Unity: The Key to Our Faith Journey
Summary
Unity is a profound and essential aspect of our faith journey, and today, we delve into its significance for our church and our lives. We are in a remarkable season, witnessing God's incredible work among us, with over 200 people saved and 170 baptized this year alone. We've acquired a new building, a testament to God's timing and purpose. Yet, there is more to come, and unity is the key to unlocking this potential. Jesus, in John 17, prayed for our oneness, repeating it four times, emphasizing its importance. Unity is not just strength; it is a witness to the world, showcasing the reality of Jesus through our love for one another.
Unity is a divine concept, rooted in the very nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are one. We are called to reflect this oneness in our relationships, embodying the same unity that God has within Himself. This unity is not just a biblical ideal but a practical necessity. It is a testament to the world, a demonstration of God's love and power. When we are united, we stand strong, but division leads to downfall. The world recognizes the power of unity, and so should we, as it is a testament to the reality of Jesus.
Throughout Scripture, unity is highlighted as a source of blessing and strength. It is a call to be of one mind, to love one another, and to glorify God together. The early church in Acts experienced the Holy Spirit's outpouring because they were united in prayer and purpose. Similarly, we are called to be a church known for our love and unity, a church that preaches the gospel through our actions and relationships. Unity is not just about avoiding division but actively pursuing love, compassion, and selflessness.
The enemy seeks to divide us, knowing the power of a united church. We must guard against his lies and whispers, which sow seeds of division and discontent. Our unity is a threat to his kingdom, and we must be vigilant in maintaining it. This requires practical steps: avoiding gossip, building each other up, and prioritizing love over personal ambition. Our gifts and callings are for the common good, not for self-promotion. Love must be the foundation of all we do, ensuring that our lives produce a sound of harmony and not hypocrisy.
As we move forward, let us commit to being a church that embodies unity and love. Let us link arms, both physically and spiritually, and vow to stand together against the enemy's schemes. By doing so, we create a sound that draws others to Christ, a sound that magnifies His name and glorifies God. Together, we can achieve the impossible, for with God, all things are possible.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity as a Witness: Unity is not just about strength; it is a powerful witness to the world. When we love one another, the world sees the reality of Jesus in us. Our unity preaches the gospel and draws others to Christ. [02:45]
2. Divine Oneness: Our unity should reflect the oneness of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine unity is a model for our relationships, calling us to be one in purpose and love. [05:31]
3. Guarding Against Division: The enemy seeks to divide us, knowing the power of a united church. We must be vigilant, avoiding gossip and building each other up, to maintain our unity. [21:01]
4. Love as the Foundation: Love must be the foundation of all we do. Our gifts and callings are for the common good, not self-promotion. Love ensures our lives produce a harmonious sound, not hypocrisy. [28:09]
5. Commitment to Unity: Let us commit to being a church that embodies unity and love. By linking arms and standing together, we create a sound that magnifies God's name and draws others to Him. [36:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:05] - The Significance of Unity
- [02:45] - Unity as a Witness
- [03:59] - United We Stand
- [05:31] - Divine Oneness
- [07:31] - The Spirit of Unity
- [08:44] - Known for Love
- [09:41] - Glorifying God in Unity
- [11:00] - The Power of Oneness
- [11:53] - Strength in Unity
- [13:09] - Solomon's Temple and Unity
- [15:32] - The Duty of Unison
- [17:33] - Destruction in Division
- [18:33] - Lessons from Babel
- [21:01] - The Enemy's Tactics
- [25:01] - The Lies of Division
- [28:09] - Love as the Foundation
- [29:27] - The Sound of Our Lives
- [32:22] - Producing a Beautiful Sound
- [34:20] - Jesus' Prayer for Unity
- [36:26] - A Prophetic Act of Unity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Unity in Faith
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:20-23 - Jesus prays for all believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one.
2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - The body of Christ is one, though it has many parts.
