June 7th, 2025

Saved and United: The Call to Community

Bible Passage: John 17:20–26, Acts 16:25–34

Summary: In John 17:20–26, Jesus prays for the unity of believers as a reflection of the unity within the Godhead, desiring that all may know Him and be with Him in glory. In Acts 16:25–34, we see the transformative power of prayer and worship in a Philippian jail that leads not only to the salvation of Paul and Silas but also the jailer and his entire household, emphasizing the communal aspect of salvation and faith.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to understand that their personal faith is intricately connected to the community of believers. It challenges them to engage in relationships that reflect Christ’s prayer for unity, especially in times of struggle, reminding them that through worship and prayer, lives can be transformed, leading to greater communion within the body of Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that salvation is not just an individual experience but a communal one, urging believers to support one another in faith and to live out the essence of Christ's prayer for unity among His followers.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the scriptures, Christ embodies the unity He calls for among believers. His prayer in John 17 reveals His desire for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one, showcasing the ultimate purpose of salvation that leads to a community reflecting the nature of God.

Big Idea: True salvation is experienced in the context of community; just as the unity of believers reflects the very character of God, our shared worship and prayer have the power to bring transformation and lead to collective salvation.

Recommended Study: For deeper preparation, consider exploring the themes of unity and community in the New Testament, particularly how they relate to Christ’s prayer in John 17 and its implications for the early church as seen in Acts 16. Use Logos to investigate cultural and historical contexts surrounding worship practices in the first century, and examine commentaries that discuss the significance of the Philippian jailer's conversion in light of communal faith.

1. Praying for Profound Unity

John 17:20–23

Maybe in this section, you could emphasize how Jesus' prayer for unity among believers reflects the perfect unity of the Trinity itself. This can challenge us to pursue deep, genuine connections within our church communities, understanding that our unity can powerfully display God's nature and love to the world. Unity isn't merely organizational; it's spiritual and reflects the divine relationship.

2. Pursuing Shared Glory

John 17:24–26

You could explore how Jesus longs for believers to be with Him in glory, emphasizing the eternal perspective of our unity. Our community and unity on earth serve as a foretaste of our future with Christ, binding us together in purpose and mission. This vision of shared glory should inspire us to live in harmony, knowing our ultimate destiny is to be in perfect unity with Christ.

3. Power of Persistent Praise

Acts 16:25–28

Perhaps here you can highlight the power of worship and prayer in difficult situations. Paul and Silas’s faithfulness amidst adversity served as a catalyst for change and demonstrated the strength found in communal prayer. Worship can shift atmospheres, and when believers unite in faith, God’s power can work mightily, bringing hope and transformation to even the darkest circumstances.

4. Collective Conversion Call

Acts 16:29–34

Consider emphasizing how the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household illustrates the communal aspect of salvation. This event shows how the community can be a vessel for salvation, encouraging believers to see evangelism as both personal and communal. Our lives, as part of the church body, can draw others into the family of God, fulfilling Jesus' prayer for unity.