How can we apply "not one of us" to modern church unity? Text Under Study “John said to Him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not one of us.’ ‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus replied, ‘for no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me. For whoever is not against us is for us.’” (Mark 9:38-40) Setting the Scene • The disciples have just witnessed the transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8) and a dramatic deliverance (9:14-29). • Their hearts are buzzing with privilege—and a creeping sense of exclusivity. • John reports their attempt to shut down an outsider’s ministry because the man “was not one of us.” • Jesus corrects their instinct, anchoring unity in allegiance to His name rather than in group membership. Key Truths We See • Jesus claims the right to decide who serves under His banner (John 10:16). • Kingdom unity flows from shared loyalty to Christ’s name, not from identical methods or affiliations (Philippians 1:15-18). • Authentic works done “in My name” cannot coexist with blasphemy against Him (v. 39). • “Whoever is not against us is for us” widens fellowship without diluting truth (Ephesians 4:3-6). Why We Struggle With “Not One of Us” Today • Denominational histories, ethnic cultures, and worship styles cultivate “tribes.” • Fear of doctrinal compromise can morph into suspicion of every difference. • Personal investment in a ministry can make outside success feel threatening (Acts 11:1-3). • Social media amplifies critique faster than celebration. Practical Steps Toward Unity 1. Celebrate Christ-centered fruit wherever it appears. – When another congregation baptizes new believers, rejoice (1 Corinthians 12:26). 2. Speak well of faithful ministries beyond our walls. – “If you get transferred, here’s a solid church in that city…” 3. Collaborate in clear-gospel projects. – Joint prayer nights, community mercy outreaches, city-wide evangelistic events. 4. Guard our language. – Replace “they don’t do it our way” with “look how God is working through them.” 5. Keep the main things the main things. – One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6). 6. Address real error truthfully yet graciously. – “Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) refuses flattery and rancor alike. 7. Pray regularly for neighboring churches by name. – Intercession softens competition. Guardrails That Protect True Unity • Unity never excuses teaching “a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9). • Cooperation must not endorse immorality (1 Corinthians 5:11). • Testing spirits remains essential (1 John 4:1). • Scripture, not sentiment, defines both fellowship and its limits (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Encouraging Examples • Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached even when motives were mixed (Philippians 1:18). • The Jerusalem church blessed the Antioch believers, though their culture differed (Acts 11:22-24). • Modern disaster relief often unites varied churches in swift, visible compassion. Living It Out This Week • Send a thank-you note to a pastor outside your circle, expressing gratitude for his faithful preaching. • Invite another congregation to join your small group for a shared service project. • Replace any “us vs. them” talk you hear with a Christ-centered perspective drawn from Mark 9:38-40. • Memorize John 17:21—“that all of them may be one… so that the world may believe.” When believers treasure the name of Jesus above the name on the church sign, the watching world glimpses the unity He prayed for and the gospel shines with undivided brilliance. |
    |