THOUGHT: ONE PRAYER Follow Up

ONE PRAYER was awesome and opened up some interesting doors. If you want to keep up, or get at it, then check out this helpful study to keep you thinking and to keep you active. If you weren't there live then check out the podcast first to bring yourself up to speed.

Think of some of the greatest sports teams you have ever seen: Olympic , Professional, College, High School, etc..:

What characteristics made them great?

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 Cor 1:10 (NLT)

divisions: schisma (skhis'-mah); split, division, schism, ripping or tearing apart.

SATAN LOVES FOR CHURCHES TO COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER.

Where have you seen churches competing against each other?

What is the goal they are competing for?

GOD LOVES FOR CHURCHES TO COMPLETE EACH OTHER.

What are some ways you have you seen other churches completing each other (spiritual co-operation)?

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Eph 4:3-6 (NLT)

In this passage discuss what you think is meant by the following phrases:

• One Body

• One Spirit

• One Hope

• One Lord

• One Faith

In this passage the phrase “make every effort” is translated from the greek: spoudazo (spoo-dad'-zo): which means to study, to labour, to make a prompt and earnest effort, to be diligent.

Read Ephesians 4:3-6. What can you do to “make every effort” to keep the unity of the Spirit?

For Further Study

Ephesians 4: 1-11

Open

What one quality would you like to develop in your character?

What keeps sports teams unified?

Explore

What did Paul urge the Ephesians to do? (4:1)

How should Christians conduct themselves toward each other? Why? (4:2-6)

How is Christian unity related to the nature of God? (4:4-6)

How are we enabled to live at peace with each other? (4:7)

Who gives grace to each believer? (4:7)

With what kind of people does God fill the church? (4:11)

Reflect

How do you get along with other Christians?

What is God’s prescription for unity among believers?

How does the Spirit help you maintain the “bond of peace” with others Christians?

What is your responsibility to help others in the body of Christ?

Apply

What service can you offer another church to help build up the body of Christ?

g-ram