Living in Devotion: Unity and Love in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the profound truth that one day every tongue will confess that Jesus is God. This declaration is not just a future event but a present reality that shapes our lives and our community. We are reminded that God's love for us is not based on our merits but on His own nature. This love calls us to be a Jesus-centered family, restoring God's masterpieces for His glory. Our devotion to Jesus should be the driving force behind all our actions, not merely adherence to programs or activities.
We explored the importance of maintaining our first love for Jesus, as exemplified in Jesus' conversation with Peter. Our actions, including making disciples, should stem from our deep love and devotion to Christ. This love is the root of a healthy church, and our love for one another is the fruit. We are called to live out God's core values: loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
We also delved into the concept of unity within the body of Christ. Our unity is a reflection of the unity within the Trinity, characterized by selfless love and mutual service. This unity is essential for glorifying God and serving one another. We are urged to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love.
Finally, we examined four key "one another" passages: being patient and bearing with one another, being devoted to one another, not giving up meeting together, and forgiving one another. These commands emphasize the importance of community, mutual support, and forgiveness. We are reminded that our ability to forgive and love one another is a reflection of Christ's love and forgiveness towards us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Devotion to Jesus as the Foundation: Our actions and service should be driven by our deep love and devotion to Jesus, not merely by adherence to programs or activities. This devotion is the root of a healthy church, and our love for one another is the fruit. [39:04]
2. Unity Reflects the Trinity: The unity within the body of Christ mirrors the unity within the Trinity, characterized by selfless love and mutual service. This unity is essential for glorifying God and serving one another. [57:32]
3. Living Worthy of Our Calling: We are called to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love. This reflects the richness of God's grace and mercy towards us. [44:21]
4. The Importance of Community: We are urged not to give up meeting together, as our gatherings are essential for mutual encouragement, prayer, and support. Our presence in community reflects our commitment to God's agenda and our love for one another. [53:02]
5. Forgiveness as a Reflection of Christ's Love: Forgiving one another, even as Christ has forgiven us, is crucial for maintaining unity and demonstrating the love of Christ. This requires dying to self and prioritizing the well-being of others. [01:09:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:47] - One Day Every Tongue Will Confess
[34:06] - God's Unconditional Love
[35:28] - Jesus-Centered Family
[37:15] - Devotion to Jesus
[39:04] - Making Disciples for His Glory
[40:47] - Essence of Worship
[42:42] - Walk Worthy of Your Calling
[44:21] - Richness of God's Grace
[45:40] - Citizenship in Heaven
[46:40] - Grace at Communion
[48:15] - Judge and Convict Story
[49:27] - Humility and Grace
[51:44] - Compassion for the Lost
[52:32] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[53:02] - Unity in the Spirit
[54:24] - Level Ground at the Cross
[55:24] - Love One Another
[56:11] - Trinity in Unity
[57:32] - Selfless Love in the Trinity
[58:11] - Four One Another Passages
[59:11] - Be Patient and Bear with One Another
[01:00:22] - Be Devoted to One Another
[01:01:48] - Concern for One Another
[01:03:18] - Don't Give Up Meeting Together
[01:06:12] - Prayer and Unity
[01:07:21] - Forgive One Another
[01:09:49] - Dying to Self
[01:12:02] - True Work of the Church
[01:18:09] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:10-11: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
2. Ephesians 4:1-3: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
3. Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 2:10-11 say will happen at the name of Jesus?
2. According to Ephesians 4:1-3, what qualities should we exhibit to live a life worthy of our calling?
3. In Colossians 3:13, what are we instructed to do if we have a grievance against someone?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise that "every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11) impact our daily lives and community interactions? [24:47]
2. What does it mean to "walk in a manner worthy of our calling" as described in Ephesians 4:1-3? How can humility, gentleness, and patience be practically demonstrated in our church community? [44:21]
3. How does the command to forgive one another in Colossians 3:13 reflect Christ's love and forgiveness towards us? Why is this important for maintaining unity within the church? [01:09:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal devotion to Jesus. How can you ensure that your actions and service are driven by love for Him rather than just following programs or activities? [39:04]
2. Unity within the church mirrors the unity within the Trinity. What steps can you take to promote selfless love and mutual service in your small group or church community? [57:32]
3. Living a life worthy of our calling involves humility, gentleness, and patience. Identify a specific situation where you can practice these qualities this week. How will you approach it differently? [44:21]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of not giving up meeting together. How can you prioritize and encourage regular fellowship and community gatherings in your life? [53:02]
5. Forgiveness is crucial for maintaining unity. Think of a person you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from. What steps will you take to reconcile and restore that relationship? [01:09:49]
6. How can you demonstrate your love for one another in practical ways within your small group or church? Share a specific action you will take this week to show love and support to a fellow believer. [56:11]
7. Reflect on the concept of dying to self as described in the sermon. What is one area of your life where you need to let go of personal desires or pride to better serve others and glorify God? [01:12:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Devotion to Jesus as the Foundation
Our actions and service should be driven by our deep love and devotion to Jesus, not merely by adherence to programs or activities. This devotion is the root of a healthy church, and our love for one another is the fruit. When we focus on Jesus, our actions become a natural outflow of our relationship with Him. This means that our primary motivation should always be our love for Christ, which then translates into genuine love and service towards others.
