Redirecting Passion: Unity in God's Kingdom
Summary
Passion is a powerful force in our lives, shaping our priorities, our actions, and even our identities. We see this in the way people pour themselves into sports, hobbies, or causes—sometimes to the point of doing things that seem irrational to others. But the real question is: what should be our ultimate passion? As we look at Mark 9, we see the disciples wrestling with their own passions—sometimes for good, but often tainted by pride, jealousy, or a desire for control. John, for example, tries to stop others from casting out demons in Jesus’ name simply because they weren’t part of his group. Jesus redirects this misplaced passion, calling his followers to unity in his kingdom rather than division over personal preferences or positions.
Jesus makes it clear that the kingdom of God is bigger than any one group, style, or method. He calls us to celebrate the work of God wherever it’s happening, not to compete or compare. Our passion should be for his kingdom, not for our own status or traditions. When we let our passions become about ourselves, we risk becoming divisive, even leading others astray—especially those who are new or vulnerable in the faith. Jesus warns us with strong language about the seriousness of causing others to stumble, reminding us that the consequences of our passions can be eternal.
But Jesus doesn’t just warn; he also offers hope. He is passionately for us, so much so that he suffered and died to save us from sin and hell. His passion purified us, and he calls us to let his Spirit continually refine our hearts. Our greatest need is his grace, and when we truly grasp that, it becomes our greatest passion. We are called to “stay salty”—to remain distinct and effective as his followers, not letting the world dilute our faith or our purpose.
Staying salty means prioritizing God’s word and prayer, resisting compromise, and engaging deeply in community and mission. It means being intentional about what shapes our hearts and influences our lives. And when we find ourselves losing our saltiness, Jesus invites us to repentance and renewal. Whether we’re new to faith or have walked with Jesus for years, the call is the same: let our passion for God’s kingdom be greater than any other, and let that passion unite us, purify us, and send us out to flavor the world with his grace.
Key Takeaways
- Passions Reveal the Heart
What we are most passionate about often exposes the true state of our hearts. When our passions are rooted in pride, jealousy, or a desire for control, they can lead to division and even harm within the body of Christ. True spiritual maturity requires us to examine not just what we are passionate about, but why, and to let God redirect our hearts toward his kingdom purposes. [29:42]
- Unity in the Kingdom Over Personal Preference
Jesus calls us to a unity that transcends our preferences, traditions, and even our sense of ownership over ministry. The kingdom of God is far bigger than our own group or way of doing things, and we are to celebrate God’s work wherever it is found. When our passion is truly for Christ and his kingdom, we rejoice in the victories of others and resist the urge to compete or compare. [32:59]
- The Danger of Misplaced Passion
When our passions become about ourselves—our way, our influence, our issues—we risk leading others astray, especially those who are new or vulnerable in the faith. Jesus warns that causing others to stumble is a grave offense, and that our influence should always point people toward him, not away. We must be vigilant that our zeal does not become a stumbling block. [38:48]
- The Cost and Power of True Passion
Jesus’ passion for us led him to suffer and die, taking on the judgment we deserved so that we could be purified and made new. This is the model for our own passion: willing to sacrifice, to endure suffering, and to let God’s refining fire shape us. Our greatest need is his grace, and when that becomes our greatest passion, it transforms everything about how we live and love. [48:12]
- Staying Salty: Guarding Our Distinctiveness
To remain effective and distinct as followers of Jesus, we must be intentional about nourishing our faith, resisting the world’s influence, and engaging in authentic community. When we lose our “saltiness,” we become ineffective, but Jesus offers renewal through repentance and grace. Staying salty means letting God’s passion for us fuel our passion for his kingdom, so that we can flavor the world with his grace and peace. [53:47]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[22:29] - The Power of Passion in Our Lives
[24:08] - Examining What Drives Us
[24:53] - John’s Misplaced Passion and Division
[26:26] - Jealousy, Control, and Competition Among Disciples
[29:42] - Passions Reveal the Heart
[31:09] - Jesus Redirects Passion to Unity
[32:59] - The Call to Kingdom Unity
[34:49] - Celebrating God’s Work in Others
[35:40] - The Diversity of God’s Church
[37:56] - Jesus’ Warning Against Leading Others Astray
[41:02] - Are Our Passions Leading to Christ or Away?
[42:25] - The Seriousness of Sin and Self-Examination
[45:27] - The Heart as the Source of Evil
[48:12] - Jesus’ Passion for Us: The Cross and Resurrection
[53:47] - Staying Salty: How to Remain Effective
[55:45] - Practical Steps to Stay Salty
[58:15] - Renewal Through Repentance and Baptism
[59:45] - Prayer for Restoration and Unity
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “What Is Your Passion?”
