relationship that reflects the unity and diversity of God's kingdom? ([38:51])
6. The sermon calls for the church to lead by example in promoting a multiethnic family. How can you personally contribute to making your church a place where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued? ([27:11])
7. Reflect on the story of Moses marrying a black woman and the reaction of Miriam. How does this story challenge you to think about justice and the fair treatment of people in your own context? ([41:05])
Devotional
Day 1: Discipleship Beyond Boundaries
Discipleship calls for a life that reaches out to the broader society, impacting not just personal relationships but also the community at large. It's about living out one's faith in a way that seeks justice and mercy in every interaction, whether close to home or across the globe. This approach to faith is about active engagement in the world's restoration, as envisioned by God. [33:22]
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Reflection: How can you actively seek justice and show mercy in your community this week?
Day 2: Gospel Against Prejudice
The gospel stands in direct opposition to prejudice, calling for the inclusion and discipleship of all nations. As followers of Christ, there is a responsibility to confront racism and work towards reconciliation, reflecting the unity and diversity intended by God. This is a proactive stance, requiring intentional actions to bridge cultural divides. [33:56]
Galatians 3:28 - "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What steps can you take to actively dismantle prejudice in your own heart and in your community?
Day 3: Church as a Multiethnic Model
The early church exemplifies a multiethnic community, bringing together diverse individuals in a unified body. This historical model challenges modern churches to reflect the same diversity, striving to be a foretaste of the heavenly kingdom on earth. It's a call to embrace and celebrate the various backgrounds and cultures within the church. [27:11]
Ephesians 2:14-15 - "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations."
Reflection: How does your church community reflect the diversity of God's kingdom, and what can you do to foster even greater inclusivity?
Day 4: Transformation Through Jesus
Personal transformation through Jesus is key to addressing societal issues like racism. The biblical narrative of redemption includes the reconciliation of all people, moving from exclusion to inclusion, from prejudice to grace. This change is a testament to the gospel's power to transform lives. [24:37]
Colossians 3:11 - "Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."
Reflection: In what ways can you embody the transformation from 'racist' to 'gracest' in your daily interactions?
Day 5: Leading with a Multiethnic Vision
The church is called to lead by example, promoting a multiethnic, multinational, and multicolored family. This vision is not just for the future but is meant to be lived out in the present, demonstrating the unity and diversity of God's kingdom here and now. Believers are encouraged to actively participate in this vision, making it a reality in their communities. [37:05]
Revelation 7:9 - "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to help your church reflect the diversity described in Revelation?
Quotes
1) "Prejudice is a denial of the gospel and sinful. When Jesus says in Matthew 28:19 Go Make Disciples of all Nations, ethnic reconciliation is intrinsic to biblical discipleship." [33:56]
2) "The race problem requires a Grace solution. Jesus is our peace. Jesus can turn a racist into a gracest, transforming the heart." [24:37]
3) "The Church of Jesus Christ was the very first multiethnic organization of the world. The church was the first attempt to bring all that together in God's family." [27:11]
4) "Our ultimate identity is in Christ not in class, not in color, and not in culture. Our primary identity is in Jesus because he is the one who pulls us together." [15:00]
5) "We have unity and diversity because our identity in Jesus Christ unites us. We don't all have to be the same, we can celebrate our distinctions without division." [20:07]
6) "Jesus redeemed us in order that the blessings given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so we're all part of one big family." [09:46]
7) "God's heart for reconciliation of all people to him is seen in the passage where all who have faith in Jesus Christ are children of God through faith." [11:01]
8) "The kingdom of God is not all people of the same color or culture. It's people from all different backgrounds coming together, demonstrating the kingdom of God." [37:05]
9) "Jesus is a family maker and a barrier breaker. He breaks down the division between people, offering not only salvation but also reconciliation." [26:30]
10) "We need relationships and God has created for us a huge family called the church. This is wonderful news; we need to focus on this important truth." [11:39]
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