Pursuing Spiritual Unity
Introduction
- The pandemic is not yet over. There will still be challenges ahead.
- But how do we overcome? The last thing we should do is go our separate ways and pursue our own strategies for coping with this crisis.
- The only way to be stronger is together. This is what we learn from the Scriptures, especially from Philippians 2:1-18.
- There are five keys to becoming stronger together. We will learn the first key today, which is “Pursuing Spiritual Unity.”
TWO SIDES TO SPIRITUAL UNITY
1. Be *mindful* of what unites us.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion…
Most people don’t understand what really binds us together as followers of Christ. We are not together simply because of external things like our church name, our place of worship, or even our friendships, etc. We are united together by our common salvation experience in and through faith in Jesus Christ. We are the family of God. Our unity is based on spiritual realities that are deep and essential to who we truly are.
2. Be *intentional* about what unites us.
…then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Knowing what unites us is only half of the equation. We also need to be intentional in our pursuit of spiritual unity. There is great effort involved, and it will not be easy. Pursuing spiritual unity requires that we try to communicate with one another regularly in order to understand each other, and to come to a common agreement about what truly matters. We need to pray together, listen to God together, and fulfill our calling as a church together.
Turning Point: “*Spiritual* unity brings *strength* to our community.”
GROUP DISCUSSION (30 minutes)
1. What are the usual challenges to spiritual unity during times like these?
2. Why are people tempted to just do their own thing and not think about spiritual unity at this time?
3. How can we pursue more spiritual unity as a church?
PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER
Please take the time to pray for one another. This is important. Thanks!
YOUR REFLECTIONS
If you want to really grow in your faith, take some time to personally reflect on what you have learned today. Click this link to submit your personal reflection. We can also send you a copy of this if you wish. Just let us know your email. Thanks!
WHAT NOW?
After hearing this sermon, look for friends online who might be interested to discuss it with you. Start a Facebook “Watch Party” using Messenger Rooms. Make use of the Discussion Questions also. Invite them to follow Jesus and show them how to do so. Help them also to help others to follow Jesus also. Teach them how to use our various online tools like the Real Life Journey Bible Study Lessons. More importantly, JOIN A SMALL GROUP TODAY!