In what ways can our church reflect the unity Jesus desires in John 17:20? Jesus’ Prayer for Future Believers “I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.” Core Truths to Grasp • Unity is rooted in the shared life of the Father and the Son. • It is spiritual before it is organizational—“in Us.” • The purpose is missional: “so that the world may believe.” Why Unity Matters • Psalm 133:1 — “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” • Ephesians 4:1-3 — unity displays the “worthy walk.” • Acts 2:44-47 — gospel growth thrives where believers are “together.” Common Barriers to Forsake • Personal pride (Philippians 2:3-4). • Party spirit and preference wars (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). • Unforgiveness (Colossians 3:13). • Cultural or social partiality (James 2:1-9; Galatians 3:28). Pillars That Promote Unity • Shared allegiance to the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Love that “covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). • Humility patterned after Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). • Active pursuit of peace (Romans 14:19). • Accountable, shepherding leadership (Hebrews 13:17). Practical Rhythms for Our Church • Corporate prayer focused on oneness—regularly read John 17 together. • Preaching and teaching that keep Christ crucified central, avoiding hobby-horse topics that fracture. • Shared ordinances: frequent celebration of the Lord’s Supper to remember our common salvation (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • Small groups mixing ages, backgrounds, and gifts so believers learn to value one another. • Serving side-by-side in local outreach and missions; common purpose breeds common heart. • Intentional hospitality—invite members outside your usual circle into your home (Romans 12:13). • Open, grace-filled conversations when conflict arises; go quickly, speak truth in love (Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:15). • Public testimonies that highlight how the Lord is working across different segments of the body. Every-Member Contribution • Identify and use spiritual gifts for the good of others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Speak words that build, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29). • Carry each other’s burdens in practical ways (Galatians 6:2). The Result the World Should See • A family marked by supernatural love that cannot be explained merely by shared interests. • A steady message that Jesus truly came from the Father—authenticated by lives knit together in Him. May our congregation live so closely “in Us” that neighbors, coworkers, and nations taste and see the unity Jesus prayed into being. |
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