Memory Scripture:

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:13)

The Bible calls us to live as one in Christ, uniting diverse hearts to reflect His glory.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon. Sept. 28: The Gospel Spreads And Grows (Col. 1:6)
Tue. Sept. 29: The Body ls one (l Cor. 12:12-13)
Wed. Sept. 30: The Vision Of The Global Church (Rev. 7:9-10)
Thu. Oct. 1: The Comfort For God’s People (Isa. 40:1-5)
Fri. Oct. 2: The Unity In Diversity (Rom.12:4-5)
Sat. Oct.3: The Blessing To The Nations (Psa. 67:1-7)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

The global Church is a diverse group united by love for Jesus and His mission.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCES: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-13; EPHESIANS 2:14-16; 4:1-3; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-2

Glory be to God for helping us to examine the topic: The Bible in Missions, last week, in which we learnt that Christians are tasked with spreading the gospel globally, fulfilling the Great Commission.

This is lesson 35 and it is out to explore the global Church, a worldwide community of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and languages united by faith in Jesus Christ. It reflects the impact of this on the world through the instrumentality of the Bible. This lesson looks at how the Church stays united despite its many differences. It explores how this unity plays a key role in fulfilling the Church’s mission in the world.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. BIBLICAL BASIS FOR THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH
2. LIVING OUT UNITY IN DIVERSITY

LESSON EXPOSITION

BIBLICAL BASIS FOR THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH (1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 2:14-16)

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
(1 Cor. 12:12)

a) 1 Cor. 12:12: Paul compared the Church to a human body. Each member has a unique role and all are needed for the body to work properly. Our differences aren’t something to fear, but part ofGod’s beautiful design for the Church.

b) The Bible makes it clear that the Church is stronger because of our diversity. Just like every part of the body has a purpose, every person in the Church plays a vital role (Rom. 12:4-5).

c) v. 13: Paul explained that our unity comes from the Holy Spirit, not from our differences. The Spirit brings us together, regardless of our backgrounds, making us one in Christ.

d) In Christ, all barriers—whether racial, social, or gender- related—are broken down. It is godless to try raise any other. We are all one, united by the Spirit (Gal. 3:28).

e) Eph. 2:14-16: For He Himself is our peace… Jesus came to break down the divisions between people. His death brought us together, not only with God but also with one another. We are reconciled to God and to one another through Christ (Col. 3: 11).

f) He has also prayed for us to be united, just as He and the Father are united (Jn. 17:20-21). Our unity is a witness to the world of God’s love. It reflects the unity of the Trinity. When we live in harmony, we are displaying God’s love to the world (Php. 2:2).

LIVING OUT UNITY IN DIVERSITY (Eph. 4:1; Php. 2:1-2)

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.
(Eph. 4:1)

a) Eph. 4:1-2: Paul enjoined us to live in a way that shows that we belong to Christ: treat others with humility and love. Unity takes effort, and we must be patient with one another.

b) Unity is nurtured when we show kindness, patience and love to one another, even when it is difficult (Col. 3:12-13).

c) v. 3: Endeavouring (Make every effort NIV; eager to maintain ESV; do your best GWT; Try always TLB). Unity doesn’t happen by chance; we must work hard to maintain it, seeking peace and harmony in our relationships with God and others.

d) Paul charged us to follow after the things which make for peace (Rom. 14:19). Unity requires intentional effort. We must actively pursue peace and build one another up, even when it is challenging.

e) Php. 2:1-2: Unity comes when we share the same love and purpose, putting others before ourselves. It is about working together in love and compassion, united in Christ’s mission (1 Pet. 3:8).

LESSONS DERIVED

1. The Holy Spirit unites the diverse global Church; He strengthens the body of Christ.
2. Unity takes daily effort in humility and love, reflecting God’s love and advancing His Kingdom.

QUESTIONS

1. The global Church exhibits unity in diversity, prioritising evangelism and global mission. Discuss.
2. Explain the role of the Bible in fostering unity and oneness in the body of Christ.