Unity in Christ: Overcoming Division in a Broken World
Summary
### Summary
Today, we conclude our series "Modern Problems, Ancient Realities," where we've been exploring issues that have troubled humanity since the fall of Adam and Eve. We've discussed hopelessness, worry, fear, loneliness, emptiness, and anger. Today, we focus on division and its cure. Division has been a part of human history from the beginning, as seen in the story of Cain and Abel. Humanity's original calling was to steward and rule creation, but division has twisted that calling, leading to conflicts in marriages, nations, and churches.
When we think of division, we often ask, "Who's right and who's wrong?" But the real question should be, "How can we be for the Lord?" In a world filled with national, political, ideological, racial, and relational divisions, we must seek Jesus and not contribute to the problem. We are called to be peacemakers, not peacetakers. The body of Christ should never harbor racism, as we are all image bearers of God. Around the throne of Jesus, every tribe, tongue, and nation will be represented.
Living in a divided world requires us to remember the importance of unity. Jesus prayed for our unity in John 17, emphasizing that our unity would make the world believe that God sent Him. Unity doesn't mean agreeing on everything but majoring on the majors and not letting secondary issues divide us. Theological arrogance can quickly lead to division, but Jesus is perfect theology. The early church faced divisions, as seen in Paul's letters to the Corinthians, but he urged them to be united.
Behind all divisions are dark forces. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness. The devil's goal is to discourage and divide us. We must resist these forces by loving our neighbors and walking in the light. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection defeated the powers of the evil one, and we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light.
To shine light on division, we must put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We must bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us. Love is the perfect bond of unity. The early church was known for how they loved one another, and we should strive for the same.
Loving our enemies is perhaps the toughest commandment Jesus gave. Love is not a feeling but an action. We must believe that our enemies are just as valuable to God as we are. Jesus practiced this on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, also demonstrated this by asking Jesus not to hold his stoning against his attackers.
Finding common ground with people is essential. Just as fans of a sports team can unite despite different views, we must find common ground in Jesus within the church. Paul demonstrated this in Acts 17 by using the Athenians' altar to an unknown god to introduce them to Jesus. We must look for opportunities to find common ground with others to lead them to Jesus.
Finally, we are called to be peacemakers. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Paul urged us to live in peace with everyone as far as it depends on us. Our convictions should lead to compassion, which can then lead to conversations. As we leave today, let's remember to walk in love and unity, being effective witnesses in a divided world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unity in the Body of Christ: Unity is crucial for believers. Jesus prayed for our unity, emphasizing that it would make the world believe that God sent Him. Unity doesn't mean agreeing on everything but focusing on the core truths of our faith. Theological arrogance can lead to division, but we must remember that Jesus is perfect theology. [37:41]
2. Resisting Dark Forces: Behind all divisions are dark spiritual forces. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness. The devil's goal is to discourage and divide us. We must resist these forces by loving our neighbors and walking in the light, remembering that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection defeated the powers of the evil one. [40:43]
3. Walking in the Light: To shine light on division, we must put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We must bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us. Love is the perfect bond of unity. The early church was known for how they loved one another, and we should strive for the same. [46:25]
4. Loving Our Enemies: Loving our enemies is one of the toughest commandments Jesus gave. Love is not a feeling but an action. We must believe that our enemies are just as valuable to God as we are. Jesus practiced this on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, also demonstrated this by asking Jesus not to hold his stoning against his attackers. [49:26]
5. Finding Common Ground: Finding common ground with people is essential for unity. Just as fans of a sports team can unite despite different views, we must find common ground in Jesus within the church. Paul demonstrated this in Acts 17 by using the Athenians' altar to an unknown god to introduce them to Jesus. We must look for opportunities to find common ground with others to lead them to Jesus. [55:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:53] - Famous Feuds and Humility
[28:11] - Worship Leader's Feud
[29:27] - Modern Problems, Ancient Realities
[30:31] - The Cure for Division
[31:39] - National and Political Divisions
[32:57] - Racial and Ideological Divisions
[33:44] - The Apostles' Creed and Unity
[34:52] - Living in a Divided World
[36:02] - Theological Arrogance
[36:51] - Early Church Divisions
[37:41] - Jesus' Prayer for Unity
[38:44] - The Importance of Unity
[39:32] - The Source of Divisions
[40:43] - Spiritual Forces Behind Divisions
[41:27] - Resisting the Devil
[42:25] - Kingdom of Light vs. Kingdom of Darkness
[43:28] - Walking in the Light
[44:22] - Transferred to the Kingdom of Jesus
[45:25] - Division and Darkness
[46:25] - Shining Light on Division
[47:34] - Early Church Love and Unity
[48:28] - Loving Our Enemies
[49:26] - Love as an Action
[50:10] - Who is Your Enemy?
