Know Christ, Know Unity
Notes
Transcript
In Him We Are One: Embracing Unity in Christ
In Him We Are One: Embracing Unity in Christ
Bible Passage: John 14:7–11
Bible Passage: John 14:7–11
Summary: In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the deep connection and unity He shares with the Father, highlighting that knowing Him is equivalent to knowing the Father. This truth serves as a foundation for understanding our unity as believers in Christ.
Teaching: The main teaching of this sermon is that just as Jesus and the Father are one, we, as followers of Christ, are called to live in unity with one another. This reflects the nature of God and is crucial for the mission of the Church.
How this passage could point to Christ: This theme underscores that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. By understanding our unity with Him, we also comprehend our unity with each other, which is a reflection of the Trinity—one God in three persons working in harmony. This pattern of unity can be traced throughout Scripture as the basis for community among believers.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using your Logos library to delve into the historical context of John 14:7–11 to better understand the implications of Jesus' words about unity. Look for resources that discuss the relationship between the Father and Son, examining how this relates to ecclesiology and the behavior of the early church. You might also explore commentaries that detail the Johannine emphasis on love and unity among believers.
Intro
Intro
Some of us are spiritually out of tune. We are much quicker to find the faults in our brothers and sisters, rather than their strengths. Some of us are so out of tune that we hate God and those who he has created. Some of us are trying to “compose our own music” in a way that we are blinded by pride. We think we are making the best thing that mankind will ever see but in reality we make sounds spiritually that a 2 year old would make with pans. Some of us think that we are ONE MAN bands but in reality you are a man standing in a room with the greatest composer to ever exist and you refuse to reach out to Him or to those HE has mentored. The man is God.
8093 If you have received the Spirit and are obeying him, you find he brings your spirit into complete harmony with God, and the sound of your goings and the sound of God’s goings are one and the same.
Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)
“To know Christ, is to Know Unity”
Big Idea: True unity among believers is rooted in our relationship with Christ, reflecting His oneness with the Father and empowering us to live in harmony with one another.
1. Know Christ, Know Unity
1. Know Christ, Know Unity
Context
“The Upper Room” The last day Jesus was with the disciples before the crucifixion.
The disciples did not have to depend on each other because if they ever had any questions they could just go directly to Jesus. - MacArthur
If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
In these verses, Jesus declares that knowing Him is to know the Father. This profound truth can be used to suggest that believers are called to a similar relational depth with each other, grounded in Christ.
The trinity is not against each other. A kingdom divided against it self will not stand.
Perhaps you could illustrate how understanding this unity transforms how we interact with one another, breaking down barriers and promoting reconciliation.
Unity is felllowship with God. Fellowship with God is through Jesus Christ.
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
You can be committed to church but not commited to Christ. But you cannot be commited to Christ and not be committed to the Church - unknown (Fer)
Sin breaks fellowship with God.
but your iniquities have made a separation
between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
so that he does not hear.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
Emphasizing the relational aspect of our faith might motivate the church to mirror this divine unity in their community.
2. Reflect Christ's Oneness
2. Reflect Christ's Oneness
John 14:10–11
Maybe you could use this passage to highlight how Jesus' words and actions were fully aligned with the Father's will, suggesting that our actions must reflect the unity we have in Christ. This could teach that our unity is demonstrated through our deeds, powered by faith in Jesus. You might encourage the congregation to rely on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in practicing unity, as Christ exemplifies perfect harmony with the Father.
Application: This sermon invites Christians to reflect on their unity in Christ, encouraging them to foster relationships within the church that mirror the unity between Jesus and the Father. It helps believers identify divisions and encourages reconciliation and love, promoting a stronger community of faith.
John 17:
