Spiritual Exercise Prayer You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah Psalm 32:7 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues. Psalm 31:20 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. Psalm 91:1-2 Father God, we trust in You as our hiding place. You have been steadfastly faithful. Guide us to the secret place of Your presence. In Jesus name; amen. Introduction In The One Another Fellowship we discovered that loving one another is a requirement of discipleship. We have also discussed that the pronoun you is plural over 85% of the times it is used in the New Testament. This includes Jesus command for our work: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 It is the light of many, in the work of many, which will cause men to glorify our Father in heaven. Similarly, the Great Commission was given to the followers of Jesus Christ that together they would make more disciples. Being a disciple that makes disciples means there are no Lone Rangers in the kingdom of God. The followers of Christ were not to be a loosely knit disciple making group. Jesus prayed that His disciples, and those that followed them, would be as close as He and His Father. Christ s vision for the church is a body fitly joined together and compacted (Ephesians 4:16; KJV). Sounds a bit like a can of sardines; or, if you prefer, a phone booth overflowing with people. Clearly, God s intention for the church is a unity beyond our imagination and our capability. Only He can accomplish it (as Jesus prayed). In this lesson, we will discover that there is a power released in God making us one. It is the Power of Unity. 1 Copyright 2013 inlight Consulting, Inc.
Definition The Power of Unity Unity (henotēs): unity, unanimity, agreement; from heis, meaning "one" (in contrast to many), and metaphorically, "union" and "concord". Blue Letter Bible Outline of Biblical Usage and Vines Expository Dictionary Synergy: the working together of two things to produce a result greater than the sum of their individual effects. The term synergy comes from the Greek word synergia meaning "working together". Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia (electronic) Searching Out the Matter (All Scripture references, but those noted, are NKJV; Thomas Nelson, Inc.; footnotes excluded) Maturing in Christ is a Group Project When we consider the processes of glory to glory transformation and finding joyful, Spirit-filled ministry, we recognize that our maturing as Christians is a ferocious battle. There is a devil at every level. Satan intends to impede our progress. That is why disciple making is so critical. We all need someone to encourage, edify and equip us through the process. And we need to be that for others. Battles are best fought in platoons. During my career, we were constantly on the lookout for synergistic technology relationships relationships where the resulting product was greater than the sum of the individual parts; where 2
something extra was produced. The ultimate purpose of these relationships was to provide business value that would take us to the next level. The same can be said for unity in the Body of Christ with two significant exceptions. First, the something extra is the supernatural presence and empowerment of God. God is answering His Son s prayer with the power necessary to overcome our predilection for independence and suspicion (among other things). Second, God s purpose in unity is must greater than most have considered. The Purpose of Unity Unity is a fundamental component of God s story. In fact, He has made our unity a prerequisite for the restoration of two things that were lost in the Garden: His intimacy with us (as His Son s Bride) and His habitation in us (as the New Jerusalem). Unity in the Body of Christ is the proof and expression of our belonging to our Heavenly Father and our Lord, His Son. 1. It is the product of the glory that Christ has given to the church. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one John 17:22 Our unity is so important to Christ that, to accomplish it, He has given us the glory He received from the Father (There is more on this in The Life that Glorifies the Father). We must ask ourselves, would He give His glory to those that will not use it to accomplish its intended result? 2. Unity is the prescription for evangelism. I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. John 17:23 Our unity will convince the world of the Father s love in sending His Son. It is the only prescription for evangelism in the New Testament. Our Lord and Savior the Anointed One has been praying this prayer to His Father our Awesome and Fearsome God for over 2000 years. Let s not give up hope that He will succeed. Instead, we must agree with Him in this prayer; and surrender to the Father s response in us. It is a way of God that we must desire and pursue. 3. It is the Bride making Herself ready; ushering in our Lord s Second coming. till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ Ephesians 4:13 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. Revelation 19:7 The Bride made ready is the Church unified in the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God. Having made herself ready is the next great milestone of the church; ushering in Christ s Second Coming and the beginning of His Millennial reign. 4. It is the proof of our love for one another, and therefore, our identity as disciples of Christ. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35 3
