Embracing Intergenerational Unity in Our Church Community

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Intergenerational Diversity

Our church is a tapestry of different ages, preferences, and backgrounds, much like a large family gathering. This diversity can sometimes lead to tension, but it is also our strength. Embracing this intergenerational mix allows us to reflect the full image of God, who designed His church to be filled with people of all ages and stages of faith. By valuing each person’s unique contribution, we can create a community that mirrors the diversity and unity of God's kingdom. This means actively seeking to understand and appreciate the perspectives of those who are different from us, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included. [23:47]

Romans 12:4-5 (ESV): "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church who is from a different generation than you. How can you reach out to them this week to learn from their experiences and perspectives?

Day 2: Serve in Humility

Paul urges those who are strong in faith to bear the weaknesses of the weak, not by lording over them but by serving them in humility. This mirrors Jesus' life of self-sacrifice and calls us to prioritize the needs and spiritual growth of others over our own preferences. Serving in humility means putting others first, just as Jesus did, and being willing to sacrifice our own comfort for the sake of others. It’s about seeing the value in every person and recognizing that we are all on a journey of faith together. [33:21]

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: Identify one way you can serve someone in your church community this week, especially someone who may be struggling in their faith. How can you prioritize their needs over your own?

Day 3: Root in Scripture

The Bible is our guide in navigating the tensions that arise from our diverse community. It provides the wisdom and encouragement needed to maintain unity. By adhering to biblical principles, we can transform our church into a unified body that glorifies God. Scripture helps us to see beyond our differences and focus on the common goal of glorifying God. It reminds us of the bigger picture and the ultimate purpose of our community. [39:34]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: Spend time reading a passage of Scripture that speaks to unity and community. How can you apply its teachings to help foster unity in your church?

Day 4: Unity as a Testimony

Our unity is a powerful witness to the world. When we come together despite our differences, we show a glimpse of God's kingdom. This unity demonstrates the love, grace, and forgiveness that are the essence of who we are as followers of Jesus. It’s not just about getting along; it’s about showing the world the transformative power of the gospel. Our unity can be a beacon of hope and a testament to the reconciling work of Christ. [44:30]

John 17:20-21 (ESV): "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you witnessed unity in your church. How did it impact you and others? What steps can you take to promote unity in your community?

Day 5: Practical Steps for Unity

Embracing the preferences of people different from us and being willing to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of unity are practical steps we can take. Our small groups and church activities should reflect this intergenerational mix, allowing us to learn from and support one another. By doing so, we create a vibrant, unified community that glorifies God. It’s about making intentional choices to include and value everyone, even when it means stepping out of our comfort zones. [55:52]

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: What is one practical step you can take this week to embrace and support someone from a different generation in your church? How can you make them feel valued and included?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we are diving into the topic of community, particularly focusing on the intergenerational nature of our church. Just like a large family gathering, our church is a mix of different ages, preferences, and backgrounds, which can sometimes lead to tension. However, this diversity is also our strength. We are called to be a community that reflects the image of God, which includes people of all ages and stages of faith.

In Romans 15, Paul addresses a diverse and divided community, urging the strong in faith to bear the weaknesses of the weak. This is not about lording over others but about serving them in humility, just as Jesus did. Jesus' life was marked by self-sacrifice, and we are called to follow His example. This means prioritizing the needs and spiritual growth of others over our own preferences.

Paul also emphasizes the importance of Scripture in guiding us through these tensions. The Bible provides the wisdom and encouragement we need to maintain unity. By rooting ourselves in Scripture, we can transform our church into a unified body that glorifies God.

Our unity is not just for our benefit; it is a testimony to the power of the gospel. When we come together despite our differences, we show the world a glimpse of God's kingdom. This unity is a transformative witness that demonstrates the love, grace, and forgiveness that are the essence of who we are as followers of Jesus.

Paul's prayer in Romans 15:5-6 is that God would grant us the endurance and encouragement to live in harmony with one another. This harmony is not something we create on our own; it comes from God. When we seek the good of others and prioritize their needs, we create a church that truly reflects the heart of Jesus.

In practical terms, this means embracing the preferences of people different from us and being willing to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of unity. Our small groups and church activities should reflect this intergenerational mix, allowing us to learn from and support one another. By doing so, we create a vibrant, unified community that glorifies God.

###

Key Takeaways

1. sacrifice and calls us to prioritize the needs and spiritual growth of others over our own preferences. [33:21]
3. Root in Scripture: The Bible is our guide in navigating the tensions that arise from our diverse community. It provides the wisdom and encouragement needed to maintain unity. By adhering to biblical principles, we can transform our church into a unified body that glorifies God.

4. Unity as a Testimony: Our unity is a powerful witness to the world. When we come together despite our differences, we show a glimpse of God's kingdom. This unity demonstrates the love, grace, and forgiveness that are the essence of who we are as followers of Jesus.

5. Practical Steps for Unity: Embracing the preferences of people different from us and being willing to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of unity are practical steps we can take. Our small groups and church activities should reflect this intergenerational mix, allowing us to learn from and support one another.

