Does This Bother You? | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ, highlighting that division should not be accepted as a normal part of church life. The speaker encourages believers to consider how their actions affect others and the Father's heart, urging them to strive for oneness in love.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 4:3-6 - This passage emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ, stating that we are to "strive for the greater gifts" and "be eager to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." It reminds us that there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - This passage highlights the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, stating that "the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,'" and that each member has a vital role to play in the functioning of the whole. It emphasizes that we are all part of one body.
• Matthew 22:37-40 - This passage records Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment, which is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." It also emphasizes loving our neighbors as ourselves. The speaker encourages us to consider how we can love others in a way that pleases the Father.
• John 17:20-23 - This passage records Jesus' prayer for unity among his followers, stating that they may be one even as he and the Father are one. It emphasizes the importance of being united in love and purpose.
• Come unto Me (Matthew 11:28-30) - This passage invites us to come to Christ with our burdens and find rest for our souls. The speaker encourages us to consider how we can bring unity and peace to those around us, rather than causing division and strife.
• The Lord's Table (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) - This passage emphasizes the significance of the Lord's Supper as a reminder of our union with Christ and with one another. It encourages us to examine ourselves before partaking of the bread and cup, ensuring that we are in right relationship with others.

Key Takeaways

• We must strive for unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that division is not acceptable in God's sight. This requires us to consider how our actions affect others and the Father's heart.
• The enemy seeks to divide us, but we must resist this temptation and instead seek to build each other up in love.
• We are all part of one body, with different gifts and roles to play. We must recognize and appreciate these differences, rather than trying to dominate or control others.
• As believers, we should be eager to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, just as we strive for our own spiritual growth and development.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take two specific actions to promote unity within your church or community:

• Reach out to someone you know is struggling with a relationship issue and offer support and encouragement. Listen to their concerns and help them see the big picture – that we are all part of one body in Christ.
• Take initiative to bring people together, whether through hosting a small group or organizing an event that promotes unity and connection among believers. Pray for God's guidance and blessing on these efforts.

Reflection Questions

• How does the idea of being part of one body in Christ affect your relationships with others? Do you see yourself as a vital part of this larger whole, or do you tend to focus on your own individual needs and desires?
• What are some practical ways you can promote unity within your church or community this week? Consider the specific challenges and opportunities in your context.
• How does the Father's heart break when we allow division and strife to flourish among his people? What steps can you take to bring healing and restoration to those around you?