The Unity Of The Church Defined

In today’s passage, we will see how through Jesus Christ, the church is unified not only as the redeemed but also as citizens of the same kingdom, members of the same family, and connected parts of the same temple.

Tyler’s Main Points

  • As fellow citizens of God’s kingdom, we find unity in our common allegiance to Jesus as King (v. 19a).
  • As members of God’s family, we find unity in our common love for one another (v. 19b).
  • As the connected parts of God’s temple, we find unity in our common faith (vv. 20-22).

Key Takeaways

  • According to Tyler, three things bring people together: allegiances, loves, and beliefs.

  • Our peace and God’s reputation is on the line when it comes to the unity of the church. To a watching world, the church’s unity is the greatest witness to the power of Christ.

  • Our differences must not become more important than biblical commonalities in Christ.

  • If we are not under the lordship of Jesus Christ, we are living in rebellion. Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and worthy of our heart’s highest allegiance.

  • All other allegiances are subordinate to our ultimate allegiance to Jesus Christ. We lose unity by pledging our allegiance to subordinate things above Christ.

  • Don’t start conversations with fellow believers set on defending a subordinate position, but seek understanding and set your aim on unity in Christ as King.

  • In Christ, people of different bloodlines become the same spiritual family through Christ’s shed blood on the cross.

  • Jesus is the example of perfect love. Love pursues, forgives, restores, commits, and sacrifices.  

  • Our common faith possesses both definition and direction. Christianity is built on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. As God’s people, our central focus is to worship Him.

  • As D.L. Moody suggested, ” “Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian.”

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal reflection:

  • Are there any unresolved conflicts with relationships in the church seek unity? Consider all of your commonalities in Christ, remember His example of perfect love, and seek to pursue, forgive, restore, commit, and sacrifice for that person for your mutual good and the collective good of the church. 

Discuss with your community group:

  • What subordinate allegiances do you most frequently elevate above your allegiance to Christ? What makes Christ alone worthy of your ultimate allegiance?

  • Discuss how your group can grow in pursuing, forgiving, restoring, committing, and  sacrificing for one another like Jesus Christ.

Passages Referenced for Further Study
Ephesians 2:19-22; John 17:20-21; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 3:11, Romans 14; Ephesians 4:3; Ephesians 2:10.