### [33:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:06] - Introduction to Community and Worship
[23:47] - Family Gatherings and Church Similarities
[24:44] - Challenges of Intergenerational Gatherings
[26:32] - Worship Preferences and Deeper Frustrations
[27:13] - The Dangers of Catering to One Group
[28:42] - The Importance of Diverse Church Communities
[30:24] - Acts 2:17 and the Outpouring of the Spirit
[31:58] - Romans 15:1 and Bearing Weaknesses
[33:21] - The Obligation of the Strong
[35:01] - Pleasing Others for Their Good
[36:37] - Jesus as the Ultimate Example
[38:13] - Practical Application of Jesus' Teachings
[39:34] - The Role of Scripture in Unity
[40:57] - Prioritizing God's Glory Over Personal Preferences
[42:36] - Paul's Prayer for Harmony
[44:30] - Unity as a Transformative Witness
[46:03] - Welcoming One Another as Jesus Did
[47:12] - The Challenge of Being an Intergenerational Church
[48:23] - The Importance of Not Dividing by Preferences
[49:46] - The Kids Table Analogy
[50:37] - The Shift in Youth Ministry
[51:50] - The Need for Intergenerational Worship
[53:24] - Pursuing Unity Despite Discomfort
[55:52] - Embracing Different Preferences
[57:31] - The Importance of Diverse Small Groups
[59:14] - Upcoming Intergenerational Events
[60:29] - Encouraging Intergenerational Relationships
[61:48] - The Value of Youth and Experience Together
[63:17] - A Story of Intergenerational Unity
[66:31] - The Call to Radical Unity
[68:11] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Romans 15:1-2, what is the responsibility of those who are strong in faith towards those who are weak?
In Romans 15:5-6, what does Paul pray for the believers in terms of their relationships with one another?
How does Acts 2:17 describe the outpouring of the Spirit on different generations? What does this imply about the nature of the church community?
What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon that arise from being an intergenerational church? [24:44]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the need for the strong to bear the weaknesses of the weak in Romans 15:1-2? How does this reflect Jesus' example? [33:21]
How can rooting ourselves in Scripture help us navigate the tensions that arise from our diverse community, as mentioned in the sermon? [39:34]
What does it mean for our unity to be a testimony to the world, as discussed in the sermon? How does this demonstrate the power of the gospel? [44:30]
How can embracing the preferences of people different from us and being willing to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of unity transform our church community? [55:52]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you prioritized your own preferences over the needs of others in the church. How can you change your approach to better serve and support your church community? [33:21]
How can you actively root yourself in Scripture to gain wisdom and encouragement for maintaining unity in our diverse church family? What specific steps can you take this week? [39:34]
Think about a person in your church who has different preferences or comes from a different generation. How can you intentionally build a relationship with them to foster unity? [44:30]
What practical steps can you take to embrace discomfort for the sake of unity in your small group or church activities? How can this reflect the heart of Jesus? [55:52]
How can you contribute to making your small group a place where intergenerational relationships are nurtured and valued? What specific actions can you take to support this goal? [57:31]
Reflect on the idea that a healthy church makes everyone a little bit uncomfortable. How can you embrace this discomfort as a sign of growth and unity in your faith journey? [55:52]
How can you advocate for the preferences and needs of others in your church, especially those who may feel overlooked or marginalized? What specific actions can you take to ensure their voices are heard? [38:13]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The truth is we loved being together. It wasn't always easy. It is not always easy. But it is important. And just like those family gatherings, our church family also has its challenges in trying to meet the needs of an eight-month-old and an 80-something-year-old. And everything in between." [25:36] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God designed his church to be diverse. God designed his church to be filled with the young and the old, new believers and faithful saints from every place. And so, when we hang out with people who are just like us, when we're not spending too much time on our phones, we're not background, all reflecting his image." [30:24] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When we, despite our differences, come together in unity, our worship is amplified and God's glory is magnified. The truth is that churches that cater to a single generation, they cannot fulfill this picture that God longs for. They don't have it in their because they are all just one generation." [44:30] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Our unity in Jesus is far more important than our individual comfort. We have to follow Jesus's example. Just as Jesus didn't live to please himself, we too must prioritize the needs and spiritual growth of others." [55:52] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Imagine if we were a church where everyone seeks to please their neighbor, bearing weaknesses and forgiving faults. Imagine if we were a church where those who don't like the loud music advocate for it all the more. Because they know it's meaningful to their brothers and sisters." [38:13] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The strong have to bear the weaknesses of others. Those wrestling with doubts and struggles, those not as strong. The strong are to actively support and uplift the weak just like Jesus did. Remember, Jesus's life was marked by self-sacrifice for the sake of others. He bore our weaknesses, on the cross." [33:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "By pleasing our neighbor for their good, we lay the groundwork for a church that truly reflects the heart of Jesus. This is how we move from a place of tension to a place of harmony, from division to unity. To a beautiful symphony of diverse voices united in praise of God." [35:01] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need to embrace the Bible's teachings to overcome our tensions and to reflect Christ's love and unity. By doing so, we're going to move from a collection of individuals with our own preferences into a united, vibrant community that demonstrates the power of the gospel." [40:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "A healthy church is going to be a church where everybody is a little bit uncomfortable for the glory of God for the sake of unity." [01:07:50] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We are called to put aside our personal desires and focus on the greater good of the church, to serve one another as Jesus served us. We are called to bear with one another, to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved, for God's glory." [40:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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