[51:16] - Jesus' Teaching on Loving Enemies
[52:28] - David's Psalms and Enemy Love
[53:11] - Jesus and Stephen's Example
[55:03] - Finding Common Ground
[55:53] - Common Ground in Sports
[56:40] - Common Ground in Jesus
[57:20] - Paul's Example in Acts 17
[57:50] - Longing for God
[58:34] - Being Peacemakers
[59:19] - Constantine and the Roman Empire
[59:56] - Protestant Reformation
[01:00:30] - Jesus' Church as Salt and Light
[01:01:13] - Speaking Truth in Love
[01:02:02] - Worship and Meditation
[01:07:05] - Convictions and Compassion
[01:07:54] - Following Jesus
[01:08:26] - Living in Unity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:20-23 (NIV)
> "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
2. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
> "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
3. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)
> "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus pray for in John 17:20-23 regarding the unity of believers?
2. According to Ephesians 6:12, who or what are we truly struggling against in our divisions?
3. In Colossians 3:12-14, what virtues are we instructed to "put on" to maintain unity and love within the body of Christ?
4. How did the sermon describe the impact of theological arrogance on church unity? ([36:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize unity among believers in His prayer in John 17:20-23? What is at stake if we fail to achieve this unity? ([37:41])
2. How do the "spiritual forces of wickedness" mentioned in Ephesians 6:12 contribute to divisions among people and within the church? ([40:43])
3. What does it mean to "walk in the light" as described in Colossians 3:12-14, and how can these virtues help in overcoming division? ([46:25])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of finding common ground with others, both within and outside the church? ([55:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced division within a church or community. How did it affect your faith and relationships? What steps could you take to promote unity in similar situations? ([34:52])
2. Considering Ephesians 6:12, how can you become more aware of the spiritual forces at work in your life and resist their influence? What practical steps can you take to "walk in the light"? ([43:28])
3. Think of someone you consider an enemy or someone you have a significant conflict with. How can you demonstrate love and forgiveness towards them this week, following Jesus' example on the cross? ([49:26])
4. Identify a secondary issue that has caused division in your church or community. How can you approach this issue with humility and a focus on unity, as suggested in the sermon? ([36:02])
5. How can you actively seek common ground with someone who has different beliefs or opinions from you? What specific actions can you take to build a bridge and lead them towards Jesus? ([55:53])
6. Reflect on the concept of being a peacemaker. What are some practical ways you can bring peace into your relationships and community? How can you ensure your convictions lead to compassionate conversations? ([58:34])
7. In what ways can you clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience in your daily interactions? Choose one virtue to focus on this week and describe how you will practice it. ([46:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in the Body of Christ
Unity is crucial for believers. Jesus prayed for our unity, emphasizing that it would make the world believe that God sent Him. Unity doesn't mean agreeing on everything but focusing on the core truths of our faith. Theological arrogance can lead to division, but we must remember that Jesus is perfect theology. Unity in the body of Christ is not about uniformity but about harmony. It is about coming together despite our differences and focusing on what truly matters—our shared faith in Jesus Christ. When we major on the majors and let go of secondary issues, we reflect the love and unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world, showing that we are followers of Christ.
In a world filled with division, the church is called to be a beacon of unity. This unity is not just for our benefit but for the sake of the gospel. When we are united, we demonstrate the love of Christ to a watching world. Theological arrogance and focusing on minor differences can quickly lead to division. Instead, we should strive to understand and love one another, recognizing that Jesus is the perfect example of theology. By doing so, we fulfill Jesus' prayer for unity and become effective witnesses for Him. [37:41]
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 fellow believer with whom you have had disagreements. How can you focus on your shared faith in Jesus to foster unity and understanding today?
