Sermon Notes + 10.13.2024 | Northpoint Church

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SERMON NOTES

That They May Be One – Part II
John 17:21-24
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor

Overview: Jesus prays for unity among his followers three times in these three short verses. The repetition of His request adds to its emphasis, but the basis of His request must be unpacked in order to be understood. Jesus prays for a unity that has already taken place invisibly to manifest itself more visibly; our union with Christ should thus lead to unity in the church. However, this visible unity is not predicated on a single, visible church as if no differences exist among Christians. Indeed, believers will have multiple levels of disagreement that foster their discipleship as they apply themselves diligently to God’s Word. These differences will lead to a division of sorts among all who call themselves Christians, but will also lead to a commitment with fellow believers at the local church level. Unity at the local church level is the easiest to define but the most difficult to maintain since it involves worshiping together in a context where personalities and personal preference often take precedence over love and service. In order for us to do our part in answering this section of Jesus’ prayer, let us consider what genuine unity looks like as we prepare our hearts for communion at the Lord’s Table.

01. We come to the Lord’s Table mindful that the price Jesus paid to save us is no more and no less than the price He paid to save all who are saved.

02. We come to the Lord’s Table mindful that our relationship with Jesus is to be measured by our relationship with one another in the local church.

03. We come to the Lord’s Table mindful that the same Jesus who was sent to save the world will return to judge the world.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. What does Jesus mean when He prays that all who believe in Him will be one? Does this unity mean uniformity? In what areas should all Christians be agreed? In what areas might Christians reasonably disagree? How does belonging to a local church help us to express unity in a way that “lone ranger” Christianity does not?

2. Why have there been controversies over the meaning of the Lord’s Supper? Is the Bible sufficiently clear about what takes place during the Lord’s Supper? Does the bread become the body of Christ, or is the bread a representation of the body of Christ? Does the cup become the blood of Christ or is the cup a representation of the body of Christ? Why is it important for a church to have agreement on these matters rather than leaving it up to everyone to decide for themselves?

3. How does the Lord’s Supper underscore Jesus’ prayer for unity in the church? In what way is our unity symbolized by the one loaf and the one cup (see 1 Corinthians 10:16-17)? In what way is our unity expressed by our partaking of the bread and the juice? Do you agree or disagree with the statement that the price Jesus paid to save you is no more and no less than the price He paid to save all who are saved?

4. How does our relationship with one another serve as a measurement of our relationship with Christ? Can we have fellowship with Christ while we harbor bitterness in our hearts toward others? Can we have fellowship with Christ when we withhold forgiveness from others? Discuss ways that unity can be pursued in the church where there are ongoing disagreements.

For Further Reading: Anthony Chute, Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson (eds). Why We Belong: Evangelical Unity and Denominational Diversity (Crossway, 2013)