John 17:20-21

Introduction:

1. The degree of division in our world is disheartening and growing worse day-by-day.

2. Being splintered over politics, race, gender, religion, morality, etc. produces a great deal of stress for humanity, and God is deeply concerned about our many fissures.

Discussion:

I. God’s Demands for Unity

A. God takes great pleasure in unity (Psalms 133:1-3) and he disdains disunity (Proverbs 6:12-14, 19; Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:10-11; James 3:14-16).

B. One of Jesus’ primary concerns in His high priestly prayer is unity (John 17:20-21).

II. God’s Program for Unity

A. Our ecumenical world claims unity through diversity of thought, belief, and practice; even many professed Christians share this sort of “fellowship.”

B. Unity demands a unifying figure, theme, principles, etc.

C. Biblical unity is founded upon a very clear figure, theme, and principles.

1. The unifying figure is Jesus of Nazareth (John 14:6; Acts 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 1:9).

2. The unifying theme is His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

3. The unifying principles are His words and our willingness to walk in them (John 12:48; 14:15; 15:14; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 John 1:6-7; 2:4-6; 2 John 9-10).

III. God’s Blessings Upon Unity

A. Sadly, God’s program for unity divides us from the world (Matthew 10:34ff; John 15:18ff).

B. But the blessings of our unity are worth enduring the hostility.

1. It is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell in unity (Psalms 133:1-3).

2. It is a testament to the world that Jesus is God’s Son (John 17:20-21).

3. It is with the Lord (John 14:23; 17:21; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3).

Conclusion:

1. Try as we may, there is no way to live in unity with the world (Matthew 7:13-14; James 4:4).

2. Thankfully, we can live in unity with one another and God (1 John 1:3-10).

3. We must set aside selfish ambitions and pursue this unity whole-heartedly (Philippians 2:1-4).

Further Food for Thought

1. How do you cope with life in this divided world?

2. How much does that strife make you appreciate this blood-bought body Christ gave us?

3. What can you and I do to facilitate greater unity in the Lord’s church?