United in Christ by the Spirit

25 July 2012

Opening Prayer/Worship

Hymn:

Let there be love shared among us,
Let there be love in our eyes,
May now Your love sweep this nation,
Cause us O Lord to arise.
Give us a fresh understanding
Of brotherly love that is real,
Let there be love shared among us,
Let there be love. (2X)

Theme: Be filled with the Holy Spirit

Topic: United in Christ by the Spirit

Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22

Introduction
Our discussion today will be on the role of the Holy Spirit in uniting believers of Christ in love. I liken this role of the Holy Spirit in the Church to the bonds in an iron chain. The iron chain comprises of individual pieces linked to one another; without the links, all you have will be a bunch of individual rings of metal. This implies then that the true strength of the chain lies in the strength of the connection between any two adjacent rings within the chain; if broken, the chain loses its full potential and strength. Also, two adjacent rings in a chain are usually made of the same material and contribute equally to the overall strength of the entire chain. Similar principles apply to the unity that exists among Christians. It is the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us that unites and builds us up as a temple for God- the body of Christ with Christ Himself as the Head and chief cornerstone. Denomination, nationality, talent, social status and so on can pose as a barrier to Christian unity. These should be yielded up to the Holy Spirit, for He is our true and only source of unity in Christ.

                                                                  

Questions/Discussion

1. What analogy can you use to explain the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian unity? Galatians 3:26-29, 4:1-7; Ephesians 1:3-10, 2:17-22.

2. Discuss some of the issues that negate Christian unity. 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, 3:1-23.

3. What are our responsibilities in achieving Christian unity? 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 4:1-16, 5:1-21.

Intercession/Worship

Conclusion

God has called us to be one in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May we yield our lives to Him that we may be continually united in love- the body of Christ.

Closing Prayer

Thank You Lord for uniting us in Your love in Christ through the Holy Spirit. We ask that You continue to keep us as one in Christ. Take away all that tend to divide us, that through us, Your love may reach all people. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.