3. Philippians 2:1-4 - Encouragement to be of the same mind, having the same love, and being in full accord.
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 17, how many times does Jesus pray for unity among believers, and what does this repetition signify? [01:05]
2. What are some of the achievements mentioned in the sermon that demonstrate the church's current unity? [00:45]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the church acquiring a new building? [00:45]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of unity in the early church as seen in Acts? [16:23]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the church to reflect the oneness of God, as mentioned in the sermon? [05:31]
2. How does the sermon suggest that unity serves as a witness to the world? [02:45]
3. In what ways does the sermon describe the enemy's tactics to divide the church, and how can these be countered? [21:01]
4. How does the sermon interpret the story of the Tower of Babel in relation to unity and division? [18:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced unity in your church or community. How did it impact your faith journey? [02:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes love as the foundation of unity. What practical steps can you take to ensure love is at the core of your interactions within the church? [28:09]
3. How can you personally contribute to guarding against division in your church community? Consider specific actions you can take. [21:01]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of avoiding gossip and building each other up. How can you actively practice this in your daily life? [22:28]
5. Think about the gifts and callings you have. How can you use them for the common good rather than self-promotion? [26:44]
6. The sermon calls for a commitment to unity. What is one specific way you can commit to fostering unity in your church this week? [36:26]
7. Consider the sound your life is making. Is it one of harmony and love, or is there room for improvement? What changes can you make to produce a more harmonious sound? [29:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity as a Living Testimony
Unity is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the reality of Jesus through our love for one another. When believers come together in love and harmony, it serves as a living testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. This unity is not merely about avoiding conflict but actively pursuing relationships that reflect the love of Christ. As we embody this unity, we become a beacon of hope and truth, drawing others to the message of salvation. Our collective love and oneness are a testament to the world, showcasing the reality of Jesus in our lives. [02:45]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs healing. How can you take a step today to demonstrate Christ-like love and unity in that relationship?
Day 2: Reflecting Divine Oneness
Our unity should mirror the divine oneness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine unity serves as a model for our relationships, calling us to be one in purpose and love. As believers, we are invited to participate in this divine dance, reflecting the harmony and love that exist within the Godhead. This oneness is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should permeate our interactions and relationships. By striving for this unity, we honor God and reflect His nature to the world. [05:31]
John 17:21-23 (ESV): "That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
Reflection: In what ways can you reflect the unity of the Trinity in your daily interactions with others? What practical steps can you take to foster this divine oneness in your community?
Day 3: Vigilance Against Division
The enemy seeks to divide us, knowing the power of a united church. We must be vigilant, avoiding gossip and building each other up, to maintain our unity. Division is a tool of the enemy, used to weaken the church and hinder its mission. By recognizing and resisting these tactics, we can protect the unity that is so vital to our witness. This requires intentionality and a commitment to love and support one another, even in the face of disagreements or misunderstandings. [21:01]
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you have witnessed or experienced division. How can you actively work to promote unity and healing in that context today?
Day 4: Love as the Foundation
Love must be the foundation of all we do. Our gifts and callings are for the common good, not self-promotion. Love ensures our lives produce a harmonious sound, not hypocrisy. When love is at the core of our actions and interactions, it creates an environment where unity can thrive. This love is selfless, seeking the best for others and prioritizing the collective good over personal ambition. By grounding our lives in love, we create a community that reflects the heart of God and draws others to Him. [28:09]
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV): "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
Reflection: Reflect on your motivations in serving others. Are they rooted in love? How can you ensure that love remains the foundation of your actions and interactions?
Day 5: Commitment to Unity
Let us commit to being a church that embodies unity and love. By linking arms and standing together, we create a sound that magnifies God's name and draws others to Him. This commitment requires intentionality and a willingness to prioritize unity over personal preferences or differences. As we stand together, we become a powerful force for the kingdom, demonstrating the love and grace of God to a watching world. Our unity is not just for our benefit but serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. [36:26]
Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to strengthen the unity within your church or community? How can you contribute to creating a harmonious and loving environment?
Quotes
1) "You see, unity isn't just strength, but unity is actually a witness to the world. Unity according to God is oneness. And in that oneness, it's actually not just strength, but a witness to the world around us. That Jesus is real. Jesus prays in John, I can't remember what it was, but He says, He says to His disciples, the world will know that you're my disciples by the way you love one another. There's something in unity. There's something in oneness. There's something in together. That's actually a testament. That's actually a testimony and a witness to the world where the world will look upon us and say, my goodness, look at that church. Look at that bunch of people in Malimi Street that just raised a million dollars, but look at the love they have for one another. God must be real. It actually preaches the gospel. It's phenomenal." [02:45] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "You see, God, He's the author and creator of unity. That's why He's so dear to Him. Think about it. He's a united God. He's one, but not singular. But plural. