Unity in Christ: Our Journey Towards God

 

Summary

In the heavenly realm, everything revolves around God, the Eternal Father. The Book of Revelation vividly illustrates this, showing how all beings, from angels to elders, converge around Him in perfect harmony. This divine unity is what makes heaven truly heavenly, as all worship and bow before God, experiencing bliss, joy, and perfection. On Earth, if we could fully grasp God's presence, all divisions and distinctions would fade away, leaving us in awe and worship of the one true God. Our journey on Earth is not static; we are pilgrims moving towards Zion, where we will meet and see the same God. The blessed are those pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Paul emphasizes that God is not just a distant deity but our Father, specifically the Father of those in Christ. This is not a universal fatherhood but one limited to believers, those who are part of the church. The Apostle Paul writes to Christians, urging them to maintain the unity of the Spirit. God is not the Father of all humanity in a universal sense, but He is the Father of those who belong to Christ. This understanding should transform our thinking and living, as we realize we are partakers of the divine nature, born again, and children of God.

Unity among Christians stems from this shared identity as children of the same Father. We belong to the same family, the household of God, and this should transform our outlook and foster unity. Paul further elaborates on the nature of God as Father, who is above all, through all, and in all believers. This is not a reference to the Trinity but a focus on God the Father's supremacy, His presence, and His work within us. Understanding these truths can solve many of our problems and lead us to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Key Takeaways:

1. In heaven, everything centers around God, creating perfect harmony and unity. This divine focus is what makes heaven a place of bliss and joy. On Earth, if we could fully realize God's presence, all divisions would vanish, leaving us in awe and worship. [20:16]

2. Our journey on Earth is a pilgrimage towards meeting God. We are not static but moving towards Zion, where the pure in heart will see God. This journey should remind us of our ultimate destination and encourage us to live with purpose and hope. [22:05]

3. God is the Father of those in Christ, not in a universal sense but specifically for believers. This understanding should transform our thinking and living, as we realize we are partakers of the divine nature and children of God. [26:21]

4. Unity among Christians comes from our shared identity as children of the same Father. We belong to the same family, the household of God, and this should transform our outlook and foster unity. [29:01]

5. God the Father is above all, through all, and in all believers. This emphasizes His supremacy, presence, and work within us. Understanding these truths can solve many of our problems and lead us to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [32:06]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:56] - Centered Around God
[20:16] - Perfect Harmony in Heaven
[21:26] - Unity Through Worship
[22:05] - Pilgrimage to Zion
[23:06] - God as Father of Believers
[24:46] - The Church's Unique Identity
[25:49] - The Household of God
[26:40] - Fatherhood in Christ
[27:33] - Transformative Realization
[28:47] - Unity Through Shared Identity
[30:19] - God's Presence in Us
[31:04] - Understanding God's Supremacy
[32:06] - God Above, Through, and In All
[33:08] - The Exaltation of God the Father

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 4-5
2. Matthew 5:8
3. Ephesians 4:1-6

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Observation Questions:

1. In Revelation 4-5, what imagery is used to describe the heavenly realm and its focus on God? How does this imagery contribute to the understanding of divine unity? [19:56]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" in the context of our earthly journey? [22:05]

3. How does the Apostle Paul describe the relationship between God and believers in Ephesians 4:1-6? What does this imply about the nature of God's fatherhood? [24:13]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of unity among Christians and its connection to our identity as children of God? [29:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the imagery of all beings converging around God in Revelation 4-5 help us understand the concept of divine unity and harmony? What might this imply for our worship practices on Earth? [20:16]

2. In what ways does the understanding of God as the Father of believers, as described in Ephesians 4:1-6, challenge or affirm common perceptions of God's relationship with humanity? [24:13]

3. The sermon emphasizes the journey towards Zion and seeing God. How does this pilgrimage metaphor shape our understanding of the Christian life and its ultimate goal? [22:05]

4. How does recognizing God as "above all, through all, and in all" influence our perception of His presence and work within us? What practical implications does this have for our daily lives? [32:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of God's presence. How did it affect your perspective on divisions or conflicts in your life? How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence daily? [20:50]

2. The sermon speaks of our journey towards Zion. What steps can you take to remind yourself of your ultimate destination and live with purpose and hope? [22:05]

3. How does understanding God as the Father of believers specifically impact your identity and sense of belonging within the church community? What changes might you make to strengthen this identity? [26:21]

4. Consider the unity among Christians as children of the same Father. How can you actively contribute to fostering unity within your church or small group? What practical actions can you take this week? [29:01]

5. The sermon highlights God's supremacy and presence in believers. How can this understanding help you address personal challenges or conflicts? What specific situation in your life could benefit from this perspective? [32:06]

6. Reflect on the idea of being a partaker of the divine nature. How does this concept influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? What is one area of your life where you can more fully embrace this identity? [28:11]

7. How can the realization of being part of God's household transform your outlook on relationships within the church? What is one relationship you can work on to reflect this unity more clearly? [29:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Unity in Heaven and Earth
In the heavenly realm, everything revolves around God, the Eternal Father, creating a perfect harmony and unity that is vividly illustrated in the Book of Revelation. All beings, from angels to elders, converge around Him in worship, experiencing bliss, joy, and perfection. This divine focus is what makes heaven truly heavenly. On Earth, if we could fully realize God's presence, all divisions and distinctions would fade away, leaving us in awe and worship of the one true God. This understanding invites us to live in a way that reflects the heavenly unity, striving to see beyond earthly divisions and focusing on the divine presence that unites us all. [20:16]

Revelation 4:8-11 (ESV): "And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!' And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.'"

