Embracing Unity: Fulfilling Christ's Mission Together

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in the Body of Christ

Unity is essential for the church to function effectively. Just as a soccer team must work together to score goals, the church must be united in its mission. This unity is not about superficial similarities but about sharing the mind of Christ, which enables us to work together for a common purpose. When believers are united, they reflect the love and harmony of the Trinity, providing a powerful testimony to the world about the reality of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity in 1 Corinthians, urging believers to agree, avoid divisions, and be united in mind and purpose. This unity is not about uniformity but about a shared commitment to Christ's mission. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can work together to fulfill our divine purpose and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. [09:31]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you experienced disunity within the church. How can you contribute to fostering unity in that situation today?

Day 2: Resist the Temptation to Quarrel

Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable, but believers are called to resist the temptation to quarrel. Whether it's over personal preferences, leadership styles, or doctrinal differences, we must prioritize unity. This involves having difficult but necessary conversations in love and seeking to understand and reconcile differences. By doing so, we reflect the love and patience of Christ, who calls us to be peacemakers.

The example of Chloe's people in Corinth, who reported divisions based on loyalty to different leaders, serves as a cautionary tale. Paul reminds the church that their allegiance should be to Christ alone, not to any human leader. By focusing on Christ and resisting the urge to quarrel, we can maintain the unity of the church and work together to fulfill our mission. [16:52]

James 1:19-20 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

Reflection: Think of a recent disagreement you had with a fellow believer. How can you approach this person in love and seek reconciliation today?

Day 3: Focus on Christ's Cause

The primary goal of the church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This mission should take precedence over all other concerns. By focusing on Christ's cause, we can avoid distractions and divisions, ensuring that our efforts are directed towards spreading the good news and glorifying God. When the church is united in its mission, it serves as a powerful testimony to the world.

Paul's message to the Corinthians emphasizes the importance of making Christ's cause the one goal. Just as athletes focus on winning their event, Christians must focus on the gospel. This involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for our salvation. By keeping our eyes on Christ, we can work together to fulfill our divine purpose. [32:54]

2 Timothy 2:4 (ESV): "No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him."

Reflection: What distractions are currently hindering you from focusing on Christ's cause? How can you realign your priorities to make the gospel your primary focus today?

Day 4: The Power of the Gospel

The gospel is not reserved for the elite or the most eloquent speakers. Every believer is called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The power of the gospel lies in its message, not in the messenger. This democratizes the mission, allowing every member of the church to participate in spreading the gospel. By recognizing the power of the gospel, we can confidently share it with others, knowing that it is God's message that transforms lives.

Paul's message to the Corinthians highlights the importance of the gospel and its power to save. By focusing on the message rather than the messenger, we can ensure that the gospel is accessible to all and that every believer can participate in the mission of the church. [34:53]

Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Reflection: How can you share the gospel with someone in your life today, trusting in the power of the message rather than your own abilities?

Day 5: Commitment to Unity

Unity requires commitment. This can involve formal commitments, such as church membership, as well as personal commitments to overlook preferences and work towards reconciliation. By committing to unity, we reflect the unity of the Trinity and provide a powerful testimony to the world about the reality of Jesus Christ. This commitment involves actively seeking to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Paul's call for unity in the church emphasizes the importance of being united in mind and purpose. By making a commitment to unity, we can work together to fulfill our divine purpose and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. This commitment requires intentional effort and a willingness to prioritize the mission of the church over personal preferences. [37:50]

Colossians 3:14 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to commit to unity within your church community? How can you actively contribute to fostering a spirit of unity and reconciliation?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Unity is a fundamental aspect of both life and faith. Just as a soccer team must work together to achieve their goal, the body of Christ must strive for unity to fulfill its divine purpose. Drawing from personal experiences and the teachings of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians, the importance of unity within the church is emphasized. Paul urges believers to agree, avoid divisions, and be united in mind and purpose. This unity is not about superficial similarities but about sharing the mind of Christ.

The sermon highlights the necessity of resisting the temptation to quarrel, even when disagreements arise. Whether it's over personal preferences, leadership styles, or doctrinal differences, believers are called to prioritize unity. The example of Chloe's people in Corinth, who reported divisions based on loyalty to different leaders, serves as a cautionary tale. Paul reminds the church that their allegiance should be to Christ alone, not to any human leader.

