Unexpected Power of Unity

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Pastor Josh talked about how God’s plan often unfolds in ways we don’t expect, using people and situations we wouldn’t have chosen—but that’s exactly what makes it so amazing. He pointed to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, where Jesus prayed for unity among believers, showing how real unity is key to making the Gospel believable to the world. The message was all about letting go of our own selfishness so we can truly live for Christ and build stronger relationships, both personally and as a church. In the end, Pastor Josh challenged everyone to be intentional about pursuing unity, because it’s a huge part of living out our faith and showing God’s love to those around us.

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Unexpected Power of Unity

Message Summary
Pastor Josh talked about how God’s plan often unfolds in ways we don’t expect, using people and situations we wouldn’t have chosen—but that’s exactly what makes it so amazing. He pointed to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, where Jesus prayed for unity among believers, showing how real unity is key to making the Gospel believable to the world. The message was all about letting go of our own selfishness so we can truly live for Christ and build stronger relationships, both personally and as a church. In the end, Pastor Josh challenged everyone to be intentional about pursuing unity, because it’s a huge part of living out our faith and showing God’s love to those around us.
Key Scripture
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”
John 17:20-23 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Foundation of Unity

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

  • Devotional: Jesus’ prayer for unity among believers is a profound revelation of God’s heart. Unity is not just a goal but a reflection of the divine relationship between the Father and the Son. This unity is meant to be a testimony to the world of God’s love and the truth of Jesus’ mission. As believers, we are called to embody this unity, allowing it to transform our relationships and communities.
  • Response Questions:
    1. How does understanding the unity between the Father and the Son change your perspective on unity among believers?
    2. In what ways can you contribute to unity within your church or community?
    3. What are some barriers to unity that you have observed or experienced?
  • Prayer Points:
    1. Pray for a deeper understanding of the unity between the Father and the Son and how it applies to your life.
    2. Ask God to reveal any personal barriers to unity and for the grace to overcome them.

Day 2

Day 2: The Attitude of Christ

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

  • Devotional: The attitude of Christ is the foundation for unity. His humility and selflessness are the model for how we should relate to one another. By adopting Christ’s attitude, we can overcome selfishness and pride, which are major barriers to unity. This mindset allows us to serve others genuinely and work together for God’s purposes.
  • Response Questions:
    1. What aspects of Christ’s attitude do you find most challenging to emulate?
    2. How can humility transform your relationships with others?
    3. In what ways can you practice selflessness in your daily life?
  • Prayer Points:
    1. Pray for the Holy Spirit to cultivate the attitude of Christ within you.
    2. Ask God to help you see others through the lens of humility and love.

Day 3

Day 3: The Power of Love

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

  • Devotional: Love is the binding force of unity. It is through love that we can forgive, show mercy, and live in harmony with one another. Love covers a multitude of sins and allows us to see beyond faults and differences. By clothing ourselves in love, we reflect God’s character and create an environment where unity can thrive.
  • Response Questions:
    1. How does love enable you to forgive and show mercy to others?
    2. What practical steps can you take to clothe yourself in love daily?
    3. How can love transform a community or relationship that is struggling with disunity?
  • Prayer Points:
    1. Pray for God’s love to fill your heart and overflow into your relationships.
    2. Ask for the strength to forgive and show mercy, even when it is difficult.

Day 4

Day 4: The Role of Peace

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

  • Devotional: Peace is essential for maintaining unity. It requires effort and intentionality to keep the peace, especially in a diverse community. By being humble, gentle, and patient, we can create an atmosphere where peace prevails. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of God’s Spirit binding us together.
  • Response Questions:
    1. What does it mean to you to lead a life worthy of your calling?
    2. How can you actively contribute to peace in your community or relationships?
    3. What challenges do you face in maintaining peace, and how can you overcome them?
  • Prayer Points:
    1. Pray for the peace of God to guard your heart and mind in all situations.
    2. Ask for wisdom and strength to be a peacemaker in your community.

Day 5

Day 5: The Witness of Unity

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!

  • Devotional: Unity is a powerful witness to the world. When believers live in harmony, it demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel. Divisions and quarrels undermine our testimony and distract from our mission. By being united in thought and purpose, we can effectively share the love of Christ and draw others to Him.
  • Response Questions:
    1. How do divisions within the church affect its witness to the world?
    2. What steps can you take to promote harmony and unity in your church or community?
    3. How can you ensure that your focus remains on Christ and His mission?
  • Prayer Points:
    1. Pray for unity within the church and for divisions to be healed.
    2. Ask God to help you be a catalyst for unity and a witness to His love.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

Group Leader Guide: “Unexpected Power of Unity”

Objective: To guide the group in understanding and applying the principles of unity as taught in the sermon, “The Unexpected Power of Unity.”

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and open hearts to the message of unity.

Discussion Questions and Context:

  1. How does understanding the unity between the Father and the Son change your perspective on unity among believers?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized that the unity between the Father and the Son is the model for our unity. This divine relationship is characterized by perfect harmony and mutual love, which should inspire us to pursue similar unity within the body of Christ. Understanding this can shift our perspective from seeing unity as merely a human effort to recognizing it as a reflection of God’s nature.
  2. In what ways can you contribute to unity within your church or community?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted that unity requires intentional effort and selflessness. It involves dying to self and prioritizing the collective mission over individual desires. Discuss practical ways members can contribute, such as through acts of service, fostering open communication, and being peacemakers.
  3. What are some barriers to unity that you have observed or experienced?
    • Context: The sermon identified barriers like gossip, jealousy, and unforgiveness. These are often rooted in self-centeredness and can disrupt the unity Jesus prayed for. Encourage the group to share personal experiences and discuss how these barriers can be overcome through love, humility, and forgiveness.
  4. What aspects of Christ’s attitude do you find most challenging to emulate?
    • Context: The sermon referenced Philippians 2, where Christ’s humility and selflessness are highlighted. These qualities are essential for unity but can be challenging to practice consistently. Discuss the difficulties of adopting Christ’s attitude and how the group can support each other in this journey.
  5. How does love enable you to forgive and show mercy to others?
    • Context: Love was described as the binding force of unity. It empowers us to look beyond faults and extend grace. Discuss how love can transform relationships and create an environment where unity can flourish, even amidst differences and offenses.
  6. What does it mean to you to lead a life worthy of your calling?
    • Context: The sermon encouraged believers to live in a way that reflects their calling in Christ, which includes maintaining unity. Discuss what this looks like in practical terms and how it impacts personal and communal life.
  7. How do divisions within the church affect its witness to the world?
    • Context: The sermon stressed that unity is a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel. Divisions can undermine this witness and distract from the mission. Discuss the importance of unity in evangelism and how the group can work towards healing divisions.

Closing Prayer: Conclude with a prayer asking for God’s help in pursuing unity, for barriers to be removed, and for the group to be a living testimony of God’s love and unity.

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