Unity in the Spirit: Embracing True Community
Summary
In the discourse delivered by Shules Hersh, a central theme is the call for unity among believers, emphasizing the importance of setting aside personal judgments and opinions to achieve a collective spiritual oneness. This unity is not merely a social or emotional connection but is deeply rooted in the shared experience of the Holy Spirit's work within each individual. The speaker highlights that when believers unite in their hunger and thirst for the Spirit, their differences fade away, and they gain the power to make transformative declarations in the spiritual realm, akin to the creative power of God's word in Genesis.
The discussion then shifts to a critique of political systems and the recognition that earthly governments often perpetuate the same spirits of control and oppression, regardless of the leaders in power. The speaker suggests that these spirits, which once took physical form as giants among humans, now influence through more subtle means, feeding off human misery and manipulating societies.
Addressing personal spiritual renewal, the speaker urges believers to seek continual inner transformation through the Holy Spirit. This renewal is described as an overwhelming experience that can lead to a loss of self-awareness and an outpouring of spiritual language unintelligible to others but understood by the soul and God. The speaker identifies a lack of joy and spiritual vitality among some believers, calling them to embrace the freedom and renewal offered by the Holy Spirit.
The speaker also touches on cultural influences, specifically mentioning the artist Lil Nas X and his controversial portrayal of Christian symbols. The speaker expresses concern not over the artist's actions but over the church's response and its struggle to articulate a clear stance on such matters. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is not an optional part of life but the entirety of one's existence, and that true freedom comes from a complete embrace of Christ's sacrifice and teachings.
Furthermore, the speaker challenges the traditional understanding of the church, explaining that the term "church" in many modern translations of the Bible does not fully capture the original Greek concepts of "koinonia" (fellowship) and "ekklesia" (called out ones). The speaker argues that believers are called to be separate from the world's culture, habits, and priorities, forming a distinct community with its own governance under God's kingdom.
Lastly, the speaker warns against the dangers of being spiritually "harvested" by the gods of this world, which feed on human weaknesses such as lust, pride, and the constant consumption of media that fuels anxiety and confusion. The speaker calls for awareness and resistance against these forces, encouraging believers to seek truth and freedom in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- True unity among believers transcends personal preferences and judgments, focusing instead on the shared experience of the Holy Spirit's work within each individual. This spiritual unity has the potential to unleash a collective power that echoes the creative authority of God's word. [23:32]
- The influence of ancient spirits on political systems and leaders suggests that the struggle against oppression and control is not merely against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. These spirits, once physically present as giants, now operate through manipulation and the perpetuation of human misery. [26:27]
- Continuous spiritual renewal is essential for believers, characterized by profound experiences with the Holy Spirit that can lead to a loss of self and an outpouring of spiritual expression. This renewal brings back joy and vitality to one's faith journey. [30:52]
- The response of the church to cultural influences, such as the actions of public figures like Lil Nas X, reveals a need for greater discernment and clarity in communicating the all-encompassing nature of a relationship with Jesus. Believers are called to fully integrate Christ's teachings into every aspect of their lives. [16:25]
- The concept of the church as a distinct community, separate from the world's culture and under God's governance, challenges believers to re-evaluate their understanding of what it means to be part of the body of Christ. This understanding carries implications for how believers interact with the world and with each other. [21:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:21 - "That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
2. Ephesians 4:3-6 - "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
3. Romans 12:2 - "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 17:21, what is the purpose of believers being united as one?
2. In Ephesians 4:3-6, what are the key elements that Paul mentions which contribute to the unity of the Spirit?
3. How does Romans 12:2 describe the process of personal transformation for believers?
4. What does the speaker suggest is the impact of believers uniting in their hunger and thirst for the Spirit? ([22:43])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the unity described in John 17:21 reflect the relationship between Jesus and the Father, and what implications does this have for the church today?
2. What does it mean to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" as mentioned in Ephesians 4:3-6, and how can this be practically achieved in a church setting?
