One Temple

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, highlighting that God desires for His people to be one. The teaching encourages us to put aside our individual pursuits and focus on joining together with others in a way that honors God. As we do this, He promises to dwell amongst us, demonstrating His presence and power.

Key Scripture References

• John 17:20-23 - In Jesus' high priestly prayer, He asks the Father to "keep them in your name that you have given me" (v.11) and then prays for unity among believers, stating, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." This passage emphasizes God's desire for His people to be one.
• Psalm 133:1-3 - The psalmist describes the blessing of unity, saying, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in harmony!" (v.1). He notes that this unity is a result of God's presence among them, indicating that as we come together, God's Spirit is present to empower and guide us.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Paul warns believers against being "yoked together with unbelievers" (v.14) and instead encourages us to be "yoked together in harmony with Christ" (v.15). This passage highlights the importance of unity among believers, emphasizing that we are to stand together as one body.
• Exodus 25:8-9 - In this passage, God instructs Moses to build a tabernacle according to His design, indicating that He desires to dwell amongst His people. Similarly, when we come together in unity, God promises to dwell among us, demonstrating His presence and power.
• Ephesians 4:1-6 - Paul emphasizes the importance of humility and unity among believers, stating that we are to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (v.2). He notes that God's people are to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
• John 14:23-24 - Jesus promises that if we love Him, He will make His home among us and "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever" (v.16). This passage highlights the promise of God's presence among those who come together in unity.

Key Takeaways

• We must prioritize unity among believers, recognizing that God desires for His people to be one. As we put aside our individual pursuits and focus on joining together with others, God promises to dwell amongst us, demonstrating His presence and power.
• The pursuit of individual interests and goals can lead to division and disunity within the body of Christ. We must be willing to surrender our own agendas and desires in order to join ourselves with others in a way that honors God.
• God's presence among us is not just a promise, but a reality that we experience when we come together in unity. As we reflect on this truth, let us seek to cultivate an atmosphere of love, humility, and harmony within our communities of faith.
• The tabernacle built by Moses was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell amongst His people. Similarly, as we gather together in worship, prayer, and service, we become living temples where God's presence is manifest.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take two specific steps to cultivate unity among believers:

* Reach out to a fellow believer and invite them to join you for coffee or dinner, seeking to build a deeper relationship with them.

* Identify an area where you can serve alongside others in your community of faith, whether it be through volunteering, leading a small group, or participating in a mission project.

Reflection Questions

• What are the ways in which I have been building "towers to myself" rather than prioritizing unity with others? How can I surrender my individual pursuits and desires in order to join myself with others?
• How can we as a community of faith create an atmosphere of love, humility, and harmony that honors God's desire for unity among His people?
• In what ways can you practically demonstrate God's presence among you this week? Perhaps it is through worshiping together, praying together, or serving alongside others in your community.