“Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” John 13:1 (NIV)

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message that all of them may be one.” John 17:20 (NIV)

(…)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. John 17:2a (NIV)

Jesus says, “I give them eternal life and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28 (NASB)

He gave the Holy Spirit to be in each of us. (John 14:16 NIV)

God blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3 NIV)

God adopted us as his sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will. (Ephesians 1:5 NIV)

God gave us spiritual gifts to do good works (point people to Jesus) which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

We are now part of, adopted into, the Church, the body of Christ.
You’re in the family of God.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God-children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husbands will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 NIV

All this comes from God to each believer. We’ve been set apart, sanctified, made holy.

vs 21 (NIV): “ so the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Vs 23 (NIV): “ be in complete unity to let the world know that you sent me, and have loved them even as I have loved you.”

Church unity is not the normal of man.
Church unity is not organizational but organic.
Church unity is not of man, but God given.
Church unity is not uniformity.

“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 judgement.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit,just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord,one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all,who is over all and through all and in all. – Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV)

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” Psalms 133:1 (NIV)

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25-26 (NIV)

Vs 22 (NIV): I have given them the glory you have given me.

Did you ever think about God’s glory manifested in you?

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

Vs 24 (NIV): Father, I desire (want) that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

We were created by God; He pursues us for His own Glory so His Glory might be seen in us.

Discussion Questions:

1. If you can, describe an experience when you wanted to tell someone about your faith but felt you couldn’t. Why did you feel that way?

2. Do you believe the lost are really lost? If so, how does (or, how should) it make a difference in the way you live and the things you say?

3. Do you struggle with unity in the church? Do you feel more comfortable on your own or part of a team?

4. Do you enjoy praying for other’s salvation?

5. Do you feel God has put you on the shelf and feel left alone or isolated? Why?

6. What gets your day going: a passion to serve God or the world?

7. Do you feel equipped to do the work God has called you to?