Unity in Christ: The Church's Call to Serve

Devotional

Day 1: Unity as Imitators of Christ

To be unified as a church, we are called to be imitators of Christ, following the example of Paul as he followed Jesus. This means striving daily to become more like Jesus in our words, actions, and attitudes, not because we are perfect, but because we are being transformed by His Spirit. Paul reminds us that spiritual maturity is not about having many teachers, but about having spiritual fathers and mothers who model Christlikeness for us. As we look to faithful examples in our community and in Scripture, we are encouraged to proclaim Christ, teach with wisdom, and help one another grow to maturity in Him. Let us ask God to help us reflect Jesus more each day, so that our unity would be a testimony to the world. [31:59]

1 Corinthians 4:14-17 (ESV)
I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life whose Christlike example you can intentionally learn from or encourage this week, and how can you take a practical step to imitate their faith in your own walk with Jesus?

Day 2: Unity as Servants of Christ

True unity in the church comes when we see ourselves first and foremost as servants of Christ, laying down our own desires and ambitions to serve our Lord and one another. Paul paints a vivid picture of servanthood—not as a position of honor, but as one of humility and obedience, like the lowest rowers in a ship, working unseen for the good of all. Jesus Himself modeled this, coming not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. When we embrace this calling, we find our true purpose and highest praise: to be known as those who serve Christ wholeheartedly. [39:20]

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV)
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection: In what specific way can you serve someone in your church, home, or community this week that requires you to put their needs above your own?

Day 3: Unity as Stewards of the Gospel

We are entrusted with the greatest mystery and treasure—the gospel of Jesus Christ—and called to be faithful stewards, sharing this good news with those who have not heard. This stewardship is not for our benefit alone, but for the sake of the world, as billions still need to hear the name of Jesus. Faithful stewardship means being intentional: having a plan to share your testimony, praying for opportunities, and being ready to speak of Christ’s work in your life. The value of knowing Jesus surpasses all else, and we are responsible to make Him known, both near and far, as God gives us opportunity. [45:53]

Colossians 1:25-27 (ESV)
Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Reflection: What is one concrete step you can take this week to prepare yourself to share your testimony or the gospel with someone who does not yet know Christ?

Day 4: Unity Through Humility and Forgiveness

Humility is the way of Christ and the mark of true unity among His followers. Paul describes the apostles as the “scum of the world,” enduring hardship, insult, and persecution, yet responding with blessing, endurance, and forgiveness. This radical humility and willingness to forgive—even those who have deeply wronged us—can only come from Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. When we choose humility over pride and forgiveness over vengeance, we display the power and presence of Jesus to a watching world. [56:57]

Philippians 2:8-11 (ESV)
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or a situation where you need to humble yourself today? What would it look like to take a step toward humility or forgiveness in that relationship?

Day 5: Unity in the Power and Mission of God’s Kingdom

The unity of the church is rooted in the power and authority of Christ, not in human wisdom or earthly kingdoms. We are called to live not just with words, but with the power of the Spirit, building God’s kingdom rather than our own. Our mission is to help people find their way back to Jesus, to be restored to God’s design, to thrive together in life and ministry, and to impact a world in need. Every believer is given the responsibility and privilege to bear the name of Christ and to share His love and message with others, trusting that God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail. [01:03:56]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Where do you see God moving around you, and how can you intentionally join Him in His mission—whether by sharing the gospel, serving, or praying for revival—in your community this week?

Sermon Summary

Unity is at the heart of God’s design for His church. In a world marked by division and strife, the people of Jesus are called to be a living demonstration of oneness, built not on human preferences or cultural trends, but on Christ Himself. The church is not perfect—far from it—but it is God’s chosen vessel to carry the gospel to the world, the very bride for whom Christ died and will one day return. Our unity is not just a nice idea; it is essential for the mission and witness of the church. When the world looks at us, they should see a people purified, tuned to the voice of the Lord, and eager to join Him in what He is doing.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4 remind us that unity is forged as we imitate Christ, following the example of faithful leaders like Paul and Timothy, who lived lives of repentance, humility, and sacrificial service. We are called to be servants—subordinates who lay down our own rights and ambitions to serve Christ and one another. This is not a position of weakness, but of strength, for even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

As stewards of the mysteries of God, we have been entrusted with the gospel—the greatest treasure imaginable. This stewardship is not passive; it demands intentionality. We must have a plan to share our faith, to testify to what Christ has done, and to be faithful with the opportunities God gives us. The world is still full of people who have never heard the name of Jesus, and even in our own communities, the need is great. Faithfulness as a steward means living for God’s approval, not the praise of others, and being ready to share the hope we have.

