4: The Key to Unity - Discussion Starters

The key to unity. Those words seem to imply that unity is a goal of God’s people. But what kind of unity? A cohesive group of criminals unites to attack a boarding school of young Christian children. It took a lot of planning to organize this offense. But is that what God wants us to do–unite for the sake of union? Paul has a different idea, but if we’re not careful, we can miss it. What is his message in Ephesians 1:9-10? Unity in everything? Ephesus believers needed unity, no question about that. But what kind of unity? Unity in every detail of life like food choices, favorite colors, hairstyles and so on? Of course not. What kind of unity does Paul plead for in the church of the Ephesians? Your lesson guide says Paul is dealing with unity in the universe in Christ as well as with unity in the church. What makes those forms of unity worthy of our total attention and devotion? Can you think of other forms of unity that unite people in destructive sinful acts?
Blessings in Christ. Let’s say you have joined the early church in Ephesus. How is Paul reaching you and other early church leaders with the message that your adoption is as valid as anyone’s who accepts adoption into the family of Christ? Doesn’t God make it plain to Paul and others in Ephesus that they have been chosen to abide in Christ? Have they been predestined to salvation? Have you? Has anyone? Why or why not?
Breaking down the wall. Not long ago, a huge wall between the US and Mexico seemed to some to be the best way to keep people on the other side of the southern border. Instead of a physical or spiritual wall to keep sinners out of heaven, what does God offer to invite people to join the body of Christ? Your lesson states that “divisions in the church dishonor the religion of Christ” and make it easier for those who oppose the church to operate against us.
Unity in one body. Can you remember from our lesson study for Tuesday as many as seven elements that unite the church? Does church unity require effort? By whom? “Divisions in the church,” says Ellen White, “dishonor the religion of Christ and give occasion to the enemies of truth to justify their course.” What can you and I do to uphold the principles of unity in our church without giving up our allegiance to love and acceptance by the membership?
Church Leadership Role. Is there a heavenly cure for earthly conflict in our churches? Should we approach our church leaders with our view of circumstances, or should we support our leaders regardless of our personal opinion? How did our early church leaders deal with conflict? Can we follow their example?
Human relationships in Christ. Wait a minute. There are a number of real rascals out there, and some of them find their way into our church. How does Paul say we are supposed to treat these people? Does God want us to accept everything someone in the church believes or has learned about? Or are we being admonished to submit to one another only if it satisfies us to do so? Read Ephesians 5:15-21 and explain what mutual submission means in God’s church.