Big Idea

As Christ-followers, we are against divisiveness because Jesus is for unity.

Scripture

Romans 16:17-20, John 17:20-23, Matthew 7:1-2, Romans 12:18, Ephesians 4:2-6

Opening Questions

1. Whom have you been able to B.L.E.S.S. this week?
2. What is your favorite friendly rivalry?
3. At Christ-followers we are against divisiveness because Jesus is for unity. What would you say if someone asked you to define unity? We could say unity is uniformity. During the message this past Sunday, we showed a video of a piano player playing Beethoven’s Moon Light Sonata 3rd Movement on a piano with the traditional 88 keys and a piano where all the keys sounded the same. Discuss its implications for our understanding of unity. (You can find this video here)

Bible Discussion

4. Read Romans 16:17-20. What kind of divisiveness is Paul warning against here? What are the motives he’s naming?
5. Read John 17:20-23. What vision does Jesus have about the church and unity in these passages?

Life Application

6. One way we can be united is to be Christ-centered in our church – specifically; we would seek to be like Jesus in all we believe and do. What influences do you have in your life that shape your heart and mind in different ways from Jesus’ life and teaching?
7. We can also stop judging one another. Read Matthew 7:1-2. To judge someone is to treat another person as “less than” yourself because of their choices or ideas. When have you caught yourself being judgmental recently? How can we be less judgmental?
8. Finally, we can offer fellowship to people with whom we have disagreements. Read Romans 12:18 & Ephesians 4:2-6. Who do you have in mind that you could offer fellowship? How might you offer fellowship?