Unity in Christ: Building the Kingdom Together

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity

Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, despite differing opinions and backgrounds. He calls for a collective focus on the mission of the church, urging believers to set aside personal preferences for the greater good. This unity is essential for the church to effectively share the gospel and build the Kingdom of God. In a world where individualism often takes precedence, Paul’s message is a powerful reminder that the church is a body of diverse members working together for a common purpose. Unity does not mean uniformity; rather, it means harmonizing our differences to create a stronger, more effective community.

Paul’s call for unity is particularly relevant in our modern context, where deep connections are often challenging due to busy lives and differing interests. He urges believers to consider whether their actions are beneficial to the Kingdom of God. This sacrificial love and surrender of personal preferences are essential for fostering deep connections within the church. By focusing on our shared mission, we can overcome divisiveness and work together to build the Kingdom of God. [38:41]

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 personal preference or opinion that you hold strongly. How can you set it aside this week to promote unity and love within your church community?

Day 2: Apostolic Authority and Encounter with Christ

Paul defends his apostleship by recounting his transformative encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. This encounter not only validated his authority but also serves as a powerful reminder that true apostleship is rooted in a personal experience with Jesus. This personal encounter is what fuels genuine ministry and commitment. Paul’s life was radically changed by his encounter with Christ, and this transformation is evident in his dedication to spreading the gospel and building the church.

Paul’s message is a reminder that our authority and effectiveness in ministry come from our personal relationship with Jesus. It is this encounter with Christ that empowers us to serve and lead others. By sharing his own experience, Paul encourages believers to seek a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus, knowing that it is this connection that will sustain and guide them in their ministry. [44:27]

Acts 26:16-18 (ESV): "But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

Reflection: Reflect on your own encounter with Christ. How has this experience shaped your faith and ministry? How can you share this testimony to encourage others in their walk with Jesus?

Day 3: Shared Mission and Collective Fruit

Paul highlights the interconnectedness of the church, emphasizing that every member shares in the collective fruit of their labor. Whether through local ministries or international missions, the success and impact of the church's work are shared by all. This shared mission fosters a sense of community and purpose among believers. Paul’s message is a reminder that we are not alone in our efforts to build the Kingdom of God; we are part of a larger body working together for a common goal.

In a world where individual achievements are often celebrated, Paul’s message is a powerful reminder of the importance of collective effort. The church is a body of diverse members, each contributing their unique gifts and talents to the shared mission. By working together, we can achieve far more than we could individually. This sense of community and shared purpose is essential for the church to fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel and transforming lives. [01:05:48]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: Think about the ways you contribute to your church’s mission. How can you collaborate more effectively with others to achieve a greater impact for the Kingdom of God?

Day 4: Sacrificial Love and Surrender

Paul calls for a surrender of personal preferences for the sake of love and unity. He challenges believers to consider whether their actions are beneficial to the Kingdom of God. This sacrificial love is a hallmark of true discipleship and is essential for fostering deep connections within the church. Paul’s message is a reminder that our actions should be motivated by love and a desire to build up the church, rather than personal gain or recognition.

In a culture that often prioritizes individual desires and preferences, Paul’s call for sacrificial love is a countercultural message. He urges believers to consider the impact of their actions on the broader community and to prioritize the needs of others above their own. This selfless love is essential for creating a strong, united church that can effectively share the gospel and build the Kingdom of God. [42:09]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can practice sacrificial love this week. How can you prioritize the needs of others above your own in this situation?

Day 5: Financial Support and Commitment to Ministry

Paul addresses the issue of financial support for ministry, using his own example of tent-making to illustrate that receiving support does not diminish one's commitment to the gospel. He encourages believers to support their leaders and ministries, recognizing that this support enables the church to fulfill its mission effectively. Paul’s message is a reminder that financial support is an important aspect of ministry, and it allows those who are called to serve to do so without distraction.

In a world where financial resources are often limited, Paul’s message is a reminder of the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to ministry. By providing financial support, believers enable their leaders and ministries to focus on their calling and effectively spread the gospel. This support is a tangible expression of love and commitment to the mission of the church. [01:04:02]

1 Timothy 5:17-18 (ESV): "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer deserves his wages.'"

Reflection: Consider how you can support your church’s leaders and ministries financially. What steps can you take this week to contribute to the mission of your church in a meaningful way?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into 1 Corinthians 9, exploring Paul's defense of his apostleship and his call for unity within the church. Paul, having addressed divisiveness in previous chapters, shifts focus to his own credibility and the importance of collective ministry. He emphasizes that despite the freedom believers have, their actions should benefit the Kingdom of God. Paul underscores his apostolic authority by recounting his encounter with Christ and the transformative impact it had on his life. He also highlights the interconnectedness of the church, urging believers to recognize their shared mission and the collective fruit of their labor.

Paul's message is particularly relevant in our modern context, where deep connections are often challenging due to busy lives and differing interests. He calls for a surrender of personal preferences for the sake of love and unity, urging believers to consider whether their actions are beneficial to the Kingdom. Paul also addresses the issue of financial support for ministry, using his own example of tent-making to illustrate that receiving support does not diminish one's commitment to the gospel.

