Series: Good Vibes
Sermon Title: How do we stay Unified in a world of division?
Reno Campus
Pastor Dave Pretlove
Carson Campus
Pastor Dusty Braun
Campus Announcements / Service Moments
Reno Campus
Carson Campus
Series: Good Vibes
Sermon Title: How do we stay Unified in a world of division?
- We forget that who unites us is far greater than what divides us.
Ephesians 4:1-6
Galatians 3:27-29 - We fall into pride and haughtiness.
Romans 12:3-6
Philippians 2:1-4 - We discount the beauty of kingdom diversity.
Ephesians 2:11-19
Revelation 5:9-10 - We greatly underestimate the importance of our unity.
John 17:20-23
Psalms 133:1-3
GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- John 17:20-23 highlights the fact that the world is watching us and how unified we are, or are not. What two things are emphasized in verse 23 that can result from our unity?
- What unites us as followers of Christ, and how can we keep this central in our relationships?
- Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6; Galatians 3:27-29
- Discussion Focus: Explore how our identity in Christ supersedes differences, such as background, opinion, or culture.
- How does pride create division in our relationships and the church?
- Scripture: Romans 12:3-6; Philippians 2:1-4
- Discussion Focus: Consider how self-centeredness and pride can blind us to others’ needs and perspectives. What are practical ways to cultivate humility?
- What effect does our disunity have on the unbelieving world?
- What role does diversity play in God’s kingdom, and why do we sometimes fail to appreciate it?
- Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-19; Revelation 5:9-10
- Discussion Focus: Reflect on how God’s design for the church is diverse and how embracing this diversity strengthens unity.
- How does understanding the global, diverse nature of the Body of Christ change how we view divisions?
- Referring to John 17:20-23 again, Jesus prays for unity among believers. Why do you think unity is so important to Jesus’ mission?
- Scripture: John 17:20-23; Psalm 133:1-3
- Discussion Focus: Discuss Jesus’ prayer for unity and the spiritual power that comes when believers are united in heart and purpose.
- How can we work to embody that unity in practical ways within our own small group and church?
- Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14
- Discussion Focus: Look at the active choices of forgiveness, patience, and love. How can these virtues strengthen our unity?
- What steps can we take when we find ourselves in conflict to restore unity?
- Scripture: Matthew 18:15-17
- Discussion Focus: Explore Jesus’ instructions on resolving conflict and maintaining unity. How can we approach these situations in love?
- How do cultural or societal divisions influence divisions in the church, and how should we respond?
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
- Discussion Focus: Examine how external pressures or societal divisions can creep into the church and how we can keep Christ as our unifying focus.
- What are some signs that we may be drifting into division, and how can we stay alert to them?
- Scripture: James 3:13-18
- Discussion Focus: Discuss the fruit of discord and the fruit of peace. What personal habits and attitudes help prevent division?
PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- In what areas of my life am I allowing pride or personal preference to create distance between myself and others?
- Reflection: Ask God to reveal any blind spots in your relationships where pride may be causing division. How can you practice humility and put others’ needs before your own?
- Reflection: Ask God to reveal any blind spots in your relationships where pride may be causing division. How can you practice humility and put others’ needs before your own?
- Ephesians 4:1-6 reminds us of our shared calling in Christ. How can I better prioritize what unites us in Christ over what divides us?
- Pride and self-importance are dangerous traps (Romans 12:3-6, Philippians 2:1-4). In what areas of my life am I tempted to think too highly of myself?
- Reflection: How can I cultivate humility and be more concerned with others’ needs?
- In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for unity among His followers. How seriously do I take my role in promoting unity within my church and community? What specific actions can I take to strengthen unity within my relationships with fellow believers?
- How often do I actively seek to maintain unity in my relationships, especially when conflict arises?
- Reflection: Think about your response to conflict. Do you seek peace, or do you let divisions grow? How can you prioritize reconciliation and forgiveness in moments of tension?
- Do I truly appreciate the diversity of God’s kingdom, or do I tend to gravitate toward people who are like me?
- Reflection: Consider how you engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures, or perspectives within your church community. How can you intentionally build relationships with those who are different from you?
- Psalm 133:1-3 describes the blessing of unity. Am I intentional about seeking unity in my relationships, or do I allow differences to fester into division? What is one practical step I can take this week to foster deeper unity with someone in my church or small group?
SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:
RESOURCES:
- ARTICLE | Why Is Christian Unity So Hard? | Desiring God, Jon Bloom
- ARTICLE | The Real Reasons Our Society Is So Divided | J.D.Greer
- BOOK | Until Unity | Francis Chan
MONTHLY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TO TRY: Meditation
The goal of the Christian life is to live life day in a nday out in union with God. Hearing His voice and interacting with Him through out our days experiencing His over-whelming love for us. One of the chief ways we experience this union is throug the discipline of meditation. Christian mediation is uniquely different that soome other forms. Where some eastern beliefs systems would use meditation to help us empty ourselves and reach the end of ourselves. Christian mediatation is to unite ourselves with God. To still our mind, and fill it with God.
Theologian and author, Richard Foster describes mediation this way. “The purpose of meditation is to enable us to hear God more clearly. Meditation is listening, sensing, heeding the life and light of Christ. This comes right to the heart of our faith. The life that pleases God is not a set of religious duties; it is listening to His voice and obeying His word.”
As we explore one of the inward spiritual disciplines, I encourage you to press into new opportunities to still our mind and mediate on the voice of your good shepherd, Jesus himself. Here is an exercise for the week to explore this discipline.
- What is your initial internal response to the idea of mediation?
- What things or thoughts make your life overly crowded so you can not meditate?
Daily Mediatative scripture readings (adapted from Richard J. Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline”)
Sunday: The glory of meditation / Exodus 24:15–18.
Monday: The friendship of meditation / Exodus 33:11.
Tuesday: The terror of meditation / Exodus 20:18–19.
Wednesday: The object of meditation / Psalm 1:1–3.
Thursday: The comfort of meditation / 1 Kings 19:9–18.
Friday: The insights of meditation / Acts 10:9–20.
Saturday: The ecstasy of meditation / 2 Corinthians 12:1–4.
Rob Hans | Spiritual Formation and Connections Pastor