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### Bible Reading
Mark 9:38-50 (ESV)
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 7:21-23 (ESV)
21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 9:38-41, what was John’s concern about the other person casting out demons, and how did Jesus respond to him? ([24:53])
2. According to Jesus in Mark 9:42, what is the consequence for causing “little ones” who believe in Him to stumble? ([37:56])
3. What does Jesus mean when He talks about “cutting off” a hand or foot, or “tearing out” an eye if it causes you to sin? ([42:25])
4. In Mark 9:50, what does Jesus say about salt and being “salty”? What does He mean by this? ([53:47])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think John and the other disciples were bothered by someone outside their group doing ministry in Jesus’ name? What does this reveal about their hearts? ([25:44])
2. Jesus warns about causing “little ones” to stumble. Who are the “little ones” in this context, and why is this warning so serious? ([37:56])
3. When Jesus uses strong language about cutting off body parts to avoid sin, what is He really teaching about the seriousness of sin and misplaced passion? ([44:47])
4. What does it mean to “lose your saltiness” as a follower of Jesus? How does this relate to our effectiveness and distinctiveness as Christians? ([53:47])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about something you are very passionate about (sports, hobbies, politics, etc.). Has this passion ever led you to act in a way that was divisive or prideful, especially in the church? How can you tell when your passion is more about yourself than about God’s kingdom? ([25:44])
2. Jesus calls us to unity that goes beyond our personal preferences and traditions. Are there areas in your life or in our church where you find it hard to celebrate God’s work because it doesn’t fit your style or expectations? How can you begin to rejoice in what God is doing, even if it’s different from what you prefer? ([32:59])
3. Have you ever seen or experienced someone being led astray or discouraged in their faith because of another believer’s misplaced passion or divisiveness? What could have been done differently in that situation? ([38:48])
4. Jesus warns us about the seriousness of sin and the influence we have on others. Is there an area of your life where your passion or habits might be a stumbling block to someone who is new or vulnerable in the faith? What practical steps can you take to address this? ([41:02])
5. The sermon talked about “staying salty” by prioritizing God’s word, resisting compromise, and engaging in community and mission. Which of these areas do you find most challenging right now? What is one specific thing you can do this week to grow in that area? ([55:45])
6. When you feel like you’ve “lost your saltiness” or spiritual passion, what helps you find renewal? Is there a practice of repentance or a community habit that has helped you regain your focus on God’s grace? ([58:15])
7. Jesus’ passion for us led Him to the cross. How does remembering His sacrifice shape your own passions and priorities? Is there a specific way you want to let God’s grace become your greatest passion this month? ([48:12])
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Devotional
Day 1: Examine Your Passions—What Truly Drives Your Heart?
Passion is a powerful force that shapes our identity, motivates our actions, and even defines our sense of purpose. Yet, unchecked passion can lead us to invest our time, energy, and resources into things that may not ultimately matter or may even distract us from God’s calling. Take time today to honestly assess what you are most passionate about. Are your passions drawing you closer to God and His kingdom, or are they centered on personal interests, control, or recognition? Ask God to reveal where your heart’s devotion truly lies and to stir in you a fresh desire to seek Him above all else. [24:08]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one passion or pursuit in your life that tends to overshadow your relationship with God, and how can you intentionally re-center your heart on seeking His kingdom first today?
Day 2: United in Christ—Celebrating God’s Work Beyond Our Preferences
Jesus calls His followers to unity in His kingdom, reminding us that the work of God is bigger than our personal preferences, methods, or positions. When we see others serving Christ in ways different from our own, our response should be celebration, not competition or division. The kingdom of God is diverse, and God uses a variety of people and churches to reach the world. Instead of letting differences divide, let’s unite under the banner of Christ, rejoicing in every victory for His name and seeking peace with one another. [32:59]
Mark 9:38-41 (ESV)
"John said to him, 'Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.' But Jesus said, 'Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.'"
Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community who serves Jesus differently than you do? How can you encourage or celebrate their ministry this week instead of comparing or competing?
Day 3: Guard Against Division—Let Your Passion Point to Christ, Not Yourself
Jesus passionately warns against being divisive, especially when our passions become about power, control, or personal agendas rather than about Him. When we insist on our way or make non-essential issues into absolutes, we risk leading others astray and turning them away from Christ. Instead, our greatest passion should be to point people to Jesus, not to our own preferences or traditions. Let your influence be marked by humility, grace, and a desire to build up the faith of others, especially those who are new or vulnerable in their walk with God. [38:48]
Romans 14:19 (ESV)
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."
Reflection: Is there a personal preference or tradition you’ve elevated above unity in Christ? How can you lay it down today to pursue peace and build up someone else’s faith?
Day 4: Jesus’ Passion for You—He Suffered and Died to Save and Purify
The ultimate passion in the universe is Christ’s love for you, demonstrated in His willingness to suffer, die, and rise again so you could be forgiven and made new. Jesus endured the cross, taking on the punishment and wrath we deserved, so that we could be purified and restored to God. His sacrifice is the fire that refines us, burning away what is fruitless and making us righteous by His grace. Let this truth move your heart to gratitude and a deeper passion for Him, knowing that your greatest need—God’s forgiveness—has been fully met in Jesus. [48:12]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does remembering Jesus’ passionate sacrifice for you change the way you view your own struggles, failures, or passions today?
Day 5: Stay Salty—Nourish Your Faith and Influence the World
Jesus calls His followers to be “salt” in the world—distinct, preserving, and transformative. Staying salty means intentionally nourishing your faith through God’s Word and prayer, resisting compromise with worldly values, and engaging in authentic community and mission. When you let the world’s elements dull your passion for Christ, you lose your purpose and influence. But through repentance and renewal, God restores your saltiness so you can flavor the world with His grace and peace. Protect your heart, stay connected to Christ, and let your life be a testimony of His transforming love. [55:45]
Mark 9:50 (ESV)
"Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to “stay salty”—to nourish your faith, resist compromise, or intentionally encourage someone in your church community?
Quotes
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