Reclaiming Unity: Strengthening Our Church Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we are diving into the book of Ephesians, focusing on reclaiming our unity within the church. We are in the middle of our summer series, "Porch Swings and Garage Bands," which is all about taking control of our lives and the culture we set in our homes. This week, we are shifting gears to discuss taking control of our church life.
Unity is crucial for a vibrant life in Christ and for the global church. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. People are not the problem; the enemy is. When we fight against each other, we are enlisting in the enemy's army, fighting against the will of our Savior. We must remember that other believers are not our opponents; they are on our team.
We explored several scriptures that emphasize the importance of unity and the dangers of division. For instance, 1 Corinthians 1:10 calls for harmony within the church, and John 17:21-23 highlights Jesus' prayer for our unity. We also looked at practical steps for resolving conflicts, as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, and the importance of forgiveness, as emphasized in Colossians 3:12-13 and Ephesians 4:1-3.
We must avoid behaviors like backbiting, infighting, gossiping, and slandering, which are not biblical. Instead, we should focus on loving and serving one another, even when we disagree. Forgiveness is essential, and we should strive to forgive quickly to maintain our spiritual health.
As we prepare for communion, let us examine our hearts. If you are holding onto any hurt or unforgiveness, let it go. Make a conscious decision not to fight on the enemy's team but to be an encourager and a peacemaker. Remember, Jesus forgave us while we were still sinners, and we are called to do the same for others.
### Key Takeaways
1. People Are Not the Problem: Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. When we view people as the problem, we are missing the true enemy. Unity within the church is essential, and division only serves the enemy's purposes. [53:26]
2. Biblical Conflict Resolution: Matthew 18:15-17 provides a clear, three-step process for resolving conflicts within the church. First, address the issue privately. If that fails, bring one or two others for mediation. If the conflict persists, take it to the church. This process helps maintain unity and prevents unnecessary division. [58:57]
3. The Importance of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is not optional for Christians. Colossians 3:12-13 and Ephesians 4:1-3 emphasize the need for tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Holding onto unforgiveness only harms us and disrupts the unity of the church. [01:02:24]
4. Avoiding Unbiblical Behaviors: Backbiting, infighting, gossiping, and slandering are not biblical and should be avoided. These behaviors cause division and harm the body of Christ. Instead, we should focus on loving and serving one another, even when we disagree. [01:08:44]
5. Other Believers Are on Our Team: We are all part of the same body of Christ. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we are not fighting against each other but against spiritual forces. Recognizing this helps us to support and encourage one another, fostering unity within the church. [01:13:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[47:25] - Announcements
[48:49] - Introduction to the Series
[49:27] - Defining the Culture of Our Lives
[50:57] - Taking Control of Church Life
[51:47] - Reclaiming Our Unity
[52:43] - Ephesians 6:10-18
[53:26] - People Are Not the Problem
[54:05] - The Need for Harmony
[55:15] - Denominations and Unity
[55:57] - Jesus' Prayer for Unity
[57:26] - Avoiding Division
[58:57] - Biblical Conflict Resolution
[01:00:13] - Steps to Resolve Conflicts
[01:01:53] - Forgiveness and Patience
[01:03:03] - Extending Grace
[01:03:45] - Jesus' Teaching on Forgiveness
[01:04:51] - Handling Spiritual Disagreements
[01:05:35] - Accepting Differences
[01:07:15] - Core Beliefs and Unity
[01:08:44] - Avoiding Unbiblical Behaviors
[01:09:28] - Spiritual Battles
[01:10:07] - Fighting on the Enemy's Team
[01:11:28] - Handling Conflicts Biblically
[01:12:20] - Forgiving Without Apologies
[01:13:10] - Jesus' Example of Forgiveness
[01:13:51] - Other Believers Are on Our Team
[01:15:18] - The Armor of God
[01:16:27] - Communion Preparation
[01:17:02] - The Sacrifice of Jesus
[01:18:09] - Prayer of Salvation
[01:19:37] - Communion and Consecration
[01:22:59] - Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
[01:24:35] - Drinking in Remembrance
[01:28:26] - Closing Prayer and Unity
[01:29:17] - Final Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-18
2. 1 Corinthians 1:10
3. John 17:21-23
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 6:12, who are we truly fighting against? ([52:43])
2. What does 1 Corinthians 1:10 call for within the church? ([54:05])
