Unity in Christ: Overcoming Division Through Prayer
Summary
In today's message, I shared a personal reflection on the power of prayer, particularly the prayers of my mother, which have been a constant source of encouragement and guidance throughout my life. This led us into a deeper exploration of what it means to be part of the "ekklesia," a term Jesus used to describe the church not as a building, but as a movement of people united with a purpose. This movement, which began as an outward-facing, multicultural, and multiplying force, was launched by the resurrection of Jesus and is meant to continue as a transformative presence in the world.
We examined the greatest threat to this movement, which is not external forces or political ideologies, but internal division. Jesus, in His prayer recorded in the Gospel of John, emphasized the importance of unity among His followers. He prayed for us to be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may believe in Him. This unity is not about uniformity in thought or opinion but about being united in purpose and mission.
The early church thrived despite being sandwiched between the oppressive Roman Empire and the Jewish temple authorities. Their success was not due to political power or social influence but because they were united around the message of Jesus' love and sacrifice. This unity allowed them to love and serve others radically, which ultimately transformed the world.
Today, we face the temptation to allow secondary issues to divide us, overshadowing the primary message of Jesus. We must resist the urge to demonize those who differ from us and instead focus on the central truth that Jesus came to save all of us. Our loyalty must be to Jesus above all else, and we must strive to keep the primary message of His love and resurrection at the forefront of our lives and our community.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Prayer: The prayers of those who love us, like my mother's, can be a profound source of strength and guidance. They remind us of the importance of interceding for others and trusting God with our deepest concerns. [06:57]
- Understanding Ekklesia: The church is not a building but a movement of people united with a purpose. This movement, launched by Jesus' resurrection, is meant to be outward-facing and transformative, impacting the world with the message of Jesus. [11:05]
- The Greatest Threat is Division: Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, knowing that division is the greatest threat to His movement. Our focus should be on being united in purpose, not allowing secondary issues to overshadow the primary message of Jesus. [17:58]
- Unity in Diversity: The early church thrived because they were united around the message of Jesus, despite their diverse backgrounds and beliefs. This unity allowed them to love and serve others radically, transforming the world. [24:44]
- Loyalty to Jesus Above All: Our loyalty must be to Jesus above political or social affiliations. We must resist the urge to demonize those who differ from us and focus on the central truth of Jesus' love and resurrection. [32:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:57] - The Power of Prayer
- [11:05] - Understanding Ekklesia
- [15:10] - The Greatest Threat is Division
- [17:58] - Jesus' Prayer for Unity
- [22:07] - Unity in Purpose
- [24:44] - The Early Church's Success
- [28:20] - Division Over Secondary Issues
- [32:22] - Loyalty to Jesus Above All
- [35:46] - Pledge Loyalty to King Over Country
- [38:32] - Secondary vs. Primary Issues
- [41:59] - Love One Another
- [45:19] - Refuse to Demonize
- [47:58] - Jesus' Prayer for Us
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 17:11, 20-23 - Jesus' prayer for unity among His followers.
2. Acts 2:42-47 - The early church's unity and community life.
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus specifically pray for in John 17:11 regarding His followers? How does this reflect His priorities for the church? [17:58]
2. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the early church's success despite external pressures? [24:44]
3. How does the sermon describe the term "ekklesia," and what significance does it hold for understanding the church's mission? [11:05]
4. According to the sermon, what is considered the greatest threat to the church, and why? [15:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17:20-23 challenge the current state of division within the church? What might this unity look like in practice? [22:07]
2. The sermon mentions that the early church thrived without political power or social influence. What does this suggest about the source of the church's strength and influence? [24:44]
3. How does the concept of "ekklesia" as a movement rather than a building change the way we view our role as part of the church? [11:05]
4. The sermon emphasizes loyalty to Jesus above all else. How can this principle guide our interactions with political and social issues today? [32:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when someone’s prayers, like those of the pastor's mother, provided you with strength and guidance. How can you be intentional about praying for others in your life? [06:57]
2. In what ways can you contribute to unity within your church community, especially when faced with differing opinions or secondary issues? [28:20]
3. Consider the early church's example of radical love and service. What is one practical way you can demonstrate this kind of love in your community this week? [24:44]
4. Identify a secondary issue that has caused division in your life or church. How can you refocus on the primary message of Jesus' love and resurrection to overcome this division? [32:22]
5. The sermon challenges us to pledge loyalty to Jesus over political affiliations. What steps can you take to ensure your primary allegiance is to Christ in your daily decisions? [35:46]
6. How can you actively refuse to demonize those who hold different views from you, and instead, see them as individuals Jesus came to save? [45:19]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to be a transformative presence in the world. What is one specific action you can take this week to embody the mission of the "ekklesia"? [11:05]
Devotional
Day 1: The Strength of Intercessory Prayer
The prayers of those who love us, like a mother's prayers, can be a profound source of strength and guidance. These prayers remind us of the importance of interceding for others and trusting God with our deepest concerns. When we pray for others, we participate in a divine partnership, lifting them up to God and trusting Him to work in their lives. This act of intercession is not just a duty but a privilege, allowing us to be part of God's work in the world. [06:57]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs your prayers today? Take a moment to pray specifically for their needs and ask God to show you how you can be a source of encouragement to them.
Day 2: Ekklesia as a Transformative Movement
The church, or "ekklesia," is not a building but a movement of people united with a purpose. This movement, launched by Jesus' resurrection, is meant to be outward-facing and transformative, impacting the world with the message of Jesus. As part of this movement, we are called to live out our faith in ways that reflect Jesus' love and sacrifice, reaching out to those around us with compassion and truth. [11:05]
"And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be a part of the church's mission to transform the world around you? Consider one practical step you can take this week to share Jesus' love with someone in your community.
