Unity in Jesus

 Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Lesson 2 - Friday Further Thought

Unity in Jesus

“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us” (John 17:21, NKJV).

Unity in the church is not something humans manufacture through policy, personality, or compromise. True unity is a spiritual work, brought about by the Holy Spirit when believers are fully surrendered to Jesus Christ. The foundation of unity is not uniformity of thought or preference, but a shared submission to Christ as Lord and a shared dependence on His Word.

What Is Necessary for the Holy Spirit to Bring Unity?

First, humility is essential. Scripture teaches that unity grows where pride dies. Paul urges believers to walk “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2–3, NKJV). The Holy Spirit cannot unite hearts that insist on self-exaltation or personal agendas.

Second, obedience to God’s Word is required. Jesus prayed that His followers would be sanctified “by the truth” (John 17:17). Unity apart from truth is superficial and temporary, but unity grounded in Scripture is enduring. The Spirit works powerfully when God’s people submit their opinions, traditions, and emotions to the authority of the Bible.

Third, love must be actively practiced. Unity is preserved through forgiveness, patience, and Christlike charity. “Above all things have fervent love for one another” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV). Love does not ignore error, but it corrects with gentleness and seeks restoration rather than division.

The Role of the Gift of Prophecy in Church Unity

The Bible teaches that God gives spiritual gifts “for the equipping of the saints… till we all come to the unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:11–13, NKJV). Among those gifts is the gift of prophecy, given not to replace Scripture, but to point God’s people back to it and to apply biblical principles to real-life situations.

For Seventh-day Adventists, the counsels given through the ministry of Ellen G. White have played a significant role in calling the church to faithfulness, humility, mission focus, and Christ-centered living. When these counsels are studied prayerfully and practiced in harmony with Scripture, they foster unity by correcting extremes, exposing selfish ambition, and emphasizing cooperation, love, and submission to God’s will.

Disregard for inspired counsel often leads to confusion, fragmentation, and spiritual weakness. Scripture warns that God’s people “perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6, NKJV). Conversely, a teachable spirit—willing to be corrected and guided—creates fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to work unity among believers.

A Unity That Glorifies God

Biblical unity is missional. Jesus declared that the world would believe when it sees His followers united (John 17:21). When the church walks together in truth, humility, and love—guided by Scripture and affirmed by God’s prophetic leading—it becomes a powerful witness to a divided world.

Unity does not mean the absence of challenges, but it does mean the presence of Christ at the center. Where Jesus reigns, the Holy Spirit binds hearts together for God’s glory.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Jesus, who prayed that we would be one as He is one with You. Empty us of pride, self-will, and division. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and lead us into unity grounded in truth and love. Help us to value every gift You have given to Your church and to walk humbly in obedience to Your Word. May our unity glorify Christ and draw others to Him. We ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

More on Lesson 2 Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians