This small group deep study guide draws directly from Jeremy Wood's sermon “United for Mission” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
DEEP STUDY GUIDE: UNITY - THE PLATFORM FOR GOD'S POWER
INTRODUCTION
This deep study guide explores the sermon "United: Becoming One for the Sake of the Gospel," focusing on how biblical unity functions as a platform for God's power rather than merely being an end goal in itself. The study examines three key truths about unity: it is a spiritual reality before a practical experience, it must be protected rather than just proclaimed, and it releases God's power for mission.
SERMON OVERVIEW
Main Text: Psalm 133 Series: United: Becoming One for the Sake of the Gospel Theme: Unity as a platform that releases God's power
Key Points:
- Unity is a spiritual reality before it is a practical experience
- Unity must be protected, not just proclaimed
- Unity releases God's power for mission
PART I: UNITY AS A SPIRITUAL REALITY
Primary Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 and Ephesians 4:3-6
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil pouring down the head, running down the beard, running down Aaron's beard, down the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." (Psalm 133:1-3)
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body, one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:3-6)
Theological Context
The Nature of Unity in Psalm 133 Psalm 133 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for annual festivals. This brief psalm powerfully illustrates the beauty and blessing of unity among God's people using two rich metaphors:
Anointing Oil (v.2) - The oil referenced here is the sacred anointing oil used to consecrate Aaron as high priest (Exodus 30:22-33). This was not ordinary oil but a specially formulated, fragrant mixture that was sacred and set apart for holy purposes. The imagery suggests:
- Unity is sacred and consecrating
- Unity flows downward (from leadership to all members)
- Unity is precious and fragrant, affecting everyone it touches
Dew of Hermon (v.3) - Mount Hermon, located in the northern boundary of Israel, was known for its heavy dew that provided moisture in an otherwise dry region. The imagery suggests:
- Unity is refreshing and life-giving
- Unity is a divine provision (dew comes from heaven)
- Unity brings nourishment and sustenance
The "There" of Blessing The psalm states that "there" the Lord commands His blessing. The location referred to as "there" is not a physical place but the condition of unity itself. This reveals that unity is not merely pleasant but is the very location where God's blessing is commanded to dwell.
Unity in Ephesians 4 Paul's letter to the Ephesians presents unity not as something Christians create but as something they already possess and must maintain. The sevenfold repetition of "one" emphasizes the completeness of this unity:
- One body (the church)
- One Spirit (the Holy Spirit)
- One hope (eternal life with Christ)
- One Lord (Jesus Christ)
- One faith (the essential Christian beliefs)
- One baptism (identification with Christ's death and resurrection)
- One God and Father (the source of all)
Deeper Insights
Unity as an Existing Reality: Paul doesn't instruct believers to create unity but to "keep" or "maintain" the unity that already exists through the Spirit. This reveals that unity is first a spiritual reality established by God before it becomes a practical experience.
The Marriage Analogy: Just as a marriage creates an immediate "one flesh" reality (Genesis 2:24) that must be lived out practically over time, so too Christians are spiritually united upon salvation but must work out this unity in practical ways.
Unity and the Trinity: The unity of believers reflects the perfect unity within the Trinity—distinct persons in perfect harmony and love. Jesus prayed for believers to experience this same unity: "that they may be one as we are one" (John 17:11).
Discussion Questions
Theological Reflection: How does understanding unity as an existing spiritual reality (rather than something we create) change your approach to relationships within the church?
Personal Examination: In what ways have you been treating unity as a goal to achieve rather than a reality to live into? How might this perspective shift change your interactions with other believers?
Biblical Analysis: Compare the imagery of anointing oil in Psalm 133 with the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament (1 John 2:20, 27). How does the Holy Spirit function as the source and sustainer of our unity?
Deeper Application: The sermon mentioned that when another believer hurts, you hurt. Examine 1 Corinthians 12:26 ("If one part suffers, every part suffers with it"). How literally should we take this statement? Have you experienced this reality?
Theological Integration: How does the "already but not yet" tension in Christian theology (we are already saved but not yet fully transformed) apply to the concept of unity in the church?
Application Exercise
Personal Unity Inventory: Take time this week to reflect on your spiritual connection to the body of Christ.
- List 3-5 believers with whom you feel most connected spiritually.
- List 3-5 believers with whom you struggle to feel united.
- For each person in the second list, identify what spiritual reality (from Ephesians 4:3-6) you share with them despite practical differences.
- Pray specifically that God would help you recognize and live into the unity that already exists with these individuals.
PART II: PROTECTING UNITY
Primary Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-32
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:29-32)
Theological Context
Speech Ethics in Ephesians Paul's instructions in Ephesians 4:29-32 outline a Christian speech ethic that stands in stark contrast to typical human communication patterns. The prohibition against "unwholesome talk" (Greek: sapros logos) literally refers to "rotten" or "putrid" speech—language that corrupts rather than builds up.
Grieving the Holy Spirit The warning against grieving the Holy Spirit connects our speech directly to our relationship with God. The Spirit, who sealed believers for redemption, is personally grieved when unity is damaged through harmful communication. This personalization of the Spirit's response elevates the importance of unity-protecting speech.
The Progression of Disunity Paul lists a progression of unity-destroying attitudes and actions:
- Bitterness (harbored resentment)
- Rage (explosive anger)
- Anger (settled indignation)
- Brawling (public quarreling)
- Slander (damaging others' reputations)
- Malice (desire to harm others)
This progression shows how unchecked negative emotions escalate into destructive behaviors that fracture community.
Deeper Insights
Matthew 18 Principle: Jesus established a clear process for addressing conflicts in Matthew 18:15-17, beginning with private, direct communication. This process protects both the individuals involved and the broader community from the damage of gossip and triangulation.
Forgiveness as Protection: Quick forgiveness functions as a protective measure for unity. Ephesians 4:26-27 warns that delayed forgiveness gives the devil a "foothold"—a military term referring to a strategic position from which to launch further attacks.
Essential vs. Non-Essential Issues: Romans 14:1 instructs believers to "accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters." Discerning between essential doctrines and disputable matters requires spiritual maturity and prevents unnecessary division.
The Poison of Unforgiveness: The sermon's metaphor that "unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" illustrates how harboring resentment primarily damages the one who refuses to forgive, while also contaminating the broader community.
Discussion Questions
Biblical Analysis: Examine the connection between Ephesians 4:30 (grieving the Spirit) and Ephesians 4:3 (maintaining the unity of the Spirit). How does the Holy Spirit function as both the source of unity and the one grieved when unity is broken?
Theological Reflection: How does the concept of "essentials vs. non-essentials" help us navigate disagreements within the church? What criteria should we use to determine which issues are essential?
Historical Perspective: Church history is marked by numerous divisions and splits. Identify a historical church division and analyze whether it was over essential or non-essential matters. What can we learn from this example?
Personal Examination: The sermon mentioned that under pressure, we often revert to patterns learned in childhood (like tattling instead of direct communication). What unhealthy conflict patterns from your upbringing might you be bringing into church relationships?
Practical Wisdom: How can we balance the biblical mandate to speak truth (Ephesians 4:15) with the command to speak only what builds others up (Ephesians 4:29)? Are these ever in tension?
Case Study: Applying Matthew 18
Scenario: You discover that another church member has been sharing concerns about your ministry approach with several other people in the church, but not with you directly.
Questions for Discussion:
- What is your natural first response to this situation?
- How would Matthew 18:15-17 guide your response?
- What specific words and approach would you use in your conversation with this person?
- How might this approach protect the unity of the broader church?
- What if the person responds defensively or continues the behavior?
Application Exercise
Unity Protection Plan:
- Identify one relationship or situation in your church community where unity is threatened.
- Create a specific plan using the principles from Ephesians 4:29-32:
- What unwholesome talk needs to be replaced with building speech?
- What bitterness, anger, or malice needs to be removed?
- What specific act of kindness, compassion, or forgiveness is needed?
- Commit to implementing this plan within the next week.
- Journal about the results and share with your small group.
PART III: UNITY RELEASES GOD'S POWER FOR MISSION
Primary Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
Theological Context
The Post-Pentecost Community Acts 2:42-47 describes the Jerusalem church immediately after Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles and 3,000 people came to faith. This passage reveals the characteristics of a Spirit-empowered community:
- Devotion to Apostolic Teaching: Commitment to sound doctrine as taught by those who had been with Jesus
- Fellowship (Koinonia): Deep, sacrificial sharing of life together
- Breaking of Bread: Both communion and shared meals
- Prayer: Consistent corporate and individual prayer
- Awe and Wonder: Supernatural manifestations of God's presence
- Radical Generosity: Voluntary sharing of resources
- Regular Gathering: Both in the temple and in homes
- Joyful Worship: Glad and sincere hearts in praise
- Public Favor: Positive reputation in the broader community
- Continuous Growth: Daily additions to the church
The Sequence of Revival The sermon notes the sequence in this passage: unity preceded power, which preceded impact. This pattern suggests that unity functions as the platform or prerequisite for the manifestation of God's power.
Jesus' High Priestly Prayer This concept echoes Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-23, where he specifically connects the unity of believers with the world's belief in his divine mission:
"I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me... May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Deeper Insights
Unity as Witness: Jesus directly links the unity of believers with the effectiveness of their witness. Unity itself becomes a form of evangelism, demonstrating the supernatural nature of the Christian community.