Reflection: What is one division or distinction in your life that you can surrender to God today, allowing His presence to bring unity and peace?


Day 2: Pilgrimage Towards Zion
Our journey on Earth is not static; we are pilgrims moving towards Zion, where we will meet and see the same God. This pilgrimage is a reminder of our ultimate destination and encourages us to live with purpose and hope. The blessed are those pure in heart, for they shall see God. As we journey, we are called to purify our hearts and focus on the eternal, allowing the hope of seeing God to transform our daily lives. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary struggles to the eternal joy that awaits us. [22:05]

Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV): "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."

Reflection: What is one way you can purify your heart today to align more closely with your ultimate destination of meeting God?


Day 3: God as Father of Believers
Paul emphasizes that God is not just a distant deity but our Father, specifically the Father of those in Christ. This is not a universal fatherhood but one limited to believers, those who are part of the church. This understanding should transform our thinking and living, as we realize we are partakers of the divine nature, born again, and children of God. Recognizing God as our Father invites us to live in a way that reflects our identity as His children, embracing the divine nature within us and allowing it to guide our actions and decisions. [26:21]

Ephesians 1:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does recognizing God as your Father change the way you view your identity and purpose today?


Day 4: Unity Through Shared Identity
Unity among Christians stems from our shared identity as children of the same Father. We belong to the same family, the household of God, and this should transform our outlook and foster unity. This shared identity calls us to look beyond our differences and embrace the common bond we have in Christ. By focusing on our unity as God's children, we can overcome divisions and work together to fulfill His purposes on Earth. [29:01]

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: What is one practical step you can take today to promote unity within your church or community?


Day 5: God's Supremacy and Presence in Believers
God the Father is above all, through all, and in all believers. This emphasizes His supremacy, presence, and work within us. Understanding these truths can solve many of our problems and lead us to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Recognizing God's active presence in our lives invites us to trust in His guidance and rely on His strength, knowing that He is working through us to accomplish His purposes. This awareness can transform our approach to challenges, as we lean on His power and wisdom. [32:06]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to acknowledge God's supremacy and presence today, allowing Him to work through you?

Quotes


In heaven, everything centers around God. Did you notice those two chapters we read at the beginning, chapters 4 and 5 of The Book of Revelation, how it all centers upon Him? The beasts and the Elders, the Vices, everything, all the Angels, there's a center, and everything converges on the center. And who is in the center? God the Eternal Father. [00:19:41]

Before Him, the Angels veil their faces. There's Perfect Harmony in heaven. That is what makes heaven heaven. There's no disunity, there's no Discord. Everything is in unison, everything is in harmony. God is all, and all are worshiping Him and bowing before Him. God at the center, and there it is bliss and joy and Perfection. [00:20:11]

But Paul says even while you were here on Earth, you are all worshiping this one God. And you know, if you and I only had the realization of the presence of God, all divisions and distinctions and all schisms would immediately vanish and disappear in the presence of the glory of God. [00:20:40]

We are now on Earth. We're in the church. Our Salvation reconciles us to Him. It enables us to worship Him, yes, but we are moving. We are not static. We are but strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are Marching to Zion, and where are we going? Well, we are all going to meet and to see the same God. [00:21:32]

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. That's what we're going on to. Let's see how our hymn puts it: one, the gladness of rejoicing on that far Eternal Shore, where the one Almighty Father Reigns in love forevermore. Oh, that we might realize that we are all thus under God and all going to God. [00:22:05]

One God, yes, but He doesn't leave it at that. He says one God and Father of all. Now, what does he mean by this? Here we've got to be very careful. One God, he says, and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all. Now, it's very important here to realize that this word all is not in the neuter gender. [00:22:47]

That's tremendously important for this reason. When he says God and Father of all, he doesn't mean all things. He doesn't mean the creation, the universe, the cosmos, and all its denizens and peoples. He doesn't mean all things. He means all persons. Ah, but wait a minute, does that then mean literally all persons, every single individual who has ever lived or ever will live? [00:23:03]

Now, there are people who are prepared to say that it does mean that, and they think they find in this verse an argument for what they call the universal fatherhood of God, that God is the Father of all and that we as Christians mustn't confine God's fatherhood to ourselves. But is that so? Well, let's look at it. [00:23:36]

The whole reference, the whole context is to Christian people. The all covers all Christians and nobody else. Not only that, the very last phrase here, and in you all, ought to be enough to settle it once and forever. That is never a statement that is made about the unbeliever, the non-Christian. God is only in The Believer, in the Christian. [00:25:00]

God is not the father of all men. Christ said of some men, you are of your father the devil, and the works of your father he will do. God has created all. There is a kind of General fatherhood in that respect, but here he is specifically limiting it, as he does everywhere, to those who are in Christ and in the church. [00:26:00]

The Apostle Peter, using his own language, puts it like this. He says that we have become partakers of the divine nature. That doesn't mean we've become Gods, but we have been given that principle of life that comes out of God himself. We are made partakers of the divine nature. That's what it means to be a Christian. [00:28:02]

A Christian is a man who was born again, born of the spirit, born of God. This principle of divine and eternal life is put into him. He is therefore a child of God, and God is his father. And you see where the principle of Unity comes in. We are all, as Christians, the children of God. We are children of the same father. [00:28:31]

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Transcript
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