The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that the church's mission is to work together to build the Kingdom of God. Whether through local ministries or international missions, every member shares in the collective fruit of their labor. This unity and shared purpose are essential for the church to fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel and transforming lives.

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Key Takeaways

1. making to illustrate that receiving support does not diminish one's commitment to the gospel. He encourages believers to support their leaders and ministries, recognizing that this support enables the church to fulfill its mission effectively. [01:04:02]
### [64:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[36:08] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 9
[37:24] - Creation Worship and Miles' Leadership
[38:41] - Paul's Defense and Call for Unity
[39:44] - Divisiveness in Modern Culture
[40:50] - Prayer for Reconciliation
[41:35] - Power of Love and Surrender
[42:09] - Sacrificial Love and Preferences
[43:05] - Apostolic Authority and Freedom
[44:27] - Paul's Encounter with Christ
[45:21] - Deep Connection and Ministry
[46:46] - Evidence of Apostleship
[47:22] - Origin of Apostleship
[49:09] - Judas' Betrayal and Replacement
[51:37] - Barnabas and Apostolic Role
[65:48] - Shared Mission and Collective Fruit
[68:36] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What reasons does Paul give to defend his apostleship in 1 Corinthians 9? ([42:37])
How does Paul describe the interconnectedness of the church in 1 Corinthians 9? ([45:21])
What example does Paul use to illustrate the concept of sacrificial love and surrender in 1 Corinthians 9? ([42:09])
How does Paul address the issue of financial support for ministry in 1 Corinthians 9? ([55:25])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus as a validation of his apostleship? How does this encounter fuel his ministry? ([44:27])
In what ways does Paul suggest that the actions of believers should benefit the Kingdom of God? How does this align with his message of unity and collective ministry? ([43:05])
How does Paul’s example of tent-making relate to his message about financial support and commitment to ministry? What does this teach us about balancing personal responsibility and communal support? ([01:04:02])
What does Paul mean by the "collective fruit" of the church's labor? How does this concept foster a sense of community and shared purpose among believers? ([01:05:48])

Application Questions

Paul calls for unity within the church despite differing opinions and backgrounds. How can you personally contribute to fostering unity in your church community? ([38:41])
Reflect on a time when you had to surrender a personal preference for the sake of love and unity. How did this experience impact your relationships within the church? ([42:09])
Paul emphasizes the importance of actions that benefit the Kingdom of God. Identify one action you can take this week to positively impact your church or community. ([43:05])
How can you support your church leaders and ministries, both financially and through other means? What steps can you take to ensure your support is consistent and meaningful? ([55:25])
Paul speaks about the interconnectedness of the church and the shared mission. How can you become more involved in your church’s local or international missions? ([01:05:48])
Think about a ministry or service opportunity in your church that you have not yet participated in. What is holding you back, and how can you overcome these barriers to get involved? ([01:08:36])
Reflect on the concept of "collective fruit" in your church. How can you celebrate and acknowledge the shared successes and contributions of your church community? ([01:05:48])

Sermon Clips

1. "We live in a culture and a world today that connection is really difficult. It's hard for us to connect deeply with people around us. It's, we're busy. We have different interests. And I would say even in this time now we live in this modern era. I was watching a TV program a couple of times. And I was like, I'm going to watch some TV program, like this one right now, because I'm busy." [38:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Paul is saying there's something about being a follower of Christ that we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation. And why aren't we set apart? Why can't we live lives that are set apart like we have been commissioned? And this is what he's saying. I choose, I have chosen to do this. It's what he's saying." [42:09] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Sure, it's permissible, but it's actually beneficial to the kingdom of God. And so this is a good question for us to ask. Before we go, before we act, before we do, before we say, is this actually productive for the kingdom of God? If it's not, we shouldn't have no part in it." [43:05] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Don't you know how deeply connected we are? I was in college. My wife and I, we dated for almost six years before we got married. We got married young, 19. So that's young. That's young. But at any rate, 30 years later, I can say she is blessed. All right. Maybe it's the other way around, but we're in college and she was taking really smart classes." [45:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We share in the crop. So as those teenagers gather together, as those students gather together and we see them come to know Christ, we see them discipled, we see them surrender to ministry. We see them. Surrender to mission. That is part of our work. Even though you maybe never stepped foot in that building, it is part of the crop that we share together." [01:07:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Paul is saying as a church and he's talking to Corinth but I'm talking to us we work together to build the kingdom of God there's so much more I got and it's gonna have to go next week so God I thank you and I praise you that you give us the grace the mercy the tools the giftings even scriptures like this that are oftentimes avoided but Lord we face this passage because we know that your word it's sharp it is penetrating and it literally transforms lives." [01:09:36] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We share in the crop we share in the harvest of the souls and the lives that are changed through telling the story of our Savior your son the Messiah the Alpha and the mega the king of the universe the Lord Jesus and we praise you for that it is in his name that we pray." [01:10:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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