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Yet He is one. Am I making sense? Yeah? He calls us to be one in the one body. True? Yeah? When He made Adam and Eve, He said, Adam and Eve, they're supposed to come together. Man and woman are supposed to come together to be? That's right. Our God is a united God, and that's what He expects from us. You might be surprised that there's over 100 Bible verses that refer to unity and over 100 Bible verses that refer to oneness. Whichever way we look through Scripture." [05:31] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The same word used to describe the oneness of God is the same word used to describe the oneness that we are to have with one another. The word used in Hebrew is echad, and in the Greek it's hen. Yeah? Echad, that's it. I've got a better response than this. It's 9am, so that's okay. I speak Hebrew. No, I'm joking. Okay. So what does this say? The same word that's used in the Hebrew and the Greek to describe the oneness of God is used to describe the oneness we are to have with one another. What does that mean? That means there's an expectation, right? And that we are supposed to have a oneness with each other that represents the oneness that God has with Himself. Again, John 17, Jesus prays four times, Father, make them one as we are one. Let that sink in. We are to have a oneness with one another like Jesus had with the Father. It's almost unbelievable. In the physical, of course, it's impossible." [07:31] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "You know, Francis Chan came here, it was during the Ascent, and he toured all of New Zealand, but he said it was here in Tauranga that he felt like there was a unity and a togetherness. He said, what would it look like if the church was known for their love for one another? And hallelujah, again, man, we have people coming far and wide, coming not just to be in here, but actually to join this church, but they come far and wide to encounter, to experience the very presence of God. How humbling, how honouring is it? That people, believers far and wide all over the nation would come into this house, yes, here in the back streets of Malimi Street, Greta, to encounter the very presence of God. How incredible is that? We are known for His presence, and let that never change. We are known for miracles, and let that never change. We're known to be a church of the Spirit, and that will never change. But what if we were also known as a church that had love for one another? What if we were a church that people looked on and said, man, man, they are one. I'm telling you, it preaches the gospel for you. Hallelujah." [08:44] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "You see, there's a strength in unity, but again, it's not just a strength, but it's a witness, hallelujah. Proverbs is very clear on unity and strength, and the strength of unity, sorry. Two are better than one, and one cord of three is hard to break. As iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another. The psalmist says, It's like precious oil poured out. Then again, where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lord commands a blessing. There's a blessing, man, in unity, and I'm telling you, if you look through Scripture over and over, you'll see it. You'll see the finger of God all throughout Scripture linking it, talking about our oneness, talking about unity, talking about His heart towards His people and how we should live with one another. Yeah, and I'm telling you, the way of, like, God's way is bulletproof. And what if we were to catch that? What if we were to be a church that was united as one? Again, time and time again, we see the power of unity." [11:53] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Our responsibility to hold unity, which means, guess what? Some practical steps and tips. We don't gossip. Yeah? We don't pull each other down. We lift each other up. We build each other up. We don't pull each other down. We don't tear each other down. We build each other up. Amen? We pray for one another. We fight for each other, not against each other. Hey, one of the core values of this house is family is our function. Let's say it together. Family is our function. Hey, that's not just... That's just some nice phrase. Yeah. We're dead serious about it. Family is our function. And what does family do? Family fights for each other. Family loves each other. Family supports each other. Family provides for one another. Family can have real conversations with one another and not get offended and leave forever." [23:27] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Again, especially as we grow, we're moving fast. We're taking ground. All those lies can creep in. And the quickest way to get discouraged and disappointed is to make it about you. Make it about your gift, about your opportunity, about your calling. Make it about positions. Make it about the pulpit. That's the quickest way to get discouraged. And it's so difficult. Yuck. It really is so yuck because it's opposite the scripture. You know, 1 Corinthians 12 says, now to each one, it's that beautiful chapter on the spirit, on the giftings and the callings of God, the manifestations of the spirit. Yeah. We all know it. Right. But it says in verse seven, now to each one, the manifestation of the spirit is given for the common good. You see, we've made it about us when the reality is the gifting, the manifestation of the spirit is given for the common good. The manifestation of God through me, all that great stuff, all that wonderful stuff is not for me. It's actually for you and vice versa. But we've made it about me, about my calling, about my gifting. No, no, no, no. It's not for you." [26:44] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "You see, faith without works is dead. Absolutely. But works without love is hypocrisy. Let me say that again. Faith without works is dead. But works without love is hypocrisy. You see, I have a question for you when it's what sound does your life make? Because Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 13 says, you could give a million dollars away. You could have faith as to move mountains. You could talk with the language of angels. You could be burnt at the very stake. You could give it all away to the poor. You could give it all. You could do it all. But if you have not loved, you're like a clanging cymbal. You're an instrument of hypocrisy. Yeah. The question is, what sound does my life make?" [29:27] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "You see, when it's the other way, it's hypocrisy, it's religion and people understand it. They pick it up in the spirit and they're repelled by it because our life produces a sound, a frequency. Hey, why don't we stand up? Come on. John 17, again, I've repeated myself a few times, but I feel it's necessary. He first prays, make them one like we are one. And then he says, make them one in us. And then he says, make them one, make them all one like we are one, just as the Father is in Jesus and Jesus is in the Father, so that the world will believe that you sent me. He then says that they may be perfect in oneness and that the world may know that you sent me and have loved them as you have loved me. You see, there's something in unity, but there's something about oneness." [34:20] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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