In the conversation between Jesus and Peter, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, emphasizing that Peter's love for Jesus should be the foundation of his ministry. Similarly, our love for Jesus should be the driving force behind making disciples and serving our community. This love is not based on our merits but on God's unconditional love for us. [39:04]
John 21:15-17 (ESV): "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs.' He said to him a second time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Tend my sheep.' He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'"
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to ensure that your love for Jesus is the foundation of your service and interactions with others?
Day 2: Unity Reflects the Trinity
The unity within the body of Christ mirrors the unity within the Trinity, characterized by selfless love and mutual service. This unity is essential for glorifying God and serving one another. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect harmony and mutual love, we are called to reflect this divine unity in our relationships within the church.
This means putting aside personal differences and preferences to work together for the common good. It involves selfless love, where we prioritize the needs of others above our own, and mutual service, where we support and uplift one another. Our unity as a church is a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and the transformative power of the gospel. [57:32]
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: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community today? What specific actions can you take to promote selfless love and mutual service?
Day 3: Living Worthy of Our Calling
We are called to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love. This reflects the richness of God's grace and mercy towards us. Living worthy of our calling means embodying the character of Christ in our daily lives.
It involves humility, where we recognize our dependence on God and value others above ourselves. It requires gentleness, where we treat others with kindness and respect, even in difficult situations. Patience is essential, as we bear with one another's weaknesses and imperfections, showing the same grace that God has shown us. By living in this way, we reflect the transformative power of the gospel and bring glory to God. [44:21]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to grow in humility, gentleness, and patience? How can you bear with others in love today?
Day 4: The Importance of Community
We are urged not to give up meeting together, as our gatherings are essential for mutual encouragement, prayer, and support. Our presence in community reflects our commitment to God's agenda and our love for one another. Being part of a church community is not just about attending services but actively engaging in the life of the church.
Our gatherings provide opportunities to encourage one another, pray for each other, and offer support in times of need. They are a tangible expression of our commitment to God's work and our love for His people. By prioritizing community, we create an environment where everyone can grow in their faith and experience the love of Christ. [53:02]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional about engaging with your church community? What steps can you take to encourage and support others in your congregation today?
Day 5: Forgiveness as a Reflection of Christ's Love
Forgiving one another, even as Christ has forgiven us, is crucial for maintaining unity and demonstrating the love of Christ. This requires dying to self and prioritizing the well-being of others. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for healthy relationships and a unified church.
When we forgive, we reflect the grace and mercy that Christ has shown us. It involves letting go of grudges, releasing the desire for revenge, and choosing to love and restore relationships. By forgiving others, we create an environment of grace and love, where everyone can experience the transformative power of the gospel. [01:09:49]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "He is that kind of God. That all of his love is based upon himself. It has nothing to do with what we deserve. In fact, that we do not deserve any good thing from him. And yet, he delights in showering us with his blessings." [34:06] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Passion for Jesus is the root of a healthy church. And as we love one another, as we demonstrate that love to one another, that is the fruit. Love was the main failure of the church in Ephesus as was taught in Revelation chapter 2. You've left your first love." [40:47] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our citizenship, ladies and gentlemen, is in heaven. I don't think you heard me. In Toledo, you have to be concerned about taxes. In Toledo, you have to be worried about all kinds of things that are affecting you. But our citizenship is in heaven." [45:40] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are all members of the body of Christ. Every conversion is a supernatural event that happens only by the Spirit of God. We have been united together in the body of Christ for the purpose of glorifying him and loving and serving one another." [55:24] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The ground is level at the cross of Jesus Christ. There are no big I's and no little u's. We all stand on his grace or we do not stand at all. Pure and simple." [54:24] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus is making it clear, Peter, your work of feeding my sheep and whatever else I command you to do must be done out of your deep love and devotion toward me. Peter, I want your passion for me to be the driving influence behind all that you do in my name." [39:04] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The essence of worship is not action, but affection. It is how you hold God in the deep heart. It is how you hold God. As a matter of fact, Jesus said in Matthew 15, 8 and 9, this people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." [40:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are the Jesus-centered Family restoring God's masterpieces in Toledo and beyond for in His Glory. And so we've been asking ourselves the question, not that we don't know, but, you know, I ask myself questions all the time, but I already know the answer to." [35:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have the privilege and the responsibility of sharing the good news of the gospel. But every time we do it, we must realize that it's only the power of the Holy Spirit that can actually convict and convert that soul. And so we must do it with prayer and recognition that yes, we are messengers, but that power comes from above." [53:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When people come into the body of Christ, we come from all different educational levels, all different economic levels, all different circumstances. the Father has dealt with my mess, and he wants me to deal with the mess of everyone else with love." [01:00:22] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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