Historical Revivals: The Welsh Revival of 1904-1905, mentioned in the sermon, demonstrates how unified prayer preceded extraordinary spiritual awakening. This pattern appears in many historical revivals, including the First Great Awakening, the Azusa Street Revival, and others.
Unity Beyond Local Congregations: The sermon mentions the pastor's engagement with leaders from other churches, including Catholic leaders. This exemplifies a broader understanding of unity that transcends denominational boundaries while maintaining commitment to essential doctrines.
The Holy Spirit's Role: Both in Acts 2 and in revival history, the Holy Spirit is the agent who both creates unity and manifests power through unified believers. This suggests that pursuing unity is a way of creating space for the Spirit's work.
Discussion Questions
Biblical Analysis: Compare Acts 2:42-47 with Acts 4:32-35, another description of the early church. What additional insights about the connection between unity and power do you find?
Historical Reflection: Research another historical revival (Great Awakening, Azusa Street, East African Revival, etc.). What role did unity play in that movement? What were the observable results?
Theological Integration: How does the concept of unity as a platform for power relate to Jesus' teaching about the kingdom of God? In what ways might unity be a manifestation of the kingdom?
Missional Application: If unity is primarily for witness rather than comfort, how should this shape our priorities and practices as a church? What might need to change?
Spiritual Discernment: How can we distinguish between true unity centered on Christ and false unity that compromises essential truth? What biblical examples help us navigate this tension?
Case Study: Evaluating Unity Initiatives
Scenario: Your church is considering several initiatives to strengthen unity:
- A joint service with other local churches of different denominations
- Small groups organized by neighborhood rather than affinity
- A church-wide fast and prayer vigil for revival in your city
- A reconciliation process for a past church conflict that divided members
Questions for Discussion:
- Which of these initiatives most directly addresses unity as a platform for mission?
- What potential pitfalls exist for each initiative?
- How would you measure the success of each initiative?
- Which initiative would you prioritize and why?
Application Exercise
Unity for Mission Assessment:
- Identify three specific ways your small group or church demonstrates unity currently.
- For each demonstration of unity, evaluate: Is this primarily for our comfort or for our witness?
- Identify one specific area where disunity might be hindering your group's or church's mission effectiveness.
- Develop a practical plan to address this area, including:
- Prayer strategy
- Communication approach
- Specific actions
- Timeline for implementation
- Method for evaluating impact on mission
COVENANT OF UNITY
The sermon concluded with a corporate covenant. Consider having your group members stand and recite this covenant together:
As a member of this body at [Church Name], I commit to protect our unity. I refuse to gossip. I will extend quick forgiveness. I will focus on the essentials. I will submit to biblical authority. Because our unity is the platform for God's power.
COMMUNION REFLECTION
The sermon included communion as a powerful symbol of unity in Christ. Consider these reflection questions:
- How does the communion table itself function as a place of unity for believers?
- What connection exists between the broken body of Christ (bread) and the unity of the body of Christ (church)?
- How does shared participation in communion strengthen our spiritual unity?
- What practices might help us more fully experience communion as a unifying act?
PRAYER FOCUS
End your study with focused prayer for unity:
- Confess any attitudes or actions that have damaged unity
- Thank God for the spiritual unity that already exists
- Ask for greater manifestation of that unity in practical ways
- Pray for God's power to be released through your unified witness
- Intercede for specific mission opportunities in your community
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
Books on Christian Unity
- Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- The Compelling Community by Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop
- One New Man: The Cross and Racial Reconciliation by Jarvis Williams
- Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces that Keep Us Apart by Christena Cleveland
- The Unity Factor: Developing a Healthy Church Leadership Team by Larry Osborne
Historical Revival Resources
- Revival by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
- Revival Fire by Wesley Duewel
- Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill
- The Welsh Revival: Its Origin and Development by Thomas Phillips
Scripture Memory Verses on Unity
- Psalm 133:1
- Ephesians 4:3
- John 17:23
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
- Colossians 3:14
Online Resources
- The Lausanne Movement - Global Christian unity for evangelization
- Bridges for Peace - Resources on reconciliation and unity
- BioLogos - Fostering unity between science and faith communities
- The Gospel Coalition - Resources on gospel-centered unity
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Close with a time of personal reflection using Psalm 139:23-24:
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Ask God to reveal:
- Any relationships where you need to pursue reconciliation
- Any attitudes that hinder unity in your church
- Any practices that could strengthen unity
- Any ways you can contribute to unity becoming a platform for God's power in your community
"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." - John 17:22-23