Unity, Love, and Gratitude in God's Holiness

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound significance of unity and the holiness of God, drawing from Psalm 133 and Deuteronomy 6. We began by seeking God's heart for our nation, our communities, and our families, asking for spiritual sensitivity to discern His will and blessings. The essence of unity, as depicted in Psalm 133, is likened to the precious oil on Aaron's head, symbolizing the anointing and blessing that flows when we dwell together in harmony. This unity is not just a social construct but a divine command that brings life and blessing.

We delved into the Shema from Deuteronomy 6, a foundational scripture for the Jewish faith, emphasizing the oneness of God and the call to love Him with all our heart, soul, and might. This love is not passive but active, requiring us to teach these commandments diligently to our children and to embody them in our daily lives. The Shema is a call to hear and obey, to let the words of God penetrate our hearts and transform our actions.

We reflected on the importance of listening to God's voice above all others, recognizing that our identity and purpose are rooted in Him. The call to love God is intertwined with the call to love others, reflecting His character in our interactions and relationships. This love is the foundation for everything we do, and without it, our actions become hollow.

As we navigate the complexities of life, we are reminded that our strength and provision come from God, who leads us into blessings we did not earn. We are called to remember His grace and mercy, to live in gratitude for the freedom and life He has given us. In doing so, we become a testament to His love and a beacon of hope to those around us.

Key Takeaways:

- Unity as a Divine Command: Unity is not merely a social ideal but a divine command that brings life and blessing. It is likened to the anointing oil on Aaron's head, symbolizing the flow of God's blessing when we dwell together in harmony. This unity is essential for the spiritual health of our communities and nations. [13:40]

- The Shema's Call to Love: The Shema from Deuteronomy 6 calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. This love is active, requiring us to teach and embody God's commandments in our daily lives. It is a call to hear and obey, allowing God's words to transform our hearts and actions. [01:11:57]

- Listening to God's Voice: In a world filled with competing voices, we must diligently listen to God's voice. Our identity and purpose are rooted in Him, and His voice should guide our decisions and actions. This requires a commitment to understanding His word and applying it to our lives. [01:24:42]

- Love as the Foundation: Love is the foundation for everything we do. Without it, our actions become hollow. We are called to love God and others, reflecting His character in our relationships. This love transforms our lives and the lives of those around us. [01:36:55]

- Gratitude for God's Provision: We are reminded of God's grace and mercy, leading us into blessings we did not earn. Our response should be one of gratitude, living in the freedom and life He has given us. This gratitude becomes a testament to His love and a beacon of hope to others. [01:43:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [12:30] - Seeking God's Heart for Our Nation
- [13:40] - The Blessing of Unity
- [14:44] - Praying for Unity
- [20:39] - Imagery of Blessing from Israel
- [22:08] - Nations Joining in Blessing
- [24:49] - Welcoming the Children
- [26:55] - Blessing the Next Generation
- [52:21] - Gratitude for God's Presence
- [59:36] - The Root of Our Faith
- [01:01:11] - The Transformative Power of Jesus
- [01:03:26] - Unity in Diversity
- [01:05:33] - The Importance of Deuteronomy
- [01:07:22] - The Shema: A Call to Love
- [01:11:57] - Teaching and Living God's Commandments
- [01:24:42] - Listening to God's Voice
- [01:36:55] - Love as the Foundation
- [01:43:51] - Gratitude for God's Provision

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 133
- Deuteronomy 6:4-9

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Observation Questions:

1. In Psalm 133, what imagery is used to describe the blessing of unity, and what does this suggest about the nature of unity? [13:40]

2. According to Deuteronomy 6:4-9, what are the specific actions that are commanded to demonstrate love for God?

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between listening to God's voice and our identity and purpose? [01:24:42]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of gratitude for God's provision? [01:43:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the imagery of oil in Psalm 133 enhance our understanding of the spiritual significance of unity? [13:40]

2. In what ways does the Shema from Deuteronomy 6 challenge believers to integrate their faith into daily life? [01:11:57]

3. The sermon emphasizes listening to God's voice amidst competing voices. What practical steps can believers take to prioritize God's voice in their lives? [01:24:42]

4. How does the sermon connect the concept of love as a foundation to the actions and attitudes of believers? [01:36:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced unity in a community. How did it impact your spiritual life, and what steps can you take to foster unity in your current community? [13:40]

2. The Shema calls for an active love for God. Identify one specific way you can teach or embody God's commandments in your daily routine this week. [01:11:57]

3. Consider the voices that influence your decisions and actions. What changes can you make to ensure that God's voice is the primary guide in your life? [01:24:42]

4. Love is described as the foundation for all actions. Think of a relationship where love is lacking. What practical steps can you take to reflect God's love in that relationship? [01:36:55]

5. Gratitude for God's provision is a recurring theme. Identify one blessing in your life that you often take for granted. How can you express gratitude for it this week? [01:43:51]

6. The sermon highlights the importance of teaching God's commandments to the next generation. How can you intentionally incorporate spiritual teachings into your interactions with younger individuals in your life? [01:11:57]

7. Reflect on the concept of love languages mentioned in the sermon. Which love language do you feel most comfortable expressing, and how can you expand your ability to express love in other ways? [01:34:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity as a Channel of Blessing
Unity is not merely a social ideal but a divine command that brings life and blessing. It is likened to the anointing oil on Aaron's head, symbolizing the flow of God's blessing when we dwell together in harmony. This unity is essential for the spiritual health of our communities and nations. The imagery of oil flowing down Aaron's beard and onto his robes signifies the abundance and richness of God's blessing that comes with unity. When people come together in harmony, it creates an environment where God's presence is felt, and His blessings are poured out abundantly. Unity is not just about agreement but about aligning with God's purpose and allowing His Spirit to work through us collectively. [13:40]

Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV): "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore."

