AFTER THE SERMON-All Eyes On Jesus
We hope today’s message was encouraging and helpful. Take a moment to process and discuss what God may be trying to say to everyone in your home or in your community group. If no one is with you, have a personal conversation with God, He is with you.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-17
(Other Scriptures referenced: Colossians 3:12-16; Philippians 2:1-4; John 13:35; John 17:22-23; 1 John 4:12)
(If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read or paraphrase through some of the provided scripture to catch everyone up!)
Overview:
The beauty of the family of God is how diverse and different we are, but what unites us is Jesus Christ. We all have our unique personality and identity, but when it comes down to it the way Jesus thinks and loves is also the way the church should too. Pastor Ryan challenged the church to be united in a world that is divided. His main point was the church needs to keep our eyes on Jesus in the midst of all the dividing views and conflict in our world. It’s when we take our eyes off of Jesus that we begin to lose sight of what matters. When our eyes aren’t on Jesus they tend to focus on self or others. Our world is in conflict over so many dividing topics, so the church needs to be vigilant at not letting this division creep into the church and hurt our witness.
Takeaways:
The church needs to keep our eyes on Jesus.
If Jesus isn’t the united focus, division is inevitable.
If this world is dividing the church then the world has become greater than Christ in us.
The love of Jesus is unbreakable and durable through any circumstance or conflict.
Unity keeps the needs of the whole over your own.
The cost of unity is our selfish ambitions.
The peace of Christ causes treaties and ceasefires towards one another.
When Jesus rules your heart, peace rules.
The victory of our unity is worth the cost of our surrender.
When our focus is on Jesus it will help our world see Jesus.
Discussion:
What was a big takeaway from this message for you?
What do you think Pastor Ryan meant by not letting the issues of our world cause division in the church?
Pastor Ryan believes there are some things in our world that the church should wrestle with such as injustices, but what are some examples of worldly arguments that we shouldn’t let affect us?
How does Jesus keep us united?
What are some practical ways can we stay united in the midst of all our nation’s conflict?
Why does our division hurt our witness and why does our unity help our witness?
Pray:
God, we thank you for your son who died so we could live in unity with you and with every nation on this earth. We commit ourselves as the church to strive for unity and peace through the power of Christ’s love. May your Spirit teach us how to love as Jesus does. Forgive us for our shortcomings and for taking our eyes off of Jesus. We recommit ourselves to serve you in this world so that all may know your love and truth. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Challenge:
Choose love, patience, and unity over an argument this week.
We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!