True unity is marked by humility. Paul contrasts the pride and self-sufficiency of the Corinthians with the humility and suffering of the apostles, who endured hardship, persecution, and slander, yet responded with blessing, endurance, and forgiveness. This is the way of Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross and was exalted by God above every name. Humility is not weakness; it is the evidence of Christ’s presence and power in our lives.

Finally, unity is rooted in the kingdom of God—a kingdom not of talk, but of power. Our purpose is to help people find their way back to Jesus, to be restored to God’s design, to thrive in life and ministry together, and to impact a world in need. This is our calling: to be a people who love, serve, and proclaim Christ, both at home and to the ends of the earth.

Key Takeaways

1. Unity Is Essential for the Church’s Witness and Mission The unity of God’s people is not optional; it is the very means by which the world sees the reality of Christ. Division undermines our witness and grieves the heart of God. We must be vigilant to guard against pride, preferences, and anything that would fracture the body, striving instead to be a people purified and joined together in Christ, ready to join God in His work in the world. [23:59]
2. Imitating Christ Means Embracing Servanthood and Sacrifice To follow Jesus is to lay down our rights, ambitions, and comforts, taking up the posture of a servant. Paul’s life is a model of repentance and self-denial, showing us that greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humble service. True discipleship is costly, requiring us to let go of self and embrace the way of Christ, who gave everything for us. [38:05]
3. We Are Stewards of the Gospel—Intentionality Is Required The mysteries of God have been entrusted to us, not for our own benefit alone, but to be shared with a world in desperate need. Faithful stewardship means having a plan to share our testimony and the gospel, being ready and intentional in our witness. The value of what we hold—the hope of Christ in us—demands that we do not keep it to ourselves, but seek opportunities to proclaim it boldly. [45:02]
4. Humility Is the Mark of Christ’s Presence and Power The world sees humility as weakness, but in the kingdom of God, it is the path to exaltation. Paul and the apostles endured suffering, slander, and loss, yet responded with blessing, endurance, and forgiveness. This radical humility is only possible through Christ, and it is the evidence that we belong to Him. When we are reviled, persecuted, or slandered, our response should reflect the heart of Jesus, who forgave even His enemies. [56:25]
5. The Kingdom of God Is Not in Words, but in Power and Purpose The church is not called to build its own kingdom or seek the approval of men, but to live under the authority and power of Christ. Our mission is to help people find their way back to Jesus, to be restored, to thrive together, and to impact the world. This requires courage, intentionality, and a willingness to join God wherever He is moving, trusting that His kingdom will ultimately prevail over every earthly power. [59:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Greeting and Wreck Kids Dismissal
[02:10] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 4
[23:59] - The Problem of Division in the Church
[25:37] - Social Media, Church Criticism, and Imperfection
[27:22] - The Church as God’s Chosen Vessel
[29:43] - Revival and Spiritual Awakening
[30:53] - Joining God’s Work and Paul’s Spiritual Fatherhood
[33:59] - The Call to Imitate Christ and Spiritual Maturity
[36:25] - God’s Loving Discipline and Our Identity
[38:05] - Servants of Christ: True Christian Identity
[41:40] - Stewards of the Mysteries of God
[45:02] - The Urgency of Gospel Stewardship
[47:28] - Project 3000 and Global Mission
[50:54] - Humility: The Apostolic Example
[56:25] - Radical Forgiveness and the Way of Christ
[59:36] - The Kingdom of God: Power, Not Just Words
[61:40] - Helping People Find Their Way Back to Jesus
[65:30] - Baptism, Testimony, and Bold Witness
[67:02] - Invitation to Respond and Prayer
[79:40] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[82:43] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 4:1-17 (ESV) — This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
...
I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