The holy, beloved elect of God have been given the bond of perfection: Sacrificial love for one another. And we have been called in one body a joined and knit together many-membered body, not a dismembered one. 5. It binds us to Christ and the Father that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us John 17:21 Our unity with Christ and our Father in Heaven is dependent on, and proportional to, our unity with one another. And so you see, the purpose of unity to the God-head cannot be over-estimated. It should be no surprise that God exercises His power to accomplish so great a purpose. As we will see, our participation in His purpose for our unity yields more power; that the world would be drawn to, and glorify, our Father in heaven. The Power of Unity The manifestation of the power of God is not like turning on a light switch (as some have suggested). The power of God is an expression of His presence. If we are not practicing His presence, then we will not know His power. Only when we are participating in what He is doing, will we experience His power to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. Therefore, the more we participate in Him making us one, the more power we will experience. The following are a few of His very special promises for the power that flows out of community. 1. It is a prerequisite for the release of the fear of God and His power. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Acts 2:42-43 The closeness of the early church created an environment for the supernatural. God showed up! And His power was released through the leaders of this close community. 2. It empowers Jesus Christ s vision for the church. 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love 15 may grow up in all things into Him 16 according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:13-16 The power of unity: Maturity unto perfection; protection from deception; the liberty to speak the truth in love; effective working (operative power); and progressive growth of the body. Not one of these, much less the whole, is possible in the natural. Yet, the power for all of it is promised in our unity. 3. It establishes the environment for Pentecost the baptism of the Holy Spirit. they were all with one accord in one place and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1,4 4. It is the source of God s blessing of life forevermore. 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, 4
The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing Life forevermore. Psalm 133 Dwelling together in unity is like the priestly anointing (think Holy Spirit) and the LORD s blessing for eternal fruit-bearing life. Can we have either without unity? As we examine our hearts for the things that separate us from each other, we should ask ourselves, Are they worth it? Conclusion In conclusion, let us remember that the call to unity is not a higher bar that we must strive to reach. Quite the contrary, it is a gift that the Lord and the Father have given us to enjoy. The power that God has made available for those that will agree with, and pursue, Christ s prayer for unity is beyond estimation. To lay hold of it, we must let go of the attitudes and agendas that divide us. Building the Kingdom is about cooperation, not competition. This is an accepted business principle. In the Marketplace, a follower of Jesus Christ can pursue fellowship with the brethren without the constraints of doctrine and denomination and work in unity for the glory of the Father without engaging in divisive sectarianism. In the process, God will honor our agreement with His Son s prayer by showing up in the work. And others will be drawn to Him there. Application Marketplace Leaders have been strategically positioned to be agents of God s answer to Jesus prayer for unity. Please, please, please, don t miss the opportunity. The Body of Christ is depending on you. Reckoning Christ is passionate and intentional about His Bride s preparation. Assignment 1. Review your notes and the Scripture passages from this week s module. Share the ones that are most meaningful to someone you are discipling. 2. Invite the Lord to examine your heart. What are the attitudes and agendas that are separating you from the Body of Christ? Confess your sin and commit to walk in unity with the whole Body. 3. Meditate on Christ s prayer for unity in John 17:20-23. Ask Him how He wants you to agree with Him in word and deed. Devotion Just How Close Were They? From Rob Streetman It is amazing to think that the Father is making us one as He and His Son are one. It is one of the great mysteries of the kingdom. As you consider the following, I hope you will remember that we believe to understand (not vice-versa). I pray that you will find the Lord s faith, and the Spirit s wisdom and revelation. 5
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father s hand. I and My Father are one. John 10:27-30 So Who s hand are the sheep in? Can a sheep be in more than one place? What, are they throwing them back and forth like a hot potato? Or two circus jugglers? Of course not! They are the same hand. And here we finally learn the truth: Jesus and His Father are one. Not, We will be one when I go back to Him. No, this Jesus who made Himself of no reputation is somehow, mysteriously, one with His Father. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 This verse has always troubled me until now. The Father and Son are so much one, that they share titles. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:1-3 Interestingly, though God did all the work when Jesus was on the Earth, none of the work of creation was done without Him, nor through Him. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1Timothy 1:17 Who is this King? Not Jesus, but the invisible God (the Father). More title sharing. When Jesus heard that, He said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it. John 11:4 31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. John 13:31-32 And so, glory passes between the Father and Son freely and intimately. Of course, this is something we already knew the Father and Son are perfectly united. What is amazing is the claims of Christ that we would be as united with each other and Them. It is the Father s intention that His Son s Bride be perfect, without spot or wrinkle. So The oneness that Jesus speaks of includes the Father, His Son, and His human sons and daughters. This is a mystery that will never make sense to our limited minds. However, we can know it in our heart, soul and strength. It can be reality to us if we desire and pursue it. Your servant and forever His, Rob 6