READ
2 Corinthians 13:11
CONSIDER
Unity reminds me of a kids book entitled The Elusive Moose; we all strive after unity but it seems to escape us. As we look at the final chapter in 2 Corinthians, it’s worth going back to the beginning of the two-part book to see what the Apostle Paul is calling God’s people to:
“agree with one another …
that there be no division among you …
that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
~ 1 Cor 1:10 ~
His guiding principle behind a call for unity is the assumption that the gospel is where our unity begins (1 Corinthians 1:17).
As we gather together on Sunday, I hope we will better understand what is Biblical unity and how we are called to be a people who rejoice, encourage, and seek restoration through the gospel.
Pastor Tim Sreedharan
PRAY
Father, as John 17:11 reads, “I will remain in the world no longer, but they (God’s people) are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them (God’s people) by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
Father, through the grace of your Holy Spirit, may we be one and reflect your oneness as your gathered people so that our oneness may testify to your glorious goodness each and every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
Look over 1 Corinthians 1:10. What does the call for unity look like?
Look over 1 Corinthians 1:17. How does Paul prioritize the gospel? How should that affect the call to be unified?
Read 2 Corinthians 13:11. How does each of these points connect to how we are called to live out the unity of the gospel?
-
- Rejoice & encourage one another (relational)
- Strive for full restoration (the heart of the gospel)
- Be of one mind (theological)
- Live in peace (missional)
In what way do you feel called to help SCBC continue to be a place that is able to demonstrate the unity of the gospel?