The ultimate call is to make Christ's cause the one goal. Just as athletes focus on winning their event, Christians must focus on the gospel. This involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for our salvation. The unity of the church serves as a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the reality of Jesus' mission and the truth of the gospel.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Unity in the Body of Christ: Unity is essential for the church to function effectively. Just as a soccer team must work together to score goals, the church must be united in its mission. This unity is not about superficial similarities but about sharing the mind of Christ, which enables us to work together for a common purpose. [09:31]
2. Resist the Temptation to Quarrel: Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable, but believers are called to resist the temptation to quarrel. Whether it's over personal preferences, leadership styles, or doctrinal differences, we must prioritize unity. This involves having difficult but necessary conversations in love and seeking to understand and reconcile differences. [16:52]
3. Focus on Christ's Cause: The primary goal of the church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This mission should take precedence over all other concerns. By focusing on Christ's cause, we can avoid distractions and divisions, ensuring that our efforts are directed towards spreading the good news and glorifying God. [32:54]
4. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel is not reserved for the elite or the most eloquent speakers. Every believer is called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The power of the gospel lies in its message, not in the messenger. This democratizes the mission, allowing every member of the church to participate in spreading the gospel. [34:53]
5. Commitment to Unity: Unity requires commitment. This can involve formal commitments, such as church membership, as well as personal commitments to overlook preferences and work towards reconciliation. By committing to unity, we reflect the unity of the Trinity and provide a powerful testimony to the world about the reality of Jesus Christ. [37:50]
### [37:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - The Importance of Unity in Soccer and Life
[02:12] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[03:16] - Experiences of Disunity
[04:11] - Fighting for Unity in the Church
[05:09] - Prayer for Unity
[05:52] - Paul's Challenge to the Church
[06:33] - Understanding the Value of Unity
[08:04] - 1 Corinthians Chapter 1
[09:31] - Paul's Call for Agreement
[10:12] - The Mind of Christ
[11:45] - Snapping in Unison
[12:36] - Commitment to Unity
[13:36] - Membership Commitments
[15:05] - Jesus' Prayer for Unity
[16:52] - Resisting the Temptation to Quarrel
[19:14] - Chloe's Report of Divisions
[21:46] - Paul's Response to Divisions
[23:29] - The Power of the Gospel
[25:07] - Avoiding the Cult of Personality
[27:04] - Speak the Truth in Love
[29:10] - Overlooking Preferences for Unity
[32:54] - Making Christ's Cause the One Goal
[35:23] - The Gospel as the Central Focus
[37:50] - Taking Steps Towards Unity
[39:52] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 1:10, what does Paul urge the believers to do? How does he emphasize the importance of unity? [09:31]
What specific examples of disunity within the church in Corinth does Paul address in 1 Corinthians 1:12-13? [21:46]
In John 17:20-23, what does Jesus pray for concerning the unity of believers? How does this unity serve as a testimony to the world?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul compare the church to a soccer team in terms of unity? How does this analogy help us understand the importance of working together for a common goal? [01:05]
How does Paul’s instruction to “agree” and “be united in mind and purpose” in 1 Corinthians 1:10 relate to having the mind of Christ mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:16? [10:12]
What does Jesus mean when He prays for believers to be “one” in John 17:21? How does this reflect the relationship between the Father and the Son? [15:05]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced disunity within a church or group. How did it affect your faith and relationships? What steps can you take to promote unity in similar situations? [03:16]
Paul emphasizes the need to resist the temptation to quarrel. Think of a recent disagreement you had with a fellow believer. How could you have handled it differently to prioritize unity? [16:52]
Jesus prayed for the unity of believers as a testimony to the world. How can your small group or church demonstrate this unity to your community? What practical steps can you take to show this unity? [15:42]
The sermon mentioned the importance of focusing on Christ’s cause. Identify one distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on spreading the gospel. How can you minimize this distraction this week? [32:54]
Consider the concept of “speaking the truth in love” when addressing conflicts. Is there someone you need to have a difficult conversation with to resolve a misunderstanding or conflict? How will you approach this conversation? [27:04]
The sermon highlighted the importance of commitment to unity, including formal commitments like church membership. Are you currently committed to a local church? If not, what steps can you take to make that commitment? [12:36]
Reflect on the power of the gospel and your role in sharing it. How can you actively participate in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ in your daily life? [34:53]