3. In John 17:21-23, what does Jesus pray for regarding believers? ([55:57])
4. What are the three steps for resolving conflicts within the church as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17? ([58:57])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to recognize that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces? How does this perspective change our approach to conflicts within the church? ([52:43])
2. How does Paul’s call for harmony in 1 Corinthians 1:10 challenge the way we handle disagreements in our church community? ([54:05])
3. What does Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17:21-23 reveal about the importance of unity in the church? How does this unity serve as a testimony to the world? ([55:57])
4. How can the process of conflict resolution in Matthew 18:15-17 help maintain unity within the church? What are the potential challenges in following this process? ([58:57])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent conflict you had within the church. Did you view the other person as the problem, or did you recognize the spiritual battle behind it? How can you shift your perspective in future conflicts? ([52:43])
2. Think about a time when you witnessed or participated in gossip or slander within the church. How did it affect the unity of the church? What steps can you take to avoid such behaviors in the future? ([01:08:44])
3. Jesus prayed for our unity in John 17:21-23. How can you actively contribute to the unity of your church community this week? What specific actions can you take to foster harmony? ([55:57])
4. Consider a situation where you need to forgive someone within the church. What is holding you back from forgiving them? How can you apply the teachings of Colossians 3:12-13 and Ephesians 4:1-3 to this situation? ([01:02:24])
5. How can you implement the three-step conflict resolution process from Matthew 18:15-17 in your personal life? Think of a current conflict and outline how you can address it biblically. ([58:57])
6. Reflect on the statement, "Other believers are not our opponents; they are on our team." How can this mindset change the way you interact with fellow church members, especially those you disagree with? ([01:13:51])
7. As we prepare for communion, examine your heart for any unforgiveness or hurt you are holding onto. What steps can you take to let go of these feelings and seek reconciliation? ([01:19:37])
Devotional
### Day 1: Recognizing the True Enemy
Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. When we view people as the problem, we are missing the true enemy. Unity within the church is essential, and division only serves the enemy's purposes. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we are not fighting against each other but against spiritual forces. Recognizing this helps us to support and encourage one another, fostering unity within the church. When we fight against each other, we are enlisting in the enemy's army, fighting against the will of our Savior. We must remember that other believers are not our opponents; they are on our team. [53:26]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict you had with another believer. How can you shift your perspective to see the true enemy and work towards unity instead?
### Day 2: Resolving Conflicts Biblically
Matthew 18:15-17 provides a clear, three-step process for resolving conflicts within the church. First, address the issue privately. If that fails, bring one or two others for mediation. If the conflict persists, take it to the church. This process helps maintain unity and prevents unnecessary division. By following these steps, we can ensure that conflicts are handled in a way that honors God and promotes peace within the church. It is crucial to approach conflicts with a heart of humility and a desire for reconciliation, rather than seeking to win an argument or prove a point. [58:57]
Matthew 18:15-17 (ESV): "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
Reflection: Is there a conflict in your life that you need to address using the biblical steps outlined in Matthew 18:15-17? What is the first step you can take today to begin this process?
### Day 3: Embracing Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not optional for Christians. Colossians 3:12-13 and Ephesians 4:1-3 emphasize the need for tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Holding onto unforgiveness only harms us and disrupts the unity of the church. We must strive to forgive quickly to maintain our spiritual health and the health of our relationships within the church. Jesus forgave us while we were still sinners, and we are called to do the same for others. Letting go of hurt and choosing to forgive is a powerful step towards healing and unity. [01:02:24]
Colossians 3:12-13 (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."
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?
