Covenant Christian Reformed Church

Being One (Discovering God’s Will Together; #3) John 17:1l, 20b-21 A. The bond of unity in the body of Christ is easily broken 1. Jesus defines community, chooses community, and sustains community 2. We don’t define community; but we often hinder and tarnish it B. With disunity, Satan gains a small victory and God gets angry “Biblical Community” is not relating directly other Christians, it is relating to others though the person of Jesus Christ.” (cf. Life Together, Dietrich Bonheoffer) THE PRAYER A. In John 17 Jesus prays that we will be one like He and His Father are one B. This prayer tells us what’s on Jesus’ heart 1. Jesus prays for the unity of His disciples and for all future disciples a. This is not a prayer for unanimity b. This is a prayer for unity – a unity based on love and mutual submission 2. Jesus knows the building (growth) of His Church depends on unity THE PRIORITY A. The New Testament church was devoted to unity (cf. Acts 2:46f) B. Jesus is very passionate about the unit