Sermon Clips

1. "But I would say it's even more important to have unity within the body of Christ. I've had some experiences in my life where I've seen some of the people in the, in the body of Christ, not being unified. Just on Friday, we had a wonderful business meeting, coming together to share what's going on within the church. And I can remember back a number of years ago, it's probably been a couple decades at this point, but I remember being a part of business meetings at a church where people were standing up and shouting at someone and saying, hey, that's not what I want to do." [02:12] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Unity is critical in the body of Christ. And we're to be unified, not in wearing the same color clothes every Sunday. We're to be unified, not in driving the same kind of car. He has something very specific in mind. He asks that we be united. United in the same mind and the same judgment. Or another translator says the same purpose. We've got to have the same mind." [10:12] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The power of the gospel, is that God is at work. That it's the good news about who Jesus is, what he has done, and why Jesus demands our allegiance. The good news of Jesus Christ is his grace that comes to us. And so while Paul baptized a few people, they should be united around Christ regardless of who baptized them or who's preaching on a particular Sunday." [23:56] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus prayed and Jesus believed that when we as a body, the body of Christ are unified, when the world can see, hey, those Christians going to Village there on the corner of Galena and Randall, when they see the unity, the unity that we have, the love we have for one another, they will walk away saying, you know what? I think that can only happen because Jesus has really come from the Father. Jesus really is God. Jesus believed that that would be an incredible apologetic or proof of our faith, the unity that we have with one another." [15:42] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So my encouragement to you today is this. Make Christ's cause your one goal. May we make Christ's cause our one goal. As we close in prayer I want you to open your hands in front of you. Open your hands in a way of saying God I surrender this thing. Whatever it is that you believe you need to take a step to fight for unity in our church. Just surrender that to God as we pray together." [39:52] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So are you with me? Are you with me that unity is critical for the body of Christ? All right. Sounds great. So unity is critical for us, but sometimes something comes our way that is a threat to unity. There's a threat that comes to unity. And so the second thing I want to encourage you to do is that when disunity looks appealing, resist the temptation to quarrel. Resist the temptation to fight against other believers, even when it looks like the one thing that you want to do." [16:13] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And here's the thing. The apostle Paul responds to all that in this epistle, this letter that would go and would be read to the entire church. And Paul had this encouragement. Hey, stop playing favorites with your leaders. Here's how he says that in verse 12. He says, And then he starts to get a little bit facetious here. He says, Or I follow Christ. Are we just picking between some of these different people? Some are following Jesus. Some are followers of others." [21:00] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The gospel is not something that has to be taught by someone who has a PhD. Sharing the gospel is not something that's reserved for the elite, the most educated, the most eloquent speakers who can turn a phrase and capture an audience and make sure nobody falls asleep while they're speaking. The gospel is not reserved to be shared only by those kinds of people. No." [23:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "What would it look like if our church was so unified? So unified that our neighbors, the people who are looking in, the people that you talk with, they say hey what are you doing? This week and hey man I'm having a powerful time of worship at my church praising God for the way that he has saved me and changed me. Man you ought to come along. Maybe you're hanging out with some of the other ladies in your life and they say what you doing on Wednesday? Hey I'm getting together with some brothers and sisters in Christ, some people and we're reading the Bible together and we're getting to know what God says for us." [38:20] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The unity that you want to experience. You know I enjoyed over the summer watching the Olympics. Watching the men's and the women's gymnastics getting out there. Simone, Jordan, Sunni, and of course the pummel horse guy. You know that guy with the glasses that he took his glasses off, he couldn't see anything. But they competed. They had one goal in mind which was to win those medals. And they laid hold of that prize. They were focused with one goal in mind. And now that we have come to Christ and we follow him as his apprentices who have taken on his easy yoke to be his followers, we now keep his one goal in mind." [33:24] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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