### Day 4: Avoiding Unbiblical Behaviors
Backbiting, infighting, gossiping, and slandering are not biblical and should be avoided. These behaviors cause division and harm the body of Christ. Instead, we should focus on loving and serving one another, even when we disagree. By choosing to speak life and encouragement, we can build up the church and promote unity. It is important to be mindful of our words and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Christ. Let us strive to be peacemakers and encouragers, reflecting the love of Jesus in all that we do. [01:08:44]
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: Are there any unbiblical behaviors you need to address in your own life? How can you make a conscious effort to speak life and encouragement to those around you today?
### Day 5: Supporting One Another
We are all part of the same body of Christ. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we are not fighting against each other but against spiritual forces. Recognizing this helps us to support and encourage one another, fostering unity within the church. Other believers are not our opponents; they are on our team. By working together and supporting one another, we can stand strong against the enemy and fulfill the mission that God has given us. Let us commit to being encouragers and peacemakers, building each other up in love and unity. [01:13:51]
1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (ESV): "That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Reflection: How can you support and encourage a fellow believer today? What practical steps can you take to foster unity within your church community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Aren't you glad that God loves imperfect people? Yeah. And so all of us are prone or at least susceptible to messing up or to getting some things wrong. And so whether you're going through this as a matter of preventative maintenance, or maybe you're dealing with something that we're talking about right now in this moment in your life, I feel like these are things that we have to address if we're going to be having and experiencing a vibrant life in Christ." [51:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "People are not the problem. Look at your neighbor, tell them. People are not the problem. The enemy would love, would love for us to be at odds with each other, okay? Nothing will split a church faster or destroy a church faster than people at odds with each other. And there are many verses that reinforce this concept. They reinforce the need for peace and agreement within the body of Christ." [54:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our love for one another should be something that attracts the nonbeliever. They should see us and say, man, I don't know what's different about them, but I want that. That comes from our love. Now, there are many, many more verses that talk about us living in unity and harmony and agreement with each other." [56:40] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Even if they never see it your way, you still don't have a cause to hold on to bitterness or unforgiveness. Or to even look down on them because you think you are right and they are wrong. God will sort it out. You just love them. Amen? And there are a lot of biblical instructions for handling disagreement within the body of Christ." [01:08:44] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Other believers are not our opponents, they are on our team. Ephesians 6 and 12 says, for we are not fighting against flesh and blood, I read it, I just wanted you to catch this, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in heavenly places. We, we are not fighting. Not you, not I. We are his people." [01:13:51] (-44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We define the culture of our lives. By what we do and what we allow to be done. And the take home question we package with that was that we have to ask every week. What is the culture of my world? What is the culture of my world? What am I defining by what I do and how and what I allow to be done?" [49:27] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we choose to fight against each other, we are enlisting in the enemy's army to fight on his behalf against the will of our Savior. I'm going to say it again. I know it's going to frustrate people, but you got to get it. When we choose to fight and to gossip and to talk behind each other's back and to run people down and to criticize them and to criticize their position and all this other stuff, we are enlisting in the enemy's army to fight on his behalf against the will of our Savior." [01:10:07] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If your faith depends on someone's agreeing with you 100% of the time, your faith is not the Christian faith. Because the Bible doesn't say that's going to happen. If your faith depends on someone acting or reacting towards you in any specific way, you're not living according to God's word. It's not going to happen. You say, Pastor, they're wrong. Okay, forgive them and give them to Jesus. Love them and go forward." [01:12:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Be sure that as a believer, the devil will fight against you, but we should never fight against each other. Because when we choose to fight against each other, we're enlisting in the enemy's army to fight on his behalf against the will of our Savior. And another thing, when we choose to fight against each other, we're hurting ourselves, because this is take-home principle number three, other believers are not our opponents, they are on our team." [01:13:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to be extending and forgiving each other. It may be with a healthy conversation, you can come to a mutual understanding and go forward. It also may be that even after a healthy conversation, you still find yourself in a disagreement. And if that happens, you know what you get to do? You get to love and forgive them and go on. It's Bible. We don't have a choice." [01:03:03] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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