Philippians 2:8-11 (ESV) — And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 4, what two roles does Paul say believers should be known for? ([38:05])
What are some of the hardships Paul lists that he and the other apostles endured for the sake of Christ? ([50:54])
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the main reason the church must be unified? ([23:59])
What does Paul urge the Corinthians to do in verse 16, and who does he send as an example? ([30:53])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize servanthood and stewardship as central to the Christian life? How does this challenge the way we often think about leadership or status in the church? ([38:05])
The sermon describes humility as the “evidence of Christ’s presence and power.” Why is humility so important for unity, and how does it contrast with the attitude of the Corinthians? ([50:54])
The pastor mentions that the church is God’s chosen vessel to carry the gospel, even though it is imperfect. What does this say about God’s plan for reaching the world? ([27:22])
Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” What does it look like to imitate Christ in practical, everyday life? ([30:53])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Our unity is not just a nice idea; it is essential for the mission and witness of the church.” What are some specific things—big or small—that threaten unity in our church or in your relationships with other believers? How can you personally help guard against division? ([23:59])
Paul and the apostles responded to hardship with blessing, endurance, and forgiveness. Think of a recent time when you felt wronged or misunderstood. How did you respond? What would it look like to respond with humility and forgiveness instead? ([56:25])
The pastor asked, “Do you have a plan to share the gospel?” Do you have a specific plan or method for sharing your faith? If not, what is one step you could take this week to be more intentional about sharing your testimony or the hope you have in Christ? ([45:02])
The sermon challenges us to “lay down our rights, ambitions, and comforts” to serve Christ and others. Is there an area of your life where you are holding onto your own preferences or comfort instead of serving? What would it look like to surrender that to God? ([38:05])
The pastor described humility as “not weakness; it is the evidence of Christ’s presence and power.” Is there a relationship or situation where you need to practice humility this week? What is one practical way you can do that? ([50:54])
The church is called to help people “find their way back to Jesus, be restored, thrive together, and impact the world.” Which of these areas do you feel most drawn to? How can you take a step forward in that area this month? ([01:01:40])
The sermon mentioned that “faithfulness as a steward means living for God’s approval, not the praise of others.” Are there ways you are tempted to seek approval from people instead of God? How can you shift your focus this week? ([41:40])

Sermon Clips

The truth is the church is not perfect. Okay, if you're looking for a perfect church, you came here looking for perfect people in a perfect church, you'll mess it up too. So just, it's not here. It doesn't exist. So don't come here with your eyes looking for something perfect. It's not here. But the church is God's method to carry out the worldwide mission of making disciples. And the church is the very bride of Christ, the one that he died for, and that he will one day return to reclaim as the bridegroom. It is precious to him, and he cares so much about its unity, our unity. [00:27:33]

The church should never be built around the whims of men or the culturally relevant topics or trends of the day. The church should be built on Christ, should be built on the Bible, his word, should be ushering in his presence and worshiping in his spirit and in truth with his power. And we come together each Sunday as a church, as his people. And listen to this, Jesus said, and the gates of hell cannot stop a church like that. [00:28:12]

May we be a people who purify ourselves together. May we urge each one another to tune out the noise of the world and listen to the voice of the Lord. [00:30:31]

God, where are you moving in the world around me? And how can I join you? What are you doing in and around my life? And how can I get in the midst of what you are doing? [00:30:49]

I've said this before, maybe you've heard it before, but the word Christian can mean little Christ, and our goal is to become more and more like Jesus every day of our life. [00:32:59]

He is the true definition of repentance, which is I'm walking one direction, I turn 180 degrees, and I walk in the other direction walking towards Christ, walking with Christ instead of against him. [00:33:43]

If you're in that spot, maybe today, Paul says, look at me, right? Look to me. Copy my words. Copy my behaviors. And he says, follow me as I follow Christ. [00:35:03]

God doesn't want you and I to miss the best part of this life, which is him. He wants to be your father. He wants you to live as his children, and all of us need reminding sometimes that we are loved, right? [00:37:07]

At the end of the day, a Christian no longer serves themself. They don't serve the world. They don't serve the devil. He or she, we serve Christ the Lord. [00:38:15]

So we must lay down our lives to take up his life. You got to let go of the past of yourself, right, to grab on to Christ, who is the greatest servant of all, the one who gave up his life for you and for me to save us. We are nothing without Christ, but we have all things with him and because of him. And so we owe everything to the Lord. And so we gladly give ourselves completely to him in service. [00:40:22]

There's really not much higher praise for a Christian than to be considered a servant of Christ. I know him. He serves Christ. I know him. He follows Jesus. I know her. She loves the Lord. She obeys him. [00:40:49]

