Unity in Christ: Overcoming Division Through the Cross
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the theme of division, both in our culture and within the church, and how it contrasts with the kind of division God desires. We began by acknowledging the unique challenges our military community faces, particularly the high turnover rate and the resulting financial strain during the summer months. This led us to a broader discussion on how division manifests in our lives, often driven by antagonism and a desire for power or superior knowledge.
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 1, we examined how the cross serves as a divine divider. To those who are perishing, the message of the cross is foolishness, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. This division is not about human distinctions like politics or social status but about whether one accepts or rejects the cross. We delved into how people seek signs of power or wisdom, often missing the true power and wisdom found in Christ.
We also discussed the dangers of defining ourselves by what we oppose rather than who we are in Christ. This leads to a culture of constant infighting and division, which is contrary to the unity we are called to in Christ. Paul’s message in Galatians reminds us that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female; we are all one.
The sermon emphasized the importance of seeing the world through the lens of the cross, which divides vertically (our relationship with God) and horizontally (our relationships with others). We are called to reach out to those who do not yet know Christ, not to see them as enemies but as potential partners in the faith. This requires the right illumination—seeing things from God's perspective—and the right power source, relying on God's strength rather than our own.
Finally, we were encouraged to engage in community and service within the church as a way to sharpen our spiritual vision and grow in our faith. Serving alongside others helps us see the world through God’s eyes and strengthens our unity in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Cross as a Divine Divider: The cross divides humanity into those who see it as foolishness and those who see it as the power of God. This division is not based on human distinctions but on one's acceptance or rejection of Christ. Understanding this helps us focus on what truly matters in our faith. [31:46]
2. Dangers of Defining by Opposition: When we define ourselves by what we oppose, we become shaped by our antagonisms rather than our identity in Christ. This leads to a culture of division and infighting, which is contrary to the unity we are called to in Christ. [39:04]
3. Unity in Christ: In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female; we are all one. This unity transcends all human distinctions and should be the foundation of our relationships within the church and beyond. [40:06]
4. Seeing Through God’s Lens: We must saturate ourselves with God's Word and teachings to see the world through Christian lenses. This perspective helps us recognize everyone as a fallen image of God, deserving of love and grace, rather than as enemies. [54:59]
5. Relying on God’s Power: Human power is insufficient to solve God-sized problems. We must rely on God's strength, recognizing that His power is made perfect in our weakness. This humility allows us to experience God's true power in our lives. [01:01:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:26] - Summer Giving Desert
[28:32] - Childhood Antagonism
[30:15] - Cultural Division
[31:46] - The Cross as a Divider
[33:04] - Foolishness of Preaching
[34:25] - Signs and Wisdom
[35:54] - Power and Knowledge
[37:22] - Identity in Christ
[39:04] - Dangers of Dichotomies
[40:06] - Unity in Christ
[42:09] - Absurd Hero
[45:01] - Vertical Division
[50:38] - Horizontal Division
[54:59] - Seeing Through God’s Lens
[01:01:07] - Relying on God’s Power
[01:05:29] - Serving in Community
[01:06:35] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.' Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
2. Galatians 3:26-28 - "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, how do different groups of people perceive the message of the cross?
