Church is…United.
Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)
Genesis 26:22b; Luke:11:17 (NKJV); Ephesians 4:1-4 (NLT); John 16:5-15 (NLT); John 17:20-21 (NKJV); Colossians 2:14 (NLT); Ephesians 1:7 (NIV); 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT); Romans 8:11; Hebrews 10:11-14; 1 John 2:1; Romans 6; 1 Peter 3:22; Ephesians 2:2-10 (NLT); Ephesians 1:22-23
Key Words: Akatastasia – Greek word meaning, confusion, instability, disorder, tumultuous, disunity.
Eirene – Greek word meaning, peace, quietness, rest, harmony between individuals, prosperity.
Take Away: There is a unity that you need to achieve that far surpasses getting along with some friends on Sunday, or participating in other church activities, or simply praying on them. The ultimate unity that the church (you) needs to achieve is that of unity with Christ.
For the Church to become what Jesus needs it to be, each one of us needs to be shamelessly chasing after our relationship with God through the presence of Christ, living under the direction and power of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s Talk: Tell about a time you were on a team that was not united. How successful was that team? Now, tell about a team you were a part of that was united. Was that team successful?
Let’s Think: Luke 11:17 Jesus says, “every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.
How can confusion cause division?
How can peace cause unity?
Going Deeper: Three areas of unity we need to check. What does each area mean to you? Where are you at for each one?
- The unity we have with Christ at the cross.
- The unity we have with Christ at His resurrection.
- The unity we have with Christ at His ascension.
Prayer: In John 17:20-21 Jesus prays for all believers to be one with Him as He is one with the Father. This week, be intentional in praying that you are in unity with Christ at the cross, at His Resurrection, and at His ascension.
Walk It Out:
1. Because of the cross, there is no more shame, condemnation, worthlessness, inferiority complexes, etc…
2. Jesus resurrection gives us power, the purpose, and passion to live the Christian Life!
3. When Jesus ascended, the Church was empowered to accomplish its mission.
Be the Church!