Day 2: Resisting Dark Forces
Behind all divisions are dark spiritual forces. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness. The devil's goal is to discourage and divide us. We must resist these forces by loving our neighbors and walking in the light, remembering that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection defeated the powers of the evil one. The enemy seeks to sow discord and division among us, but we are called to stand firm in the truth of God's Word and resist these dark forces.
As believers, we must be vigilant and aware of the spiritual battle that rages around us. Our fight is not against people but against the spiritual forces that seek to divide and destroy us. By loving our neighbors and walking in the light, we can resist the devil's schemes. Jesus' victory over sin and death has transferred us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. Let us live in that light, showing love and compassion to those around us, and standing firm against the enemy's attempts to divide us. [40:43]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: Identify a situation in your life where you feel division or conflict. How can you pray and act to resist the spiritual forces behind this division and promote unity and love instead?
Day 3: Walking in the Light
To shine light on division, we must put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We must bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us. Love is the perfect bond of unity. The early church was known for how they loved one another, and we should strive for the same. Walking in the light means living out these virtues in our daily interactions, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus to those around us.
The early church set an example for us in how they loved and cared for one another. Their unity and love were a powerful testimony to the world. We are called to follow their example by putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues help us to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us. Love is the perfect bond of unity, and when we walk in the light, we reflect the love of Christ to a divided world. [46:25]
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: Think of a recent conflict or division you have experienced. How can you show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience in that situation to promote healing and unity?
Day 4: Loving Our Enemies
Loving our enemies is one of the toughest commandments Jesus gave. Love is not a feeling but an action. We must believe that our enemies are just as valuable to God as we are. Jesus practiced this on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, also demonstrated this by asking Jesus not to hold his stoning against his attackers. Loving our enemies requires us to see them through God's eyes and to act in love, even when it is difficult.
Jesus' command to love our enemies challenges us to go beyond our natural inclinations. It requires us to see our enemies as valuable to God and to act in love towards them. This love is not based on feelings but on a commitment to follow Jesus' example. On the cross, Jesus asked for forgiveness for those who crucified Him, demonstrating the ultimate act of love. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, followed Jesus' example by asking for forgiveness for his attackers. We are called to do the same, showing love and forgiveness to those who oppose us. [49:26]
Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV): "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
Reflection: Think of someone you consider an enemy or someone who has wronged you. How can you take a specific action today to show them love and forgiveness, following Jesus' example?
Day 5: Finding Common Ground
Finding common ground with people is essential for unity. Just as fans of a sports team can unite despite different views, we must find common ground in Jesus within the church. Paul demonstrated this in Acts 17 by using the Athenians' altar to an unknown god to introduce them to Jesus. We must look for opportunities to find common ground with others to lead them to Jesus. Finding common ground helps us to build bridges and foster unity, even in the midst of differences.
In a divided world, finding common ground is crucial for building relationships and fostering unity. Just as sports fans can unite despite their differences, we can find common ground in our shared faith in Jesus. Paul set an example for us in Acts 17 when he used the Athenians' altar to an unknown god to introduce them to Jesus. By finding common ground, we can build bridges and create opportunities to share the gospel. Let us look for ways to connect with others and lead them to Jesus, promoting unity and understanding. [55:53]
Acts 17:22-23 (ESV): "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown god." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'"
Reflection: Think of someone with whom you have significant differences. How can you find common ground with them today to build a relationship and share the love of Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's okay to have convictions. I have deep convictions on every level. It's okay to have convictions. But our convictions should lead to compassion for other people that maybe don't see things the way you do. And then if we have compassion, it can lead to a conversation. But when we don't show compassion, we're never going to get to that place of conversation with somebody. It's us and them. That's what they feel. Keep your convictions by all means. Just make sure they're the Lord's convictions. Walk in compassion so you can have a conversation." [01:07:05]
2. "Jesus is saying, if they'll be one, then the world around them that's divided, you know, crazy, will actually believe, Father, you sent me. But people that don't know Jesus come and they look at all the division within the church and they see it's all divided and us against them and who's in and who's out. And they go, I got this. In my own neighborhood. I got this at work. I got this in my country. So, it like hurts the witness of the church when we're divided, when the church is divided." [38:44]
