Week 6 – Jeff Maness – August 4, 2019
When we are united in the church, we reflect the glory of God through the Church. Jesus prayed that all those who believe would have perfect unity. So in a world of division, how do we stay united in the Church?
Glory: Unity
John 17:20-23 20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
Big Idea: When we are united in the Church we reflect the God’s glory through the Church.
Big Question: How do we reflect God’s glory through the Church?
Main Scripture: Romans 15:7-13
Romans 11:36 36 For everything comes from him (God) and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
Romans 15:7 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
1. By accepting one another
Acknowledge one another as Christians, and treat one another as such, though you may differ in opinion about many smaller matters, in order to promote God’s glory. — Albert Barnes Commentary
If Christ received us, and bears with all our weaknesses, may we also receive and be compassionate with one another, and by so doing God will be glorified. — Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
Romans 15:8-9a, 13a 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. 13a I pray that God, the source of hope will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.
2. By aligning with one another
1 Corinthians 1:10 10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
Romans 15:13b 13b Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t say just that you may have hope, but that you may overflow with confident hope. Such hope as may be like an anchor to the soul, to keep it safe and steady in the midst of storms and tempests. —Matthew Poole Commentary
3. Be anchored regardless of one another
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