2. What does Paul say about the wisdom of the world versus the wisdom of God in 1 Corinthians 1:20-21?
3. In Galatians 3:28, what distinctions does Paul say are irrelevant in Christ?
4. How does the sermon describe the way people often define themselves by what they oppose rather than who they are in Christ? [37:22]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul describe the message of the cross as "foolishness" to some and "the power of God" to others? How does this division impact the way we share the gospel? [31:46]
2. How can defining ourselves by what we oppose lead to division within the church, and what are the dangers of this mindset? [39:04]
3. What does it mean to see the world through God's lens, and how can this perspective change our interactions with others? [54:59]
4. How does relying on God's power rather than our own strength help us address the challenges we face in our faith journey? [01:01:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you saw the message of the cross as foolishness. What changed your perspective, and how can you help others see it as the power of God? [31:46]
2. Have you ever found yourself defining your identity by what you oppose rather than who you are in Christ? How can you shift your focus to your identity in Christ? [39:04]
3. In what ways can you actively work towards unity in your church community, especially with those who have different opinions or backgrounds? [40:06]
4. How can you saturate yourself with God's Word to see the world through Christian lenses? What specific steps can you take this week to start this practice? [54:59]
5. Identify a God-sized problem in your life that you have been trying to solve with your own strength. How can you start relying on God's power instead? [01:01:07]
6. Think of someone in your life who does not yet know Christ. How can you reach out to them with love and grace, seeing them as a potential partner in faith rather than an enemy? [51:00]
7. How can serving in your church community help you grow in your faith and see the world through God's eyes? What specific ministry can you get involved in? [01:06:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cross as a Divine Divider
The cross of Christ serves as a divine divider, separating humanity into two distinct groups: those who see it as foolishness and those who recognize it as the power of God. This division is not based on human distinctions such as politics, social status, or cultural background, but rather on one's acceptance or rejection of Christ. Understanding this helps us focus on what truly matters in our faith and encourages us to view the world through the lens of the cross. The cross challenges us to move beyond superficial divisions and to embrace the transformative power of God's love and grace.
The message of the cross is often seen as foolishness by those who are perishing, but for those who are being saved, it is the very power of God. This divine division calls us to examine our own hearts and to consider where we stand in relation to the cross. Are we seeking signs of power and wisdom in the wrong places, or are we embracing the true power and wisdom found in Christ? By focusing on the cross, we can align our lives with God's purposes and experience the fullness of His power in our lives. [31:46]
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'"
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you have been seeking power or wisdom apart from Christ. How can you shift your focus to embrace the true power and wisdom found in the cross today?
Day 2: Dangers of Defining by Opposition
When we define ourselves by what we oppose, we become shaped by our antagonisms rather than our identity in Christ. This mindset leads to a culture of division and infighting, which is contrary to the unity we are called to in Christ. Instead of focusing on what we are against, we should focus on who we are in Christ and what we stand for as His followers. This shift in perspective helps us build a community that reflects the love and unity of Christ.
Defining ourselves by opposition creates an environment where antagonism and conflict thrive. It distracts us from our true identity in Christ and hinders our ability to build meaningful relationships within the church and beyond. By focusing on our identity in Christ, we can overcome the divisive tendencies that arise from defining ourselves by what we oppose. This approach fosters a culture of unity and love, where we can work together to advance God's kingdom. [39:04]
Galatians 5:15 (ESV): "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent conflict or disagreement you have had. How can you shift your focus from what you oppose to who you are in Christ in this situation?
Day 3: Unity in Christ
In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female; we are all one. This unity transcends all human distinctions and should be the foundation of our relationships within the church and beyond. Embracing this unity helps us see each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of our differences. It calls us to love and serve one another, reflecting the unity and love of Christ to the world.
The unity we have in Christ is a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and grace. It breaks down the barriers that divide us and brings us together as one body. By embracing this unity, we can build a community that reflects the heart of God and demonstrates His love to those around us. This unity is not just a theoretical concept but a practical reality that should shape our interactions and relationships. [40:06]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church or community who is different from you. How can you reach out to them and build a relationship that reflects the unity you have in Christ?
Day 4: Seeing Through God’s Lens
We must saturate ourselves with God's Word and teachings to see the world through Christian lenses. This perspective helps us recognize everyone as a fallen image of God, deserving of love and grace, rather than as enemies. By seeing the world through God's lens, we can extend His love and grace to those around us, even those who may seem difficult to love. This approach transforms our interactions and helps us build a community that reflects the heart of God.
