Embracing Unity: Living in Authentic Christian Community
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of unity as expressed in John 17, where Jesus prays for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not merely a superficial agreement but a deep, spiritual connection that reflects the very nature of God. We delved into the concept of chiasm, a form of Jewish poetry that emphasizes central ideas through repetition and structure. In this prayer, the central idea is the glory that Jesus has given us, which is rooted in the unity and community that God desires for His people.
We also examined the creation narrative in Genesis, where humanity is made in the image of God, a relational being. This underscores the importance of community and relationships as a reflection of God's nature. The essence of our humanity is found in our ability to be in relationship with one another, to be vulnerable, and to be fully known without shame, as Adam and Eve were before the fall.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of living in the light, as described in 1 John. This involves being real and honest with one another, rather than hiding in the shadows of obscurity. True fellowship is found in vulnerability and authenticity, where we can confess our sins and be purified. This is not about putting on a religious facade but about being genuine and transparent in our walk with God and with each other.
The call to live as Jesus did is a call to openness and vulnerability. Jesus invited His disciples into His life, sharing His struggles and being real with them. This is the model for us as His followers—to live in the light, to be honest about our lives, and to love one another deeply.
Key Takeaways:
- Unity Reflects God's Nature: The unity Jesus prays for is a reflection of the divine relationship within the Trinity. As believers, we are called to embody this unity, which serves as a testament to the world of God's love and presence among us. [48:00]
- Created for Community: Being made in the image of God means we are inherently relational beings. Our glory is found in relationships, mirroring the communal nature of God. This is why isolation is contrary to our design. [51:54]
- Living in the Light: True Christian fellowship requires honesty and vulnerability. Walking in the light means being real about our struggles and sins, allowing God's grace to purify us and strengthen our community. [55:08]
- Authenticity Over Religion: Following Jesus is not about maintaining a religious facade but about being genuine and transparent. Jesus modeled this by inviting others into His life and being open about His struggles. [57:30]
- Transformational Fellowship: A community that lives in the light is one where there is nothing to make us stumble. This kind of fellowship is transformative, enabling us to overcome sin and grow in our faith. [01:04:33]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:14] - Introduction and Prayer
[48:00] - Exploring John 17: Unity in Christ
[51:54] - Genesis and the Image of God
[55:08] - Living in the Light: 1 John
[57:30] - Authenticity in Christian Life
[01:02:28] - Love and Honesty in Fellowship
[01:04:33] - Transformational Community
[01:06:00] - Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 17:20-23
- Genesis 1:27
- 1 John 1:5-7
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 17:20-23, what does Jesus pray for concerning His followers, and how does this reflect the relationship within the Trinity? [48:00]
2. According to Genesis 1:27, how does being made in the image of God relate to our need for community and relationships? [51:54]
3. What does 1 John 1:5-7 say about living in the light, and how does this relate to our fellowship with one another? [55:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of chiasm, and what is its significance in understanding Jesus' prayer in John 17? [48:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the unity Jesus prays for in John 17 serve as a testament to the world of God's love and presence among us? [48:00]
2. In what ways does the creation narrative in Genesis highlight the importance of relationships as a reflection of God's nature? [51:54]
3. What does it mean to live in the light according to 1 John, and how does this challenge the idea of maintaining a religious facade? [55:08]
4. How does the sermon suggest that vulnerability and authenticity are essential for true Christian fellowship? [57:30]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationships. How can you foster deeper unity that reflects the divine relationship within the Trinity? [48:00]
2. In what ways can you actively participate in a community that mirrors the communal nature of God as described in Genesis? [51:54]
3. Consider a situation where you might be hiding in the shadows of obscurity. How can you step into the light and be more honest and vulnerable with others? [55:08]
4. Think about a time when you put on a religious facade. How can you practice authenticity in your walk with God and with others this week? [57:30]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with being real. What steps can you take to invite others into your life, as Jesus did with His disciples? [57:30]
6. How can you create a safe space in your small group or community where others feel comfortable being fully known and vulnerable? [51:54]
7. Reflect on the concept of transformational fellowship. What practical actions can you take to contribute to a community where there is nothing to make others stumble? [01:04:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity as a Reflection of Divine Relationship
The unity that Jesus prays for in John 17 is not just about agreement or harmony among believers; it is a profound reflection of the divine relationship within the Trinity. This unity is a testament to the world of God's love and presence among us. As believers, we are called to embody this unity, which serves as a living witness to the transformative power of God's love. This unity is rooted in a deep, spiritual connection that mirrors the oneness of Jesus and the Father. It is a call to live in such a way that our relationships with one another reflect the divine nature of God, drawing others to Him through our love and unity. [48:00]
"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life where unity is lacking. What steps can you take today to foster a deeper, spiritual connection that reflects the unity of the Trinity?