Day 3: Unity Over Division
Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, knowing that division is the greatest threat to His movement. Our focus should be on being united in purpose, not allowing secondary issues to overshadow the primary message of Jesus. This unity is not about uniformity in thought or opinion but about being united in mission and love. When we prioritize unity, we reflect the heart of Jesus and become a powerful witness to the world. [17:58]
"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: What secondary issues have you allowed to create division in your relationships? Ask God to help you focus on the primary message of Jesus and seek reconciliation where needed.
Day 4: Unity in Diversity
The early church thrived because they were united around the message of Jesus, despite their diverse backgrounds and beliefs. This unity allowed them to love and serve others radically, transforming the world. Embracing diversity within the church is a testament to the power of the Gospel to bring people together from all walks of life. As we celebrate our differences, we can learn from one another and grow stronger in our shared mission. [24:44]
"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." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace and celebrate diversity within your church community? Identify one way you can learn from someone with a different background or perspective this week.
Day 5: Loyalty to Jesus Above All
Our loyalty must be to Jesus above political or social affiliations. We must resist the urge to demonize those who differ from us and focus on the central truth of Jesus' love and resurrection. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can navigate the complexities of life with grace and truth, prioritizing His kingdom above all else. This loyalty calls us to live in a way that reflects His love and truth to the world. [32:22]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed political or social affiliations to overshadow your loyalty to Jesus? Consider how you can realign your priorities to reflect your commitment to Him above all else.
Quotes
I believe that parents, when they pray for us, parents ask God for what they are convinced is most important for their child's welfare. And that thing that's most important for them may change depending on the different season. It's based on whatever season of life that you're in. So at first, at the beginning of our lives, our parents pray for health. They pray for safety and protection, that we would grow up big and strong. And then as we get into school, they start praying for our grades, that we would pass our classes. [00:02:52] (26 seconds)
And that word is Ekklesia. And you know what that word is and what it means now, because this is a word that Jesus used. And he used it to describe, and by the way, when he used it, it was a common Greek word. It was not like a word that he made up or a fancy word. It was a common Greek word. And that word meant assembly or movement or gathering of people on purpose. [00:04:39] (22 seconds)
But it doesn't necessarily mean church as you and I know the word because we think of it as a building or a place that we go or something that we do. But when Jesus used the word ekklesia, he was specifically referencing a movement or an assembly or a gathering of people that had a purpose. And that common purpose was to gather around the name of Jesus and go out with the name of Jesus to change the world. [00:05:09] (21 seconds)
And we've been doing that by looking back at his first century followers, the first century church, the people that were actually with Jesus, that got to sit at his feet and actually learn directly from him. And we've been learning along the way, what is essential for the church? What is essential for the ecclesia? Because there are a lot of different, we've talked about this throughout the last few, several weeks. There are a lot of different expressions of our faith. [00:06:40] (24 seconds)
And so we've just been trying to ensure as we talk throughout the series that we don't drift from Jesus's original intent for the church, not only in our generation, but also for the generation that's coming up behind us. We want to make sure that we are guarding, to just say it another way, that we are guarding against the greatest threat to the church, the greatest threat to the movement of Jesus, both then, as well as the greatest threat to his movement now. [00:08:10] (26 seconds)
And here's what I mean by that. And every single one of us in this room are guilty of this to some degree, every one of us, right? Like, let's just be honest. Here's what I mean, that there are special interest groups that are around us. There are special interest groups around the church that are constantly attempting to use us. They're trying to use the church and they have conspired to convince us that the greatest threat to the ecclesia, the movement of Jesus, is outside of us. [00:10:23] (32 seconds)
And a Christian, a Christian who is convinced, and again, you might be here and you might be exploring faith. Maybe that's not you today. But if you're here today and you're like, I'm a Christian, I'm a follower of Jesus. A Christian who is convinced or a group of Christians or a church, a specific church of Christians or a Christian leader, a church leader who is convinced that an ideology or a political party is the primary threat to the ecclesia of Jesus is a threat to the ecclesia of Jesus. [00:15:45] (33 seconds)
And why do I say that? Because when you are convinced and when I am convinced that the greatest threat to the movement of Jesus is out there, I lose focus and you lose focus on what's in here, on what's going on in here. Do you guys know the thing that is most likely to blow up the church? It's our inadequacies. It's our shortcomings. To use a church word, it's our sin, the stuff that separates us from God. [00:16:19] (47 seconds)
And much like our parents pray prayers for you and for me about what the things that concern them the most, that's exactly what Jesus does as well. Now this is a long prayer. We're just going to look at part of it today. And so we're just going to jump right in. This is what Jesus prays. He says, Holy Father. He's speaking to Father God. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name that you gave me. [00:18:22] (26 seconds)
That they would be one, that they would be unified. What does it mean that they would be one? Jesus means that they would be one in purpose. And what is that purpose, Jesus, that you want us to be unified around? That purpose is that we, you and I, if you're following Jesus, we have been sent into this world. That's what he says. He says, as you, as God has sent Jesus into the world, Jesus has sent them. [00:20:39] (25 seconds)
And he doubles down on this, by the way. He says, I in them. He just repeats it. I in them and you in me so that they may be brought, here it is again, to complete unity. The people outside of the church would look at us and go, man, you guys are so different. And as I look around this room, we are very different people. There's a wide variety of people in this room that they would look at us and go, man, you got different backgrounds. [00:23:36] (24 seconds)
And it did not happen. Think about this. It did not happen because Christians gathered together an army and marched against Rome or marched against the temple. It did not happen because Christians decided to protest their government or protest whatever it was that was going on and the rights that they were losing. It was not because Christians gathered together and demanded that they have rights. They didn't have rights in this empire. They had none. [00:25:12] (29 seconds)
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