You and I, we are stewards of the mysteries of God. It's been placed in our hands. It's not just for our personal use or benefit, but it is a gift. It is a blessing from the Lord. And what we hold in our hands and in our hearts comes from God. And we have this responsibility as one who has charge or direction to administer this mystery, which is Christ in us. [00:44:27]

There's nothing more valuable than knowing Jesus. Nothing more valuable than knowing him, this gift given to us who believe is eternal life, right? There's nothing better than that people would pay a lot of money for eternal life, but you can't buy it. But Jesus paid for it, and you have to believe and have to put your faith in him. It's more precious than silver, it's more costly than gold. [00:45:28]

If he were to come down right now and just in your heart, would he find you faithful? Have you been faithful? Have you been a wise steward of the gospel, of the truth, of this treasure that you have in Christ? Have you been his witnesses? Have you been praying and seeking opportunities, boldly stepping into conversations as the Lord directs? Do you have a plan to share Christ in your world? [00:48:32]

For you and I to live for the praise and approval of others is not good stewardship, right? It's not being faithful stewards. The Bible reveals the mysteries of God. There are things that you and I don't know quite yet, but Paul says we need to have a plan to tell the world what God has done in Christ, what he has done for us. We will be commended by our Lord. [00:50:00]

We have unity as servants, specifically with humility. We have unity as servants with humility. I love that Paul says, Guys, I'm not telling you to do something I'm not willing to do. I'm applying these things to myself and Apollos, who you hold in high regard. I'm doing this for your benefit, that you may learn not to go beyond what is written, because that's what was happening, right? They were puffed up. [00:51:49]

The biggest question to me from this text, from this little part, is what do you have that you did not receive? It's a rhetorical, right? Nothing, of course. The gospel is a gift. Spiritual gifts are a gift. Salvation and forgiveness are a gift. Jesus himself is a gift. And so if those things are true, then why do we boast at all, ever, in the things that we do? [00:52:22]

And the world looks at humility and they see it as a weakness. Say, that's somebody I can just step right over. But humility is the way of Christ. It is the way of his followers. Philippians chapter 2. I wish we could read all of it and talk about more of it today. But verse 8, Jesus being found in human form humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. He finished the job. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Then every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. [00:57:00]

When Paul says, imitate my humility, why? Because humility demonstrates Christ's presence and his hold on your life. When reviled, we bless. When persecuted, we endure. When slandered, we entreat. Does that describe you this morning? [00:58:11]

Because of the power and the authority of Christ, we can step into this world. And we can address this world. And we can talk to this world about Christ. It's his power. It is his church. It is his kingdom. And there is no one, there is no thing higher than Jesus. [01:00:13]

Every person that was, that is created, every person in this church, outside of this church, every person on earth was created in the image of God. They were made for a relationship with him. They were made fearfully and wonderfully by God. He wants to give them life. He wants to give them a mission and a purpose in this life. [01:02:22]

We want to see the world as Jesus sees the world and we want to love the world in Jesus name and we want to be good stewards of the gospel message, this mystery that's been revealed to us. I found Christ. Now I need to go tell somebody else about Jesus. [01:04:16]

You and I were given a gift from God, the invitation to know him, to believe in his name. It is a massive responsibility for us to bear the name of Christ to those who already bear his image. That is all people. They just need to hear the gospel. Faith comes through hearing the story of God's redemptive story what they need to hear. Those that are lost can be found. Those who walk in darkness can experience God's love and walk in his light but someone has to tell them and that someone is you and that someone is me. [01:04:35]

We don't just tell the world how great our church is, how good our pastor is, how good the sermons are, how good the worship is, how good whatever it is, the food, I don't know, whatever you think. It's not just about that, right? We need to tell them about Jesus. Tell everyone everywhere all the time as we serve Jesus at home and in the church and in the world. [01:05:09]

I would just tell you in these days, do not be afraid of men. Do not be afraid of what the world will think of you following Jesus. Be very concerned with what God thinks of you and how you represent him and how you stand for him. We're not going to the world with a message that's going to hurt them. We're going to the world with a message that can save them, that can change them forever. Think of where you would be if you didn't know Christ. Wouldn't you want someone to tell you? Wouldn't you want someone to share? [01:06:30]

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