Day 2: Created for Community
Being made in the image of God means that we are inherently relational beings. Our glory is found in relationships, mirroring the communal nature of God. This is why isolation is contrary to our design. The creation narrative in Genesis highlights that humanity is made in the image of a relational God, underscoring the importance of community and relationships. Our essence as human beings is found in our ability to be in relationship with one another, to be vulnerable, and to be fully known without shame. This reflects the original state of Adam and Eve before the fall, where they lived in perfect harmony with God and each other. [51:54]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a person or group you have been isolating yourself from. How can you reach out to them this week to build or restore a sense of community?
Day 3: Walking in the Light
True Christian fellowship requires honesty and vulnerability. Walking in the light means being real about our struggles and sins, allowing God's grace to purify us and strengthen our community. This involves being real and honest with one another, rather than hiding in the shadows of obscurity. True fellowship is found in vulnerability and authenticity, where we can confess our sins and be purified. This is not about putting on a religious facade but about being genuine and transparent in our walk with God and with each other. [55:08]
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you have been hiding in the shadows. What steps can you take today to bring this into the light and seek accountability within your community?
Day 4: Authenticity Over Religion
Following Jesus is not about maintaining a religious facade but about being genuine and transparent. Jesus modeled this by inviting others into His life and being open about His struggles. This call to live as Jesus did is a call to openness and vulnerability. Jesus invited His disciples into His life, sharing His struggles and being real with them. This is the model for us as His followers—to live in the light, to be honest about our lives, and to love one another deeply. [57:30]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt the need to put on a facade. How can you practice authenticity in your relationships today, following the example of Jesus?
Day 5: Transformational Fellowship
A community that lives in the light is one where there is nothing to make us stumble. This kind of fellowship is transformative, enabling us to overcome sin and grow in our faith. When we live in the light, we create a community where honesty and vulnerability are valued, and where we can support one another in our spiritual journeys. This transformational fellowship is marked by love, grace, and a commitment to helping each other grow in faith. It is a community where we can confess our sins, be purified, and experience the transformative power of God's love. [01:04:33]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a trusted friend or mentor with whom you can share your struggles. How can you initiate a conversation this week to foster a deeper, transformative fellowship?
Quotes
1. "I want to study today the unity that God wants us to have. Amen? Do it. Obviously, we all know Jesus prayed in his last night there, or towards the end there. He's praying, and he prays for unity. Five times he prays for unity in this prayer. Okay? We're going to pick it up in verse 20. It says, is not for them alone. I'm talking about the apostles. I pray also for those who believe in me through their message. That's us. We're here this morning. Why? I believe the message. Jesus rose from the dead. He's the king of the universe. Salvation is in him. It's our allegiance to him and being a part of his kingdom. Amen, church? We're all in on this, right? Not only for him, but for those who believe his message. This is us he's praying for. What a cool thought. 2,000 years ago, Jesus talked to his father about us today. That's awesome." [48:00] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's glory, his nature, is his image. And we are his image bearers, amen? When God created humanity, when he created us, we bear his image. Well, what is God like? God is a trinity. He is three in one. We just sang a beautiful song about it. You know, God in three persons, blessed trinity. Right? He is three persons. He is in his very fabric. He is a family. Relationship is his essence. Community is his character. This is what Jesus is referring to when he prays. When he says, you're in me and I'm in you. And we as humans, we are created for community. Our glory is relationships. You with me?" [51:54] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The day before Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the thing they rejoiced in the most was shameless vulnerability. Being able to be completely themselves, and to be loved and accepted and cared about and known. You with me? That's the glory of our humanity. Once they ate the fruit, they felt shame, and they hid. What if the glory that is revealed, that Jesus reveals, is shameless community where we are safe to be fully known? Glory, bro. I know what you're thinking. Rich, that's crazy. That's crazy. That ain't right. That can't be right. Being religious means you put on your religious face." [55:08] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we claim to have fellowship with him, yet walk in darkness, we do not live out the truth. Now, the Greek word for darkness is skatia. It's where we get the word obscurity. So to live in darkness is kind of to be obscure. When I hear obscure, you know what I think? Shady. It's like, I'm not completely hiding, but I ain't exactly coming out of the light. I'm kind of. I'm finding that shady area. You with me? Obscurity. Not completely in the light, but I'm not. We're Christians. We know we're not supposed to be completely in the dark, people. Right? But I can find that nice, shady, comfortable area. You with me?" [57:30] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we live in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his son purifies us from all sin. Amen? This invitation into real fellowship. Verse 8, if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and forgives us our sins, purifies us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin, but if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one." [01:02:28] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. Hating our brother and sister is not having a bad attitude with them. Hating our brother and sister is not being honest with them. Read it. Look at it. It's right there. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. They're honest. They're real. Hating my brother and sister is playing church. It's coming in with my better than normal attire on, doing my pastor leave duty. He's saying nice things and good to see you brother. And not being honest about my real life. You with me? That's what it's saying here." [01:04:33] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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