Reflection: Think of a relationship or community where you can actively promote unity. What steps can you take today to foster harmony and align with God's purpose in that context?

Day 2: The Shema's Call to Active Love
The Shema from Deuteronomy 6 calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. This love is active, requiring us to teach and embody God's commandments in our daily lives. It is a call to hear and obey, allowing God's words to transform our hearts and actions. The Shema is not just a declaration of faith but a commitment to live out that faith in every aspect of life. It challenges us to integrate God's commandments into our daily routines, teaching them to our children and reflecting them in our actions. This active love is a response to God's oneness and His call for us to be wholly devoted to Him. [01:11:57]

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (ESV): "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: Identify one commandment of God that you can focus on embodying more fully in your daily life. How can you teach this to someone else, perhaps a child or a friend, through your actions and words today?

Day 3: Tuning into God's Voice
In a world filled with competing voices, we must diligently listen to God's voice. Our identity and purpose are rooted in Him, and His voice should guide our decisions and actions. This requires a commitment to understanding His word and applying it to our lives. Listening to God's voice means prioritizing His guidance over the noise of the world. It involves spending time in prayer and scripture, seeking His wisdom and direction. By tuning into God's voice, we align ourselves with His will and find clarity in our purpose and identity. [01:24:42]

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Reflection: What distractions or competing voices are currently hindering you from hearing God's voice clearly? What practical steps can you take today to prioritize listening to Him?

Day 4: Love as the Foundation of Our Actions
Love is the foundation for everything we do. Without it, our actions become hollow. We are called to love God and others, reflecting His character in our relationships. This love transforms our lives and the lives of those around us. Love is not just an emotion but a deliberate choice to act in ways that reflect God's character. It is the driving force behind our actions, giving them meaning and purpose. When we love as God loves, we become conduits of His grace and mercy, impacting the world around us. [01:36:55]

1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."

Reflection: Consider a recent interaction where you struggled to show love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to better reflect God's love?

Day 5: Gratitude for God's Unmerited Provision
We are reminded of God's grace and mercy, leading us into blessings we did not earn. Our response should be one of gratitude, living in the freedom and life He has given us. This gratitude becomes a testament to His love and a beacon of hope to others. Recognizing God's provision in our lives calls us to live with a heart of thankfulness. It is an acknowledgment that all we have is a gift from Him, and our gratitude should be expressed through our actions and attitudes. By living in gratitude, we become witnesses of His goodness and inspire others to seek His love. [01:43:51]

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: Reflect on a specific blessing in your life that you often take for granted. How can you express your gratitude to God for this blessing today, and how might it change your perspective or actions?

Quotes

1) "And we know, though, that there is one root that we have to be, like, connected to, right? Because it doesn't matter if we're connecting ourselves to the root of man, it's going to have fruit that is going to die, that's not going to be healthy. Only the fruit that grows from the root of Jesus is going to be healthy. Only the fruit that grows from the root of God, this is what we grab a hold of. And we have to understand that it isn't about political leaders anymore, but it's about what is the heart of going to happen? How are we going to behave? How are we going to live? How are we going to react?" [59:36] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Jesus brings change. We have to be the people who are reflecting the heart of God. We are the people who are privileged to be the nature and character of God seen in this earth. Does God care for the poor? Are you caring for the poor? Does God care for the widow and the orphan? Does God care for the abused? And to each, you've been given different gifts. Each, you've been given different talents. Each of you have been given different things and places and positions in society. And that you're supposed to use these gifts. And God has a body for a reason. It isn't one person can do all of this. Because the only one who could was Jesus. And he did. And he's still doing it. And thankfully, he has called us to be in unity together." [01:02:20] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "We need to diligently be listening to which voice Which voice is speaking today to you? Is it your old mother's voice? Your old father's voice? Do we listen to the one that came to try to assign an identity to you that did not come from God? Am I listening just to the internet voices? Am I listening to the world voices? Or maybe I'm just so confused that I just listen to as many different voices as possible and just hoping that one of them might be the right voice. We need to diligently be listening to the voice of God. We need to diligently be knowing this is why we've been spending this whole year going through this foundation of Torah. Because it's the beginning of understanding the rest of scripture to make every wise decision and choice of your life." [01:24:42] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Love God, love God, love. Which means doing all the love languages. Do you know the five love languages? Six, whether or not you believe in tacos. Touch, physical touch. How many people have physical touch love language? I almost know everybody with physical touch love language because they want to hug every week. Like, yeah. Words of encouragement. Who has words of encouragement? Gift giving. Yeah, Anna. Oh, she finds some of the best Quality time. I'm a quality time person. And you know, if you hang out with me, it's usually, it's like, oh, we get together. Oh. Where did six hours go? Acts of service. But the thing is, we become expert in our one way. But God says with all of your heart, all of your mind, all of your strength, all of your spirit, that we're to love him." [01:34:23] (116 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Never forget the grace of God. Never forget it. Never forget that you are forgiven. Never forget that you are loved. Never forget his mercy. Never forget that you are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy. For the Lord hears us, but are we hearing him? Sometimes our emotions, many times our emotions lie to us. Our feelings lie to us. Our situations lie to us. But he is truth, eternal and everlasting. So I want to ask you all to stand up. If you want to look in your own translation, your own Bible, or can read, we're going to put it on the screen again. to say this out loud. Say it from your heart and ponder these words this week. Hear these words and do them." [01:45:32] (105 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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