Jesus' Prayer for Unity
Series: Prayers from the Bible
November 27, 2022
Frank Foreman
The Apostle Paul shared an encouragement with the Ephesian Christians. He said, "Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace." Unity was clearly a priority for the church. But that concept didn't start with Paul. ---------- On the night He was betrayed, Jesus prayed in earnest that His followers would have the same level of unity that He and His Father had. Ironically, one of the issues that seem to plague His body, the Church, is a serious lack of unity. ---------- We have to work toward re-establishing unity through humility, selflessness, and commitment. If our Savior prayed for unity, it makes sense that we should make the effort to bind ourselves together in peace.
Episode Notes
Big Idea: Our unity as a church family is a reflection of the unity between Jesus and the Father.
1. We are unified in holiness.
John 17:11, And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one.
Hebrews 12:14, Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
2. We are unified in mission.
John 17:20-21, I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.
Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
3. We are unified in motive.
John 17:22-23, The glory that You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one even as We are one, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me.
1st Corinthians 10:31, So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Next Step: Pray for a unified and effectiveness witness for Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:2, ….complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
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