Handle With Care: Fasten the Zipper

Week 4 – Fasten the Zipper

[John 17:20-23]

CARING FOR UNITY

Why?

1. Jesus Prays for Unity
2. Unity points to Jesus

1 Corinthians 1:10 – I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. [ESV]

• Agree in what you say / No division
• Same understanding – Same conviction

Aim for Unity

1. Stay Connected to the Vine
   1. Jesus is the Vine. We are the branches.
   2. Ephesians 4:16 – from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. [ESV]
   3. Knit together. Properly working as each other individually.
2. One mind. One purpose.
   1. 1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. [ESV]
3. Live your gifts
   1. Romans 12:4-5 – For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. [ESV]
4. All about Jesus
   1. Don’t let pride get in the way.
   2. Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. [ESV]

Psalm 133:1 – Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! [ESV]

Breakout Sessions

1) Read Romans 12:4-5 and Ephesians 4:15-16. Paul writes to the Ephesians about walking in unity. What did Paul say was important for us to do as followers of Christ in the Ephesians passage? Why do you think this action is important? What would be the result(s) of doing this? How do we ensure we are doing our own part? How do we encourage others to do the same?

2) Read Romans 12:16 and 1 Peter 3:8. These passages speak about the unity—one mind, one purpose—and the humility we should live by so we may live in harmony. How can we live with one mind, one purpose? How do we humble ourselves?

Handle with Care is a 6-week series focused on studying God’s Word and responding with care. The six weeks of messages may sound like instructions for laundry care — but you will soon find Handle with Care beckons you to examine within, to gauge how you truly love God and love others, and to grow inward and outward. Caring starts with the heart and pours out into the community.

• Week 1 – Stain Removal – Caring for God’s glory
• Week 2 – Do Not Bleach – Caring for Truth
• Week 3 – Add Fabric Softener – Caring like Barnabas
• Week 4 – Fasten the Zipper – Caring for Unity
• Week 5 – Empty Pockets – Caring for Treasures
• Week 6 – Iron Low Heat – Caring without Complacency