3. "Jesus is saying, no, when it comes to that. The first week, the pastor preached about commitment and how we should dedicate our lives to serving one another. So the worship pastor responded with the song, I shall not be moved. Just to kind of despite the pastor. Second week, the pastor preached about tithing and how important it was for the congregation to contribute to the church. The worship minister responded to that sermon with Jesus paid it all." [28:11]
4. "When you go to a baseball game, you could be sitting next to someone who has a completely different political view. Theological point of view, worldview. But if you're both sitting there in your favorite team's jersey, you're hoping for the same outcome that your team would win. You're cheering for the same team. At that moment, there is some common ground. That's why baseball is such a great sport. Brings people together. But, and I know some of you don't like baseball, but whatever it is that brings people together, you're there because of your common interest." [55:53]
5. "Remember to find common ground with people. And look in the church and in your relationships with your neighbors around you and who God has called you to influence. Christie's already used this illustration, but it made me think of" [55:03]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Humanity as a whole failed in the calling to steward and rule creation. Jesus has raised up his church to be salt and light. And he said the gates of hell will not stand against it. Gates are a defensive thing. And Jesus is saying we're going into the kingdom of darkness with the good news and the light of Jesus. We penetrate the darkness. And we do that one life at a time. So I'd say this. Don't get drawn into the division. Be part of the solution. And if you do find yourself there, speak the truth. But speak it in love, not in arrogance." [01:01:13]
2. "When we talk about resisting the evil one and the evil forces that are behind division, resist the evil powers by loving your neighbor. We resist getting drawn in to the conflict by showing love, by demonstrating love, by praying. And all that comes with that. Now, there's neighborly love, which was love for, you know, your fellow Jew. For us, it'd be Christians. What is enemy love? Enemy love is believing that that person is just as valuable to God as you are. Enemy love is believing that who you see as an enemy is just as valued by God, as you are. It's not easy to always do because people do some terrible, terrible things. And there's, in loving your enemies, there's no excuse for atrocious behavior. Jesus isn't saying that. He's talking to us as individuals in our life." [52:28]
3. "Jesus practiced what he preached when he was on the cross. When they were humiliating him and hurting him, nailed him to a cross, he says, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. And then I thought of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. In Acts chapter... 6, 7, and 8, I believe. You see Stephen preaching the truth to his fellow Israelites about how they missed the Messiah and they crucified the Messiah. But how God, in their pouring out their wrath on the Messiah, God was ushering in the new covenant. And they're getting really mad at him, gnashing their teeth. And then he has a vision and he sees the Son of Man seated at the right hand of God. And they knew what that meant. That was right out of Daniel. That he says he's seeing the Messiah. And they picked up rocks and stoned him to death. Just pelted him with rocks. And right before he died, he said, Lord Jesus, don't hold this against them." [55:03]
4. "To live in a divided world, remember to walk in the light. Remember to walk in the light. Light always expels darkness. If we clicked on more light in here, darkness always leaves. Colossians 1.13, what a beautiful promise Paul tells the church. For he rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. You've been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Jesus. Is that good news? That's awesome. That's awesome news. So we need to walk in the light. Darkness, biblically, when you see it in Scripture, according to Jesus, John, the Apostle Paul, darkness, of course, is evil, but it's also in the mind. Darkness came into humanity when Adam and Eve stopped trusting God. They got duped to believe that God couldn't be trusted and that God was not good. And then he was distant. He's out there. And Jesus came to flip the switch in showing us his light and to rescue us from this darkness that he showed that God loved us, that he's good, and that he is all-powerful, almighty, and gave his life for us. Jesus said, I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness. He" [45:25]
5. "So I think the most important for us as believers is this. If we're going to live in a divided world, we're going to live in a divided world. And remember how important unity is to Jesus. It is very important to Jesus that his followers walk in unity. You ever wonder why there are so many denominations in the Protestant movement of churches? It's because somebody elevated a secondary issue, maybe a mode of baptism or your belief about the end times or whatever, and they elevate that and make it a primary issue. And you become wrong and they're right, so they take their ball and create a new movement. It happens all the time. Little factions where we're right and you're wrong. And in the body of Christ, we're not supposed to treat each other that way. It doesn't mean that we don't speak truth and seek truth. Of course we do. But you can get theologically arrogant real quick and think, man, I got it all figured out. And the longer I walk with Jesus, the more I read Scripture. The more simple I have become. That Jesus is perfect theology. Jesus is perfect theology." [36:02]
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