Seeing the world through God's lens requires a deliberate effort to immerse ourselves in His Word and teachings. It involves renewing our minds and aligning our thoughts with God's perspective. This transformation enables us to see people as God sees them, with compassion and love. It challenges us to move beyond our biases and prejudices and to extend grace to everyone we encounter. [54:59]
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 someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you begin to see them through God's lens and extend His love and grace to them today?
Day 5: Relying on God’s Power
Human power is insufficient to solve God-sized problems. We must rely on God's strength, recognizing that His power is made perfect in our weakness. This humility allows us to experience God's true power in our lives. By relying on God's power, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us and will provide the strength we need. This reliance on God transforms our approach to life's difficulties and helps us grow in our faith.
Relying on God's power requires a recognition of our own limitations and a willingness to trust in His strength. It involves surrendering our own efforts and allowing God to work through us. This humility opens the door for God's power to be manifested in our lives, enabling us to accomplish things we could never do on our own. By relying on God's power, we can experience His presence and provision in every aspect of our lives. [01:01:07]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you rely on God's power in this area and trust Him to provide the strength you need?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The cross divides vertically. Because the human feeling is if there is a God, we should be able to get to him. If you go back into the Old Testament, you've got the Tower of Babel, where they're going to build a tower and work their way to God. They're going to make their way to God. And God goes, no, not happening. And history is a history of humans trying to get to God or to deny God's existence so that they can win." [45:01] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You will not lock eyes with a single person this day whom Jesus did not die for. And the goal is not to cheer while they go to hell. That's not the point. We don't get points for going, yeah, they're getting destroyed. Woo-hoo! That's as un-Jesus as you can get. The point is, well, Ephesians 6, Paul says, we don't wrestle against flesh and blood. The people aren't our enemies." [51:44] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The cross divides based on whether or not you accept it or reject it. That's what matters. You come and you look at the cross and there is a man hanging on a cross. And what is that? What is that man hanging on a cross? Is that the Savior of the world? Is that the Savior of the world? Is that God dying for humanity? Is it an abject failure?" [42:09] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it's the power of God. See, here's the thing. You need to get this. Okay? If you've been asleep, I need you to wake up for just a second. If you've been getting something, snacks while you're online, this is the one thing you need to get." [51:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The world lenses are always us versus them, terrible person, bad person. When I look through the God lenses, let me give you the bottom line, cliff note. TLDR. TDR. I look at other people I see a person who is a fallen image of God everybody I see every one of you is a fallen image of God that means you're made to be amazing." [56:14] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need the right distinctives. I see so many Christians who are falling for the wrong distinctives. They're arguing about things that aren't things we should be arguing about the wrong distinctives. They're arguing about the wrong distinctives that aren't ours. Does that make sense just just smile and nod okay here's remember what he said he said just a second ago jews demand signs greeks look for wisdom and that's a real good split of how people view things when people come into the world how they view the world without jesus christ is they either want signs or wisdom." [33:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we fall into this trap, which we are tempted to do, we are tempted to say, find human ways to divide people. And when we divide, based on anything human, we eventually define ourselves based on what we are not, instead of who we are. Right now, I mean, I shouldn't go in this place, but I'm going to go in this place for just a second. I really think both political parties, neither one of them knows who they are. They just know they're not the other one." [36:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The cross divides horizontally. It does. It divides people from people. But it's not based on what you think about politics or sports or any of those things. Because what did he say? The message of the cross is foolishness to whom? To those who are perishing. But to us who are being saved, it's the power of God." [50:38] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The problem is the cross divides. But the cross does not divide us as us versus them, but as us versus them. It's us reaching out to them. We're not trying to win. We're trying to win them over. I heard a pastor say once, you will not lock eyes. You will not lock eyes with a single person this day whom Jesus did not die for." [51:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You need to recognize when you see people anytime you look at a person if that person's a believer eventually they may end up such a glorious being once they're fully transformed in the image of Jesus Christ that you are not even going to be able to look at them right now there's just so much glory inherent in the image of God in these people that if you looked at them and you didn't know better you would be tempted to fall down and worship them they would be so amazing." [56:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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