The Ascent: The Abundance of Unity

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: Psalm 133.

overview

Unity – the word itself invokes a good feeling, the practice of it brings blessings, and God tells us it’s good and pleasant. Unity is the heart of God; but as we talked about last week, our pride acts as a roadblock to fully living it out. Sure, it’s easy when we are around people who think like us and share our same preferences, but when we are living around others who think and act differently, we have to make the choice to follow the heart of God, humble ourselves, and surrender for the sake of unity.

question 1

Share when you chose unity over division. Was it difficult? How did you lean on God through it?

discussion

Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. The picture of the oil poured onto Aaron’s head and running down his beard is steeped in meaning and symbolizes the unity, abundance, and holiness of God’s blessing flowing down from the high priest to the people – this was a sacred setting apart by God. Unity among believers sets us apart from the world and it doesn’t always make sense to those watching. The oil was fragrant and wherever Aaron would go, the fragrance would be noticed, even after he moved along. We get to carry the fragrance of Jesus into every setting we enter – including not just those settings we look forward to, but also the areas that hold people with whom we differ and disagree.     

question 2

Each person leaves a distinct impression on others. Discuss how this appears in daily life.

Read Ephesians 4:4-6. Aaron was Israel’s High Priest, and now Jesus is our eternal High Priest. The oil upon Jesus is God’s Spirit poured out from Jesus to the Church. From believer to believer, the most significant thing about you is also the most significant thing about others. People may have nothing in common, yet in Christ, they have everything in common. When we daily carry this truth in us, looking at one another through the lens of Jesus and asking the Holy Spirit to empower us, we will accomplish living in unity. And this is where God bestows his blessing. Andrew said, “Where unity is pursued, Heaven is enjoyed.” As a community and individuals, we can bring Heaven to earth to those around us and we get to change the atmosphere in the spaces we occupy.

question 3

What is keeping you from unity? Do you need to confess any division in your heart towards anyone? Our confession brings forgiveness, freedom, and a fresh start. As hard as surrender is, the outcome is wonderful.    

weekly application

Pray for our Easter Sunday at the Pier, that as the Gospel is shared, it lands in the hearts of bystanders and that they would choose to respond. Consider inviting neighbors and co-workers to our service.