3. The speaker mentions that personal spiritual renewal can lead to a loss of self-awareness and an outpouring of spiritual language. How does this align with the transformation described in Romans 12:2? ([30:52])
4. The sermon discusses the influence of ancient spirits on political systems. How does this perspective change the way believers might view current political and social issues? ([26:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced unity with other believers. What were the circumstances, and how did it impact your faith journey? How can you seek to foster such unity in your current church community? ([22:43])
2. The speaker emphasizes the need for continual inner transformation through the Holy Spirit. What specific steps can you take this week to invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and spirit? ([30:52])
3. Considering the critique of political systems in the sermon, how can you remain spiritually discerning and not be swayed by the spirits of control and oppression in today's society? ([26:27])
4. The speaker calls for a complete embrace of Christ's sacrifice and teachings. What areas of your life have you not fully surrendered to Jesus, and what practical steps can you take to change this? ([16:25])
5. How can you respond to cultural influences, such as controversial actions by public figures, in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth? What might be a balanced approach to engaging with such issues? ([15:00])
6. The concept of the church as a distinct community challenges believers to re-evaluate their understanding of being part of the body of Christ. How can you contribute to creating a community that is separate from the world's culture and under God's governance? ([21:17])
7. The speaker warns against being spiritually "harvested" by the gods of this world. What are some practical ways you can guard against the influences of lust, pride, and media consumption in your daily life? ([27:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Unity
Unity in the Spirit transcends individual differences, creating a powerful collective force that mirrors the creative authority of God's word. As believers focus on the work of the Holy Spirit within, personal preferences and judgments give way to a profound connection that can shape the spiritual realm. [23:32]
Ephesians 4:3-6 - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of the Spirit in your community, setting aside personal judgments to foster collective spiritual growth?
Day 2: Confronting Spiritual Oppression
Earthly political systems often reflect ancient spirits of control and oppression, suggesting a battle against spiritual forces rather than human institutions. These spirits, once manifest as giants, now subtly manipulate societies, thriving on human misery. [26:27]
Ephesians 6:12 - "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."
Reflection: In what ways can you guard against the subtle influences of these oppressive spirits in your daily life and in your engagement with societal structures?
Day 3: Pursuing Spiritual Renewal
Continuous renewal through the Holy Spirit is vital for a believer's spiritual health, leading to joy, vitality, and an outpouring of spiritual expression. This transformative experience can result in a profound loss of self and a deeper connection with God. [30:52]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit and invite continual spiritual renewal into your life?
Day 4: Integrating Christ in All Aspects
The church must discern and clearly communicate the all-encompassing nature of a relationship with Jesus, especially in response to cultural influences. Christ is not an optional part of life but the core of our existence, and true freedom is found in embracing His teachings fully. [16:25]
Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you more fully integrate Christ's teachings into every aspect of your life, especially in areas where cultural influences are strong?
Day 5: Redefining Church Community
Believers are called to form a distinct community, separate from the world's culture, under God's kingdom. This challenges traditional views of the church and calls for a re-evaluation of how believers interact with the world and each other. [21:17]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: What does being part of a distinct community under God's governance mean for you, and how can you live out this calling in your daily interactions?
Quotes
1) "I'm going to lay down all of my judgments and everything that I feel and all of whether I like you or not whether I agree with you or not and I'm just going to say Holy Ghost make us one make us one as Jesus prayed." [22:43]
2) "Every single one of these heads of state that we elect is just a proxy for a spirit that is governing a nation at a given time." [26:27]
3) "If it's been a minute since you've been so renewed in the baptism of his Spirit... you wouldn't know how to answer them because you'd be so far gone in his presence that you would have lost all idea of who you are outside of him." [30:52]
4) "Jesus is not your side quest... What he said to us is you got to take me all of me or none of me either you are all in or you are all out." [16:25]
5) "We are what makes wherever we stand the place it is the church because we are gathered here... we're the called out ones and King James was a little uncomfortable with that." [21:17]
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