Gospel Outreach International

Have you ever wondered what true Christian unity looks like in a world that sees the church as divided? This Bible study explores Jesus’s prayer in John 17, where He asks for His followers to experience the same unity that He shares with the Father. Through examining this passage, we discover how authentic Christian unity transcends denominational boundaries and is rooted in our relationship with Christ.

I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. John 17:9

• Christians are called to be distinctly different from the world - as different as “chalk and cheese,” being light in darkness and spiritually alive while others are spiritually dead
• True church unity exists across denominations through Christ as the central hub, even though the world sees division
• Three things that should unite Christians: the desire to be like Christ, developing others’ spiritual lives, and dedication to reaching the lost
• Unity comes through the unhindered work of the Holy Spirit and is demonstrated through love and obedience
• Division often occurs through “little foxes” - small issues that get built into walls between believers

All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. John 17:10

Jesus stands as our perfect model of unity with the Father, demonstrating complete devotion through His words and actions. He not only taught about unity but embodied it through His sacrificial love - laying down His life not just for friends but even for enemies. Today, He continues this work of unity by interceding for us in heaven and sending the Holy Spirit to indwell believers, enabling us to live in genuine unity with God and each other. His prayer for our unity shows His deep desire for us to experience the same intimate relationship He shares with the Father.

Isn’t it amazing how Jesus took time to pray for our unity even as He faced the cross? His prayer wasn’t just words - He backed it up with His life and continues to work for our unity today through the Holy Spirit. When we focus on love and obedience, just as Jesus taught and demonstrated, we can experience the kind of unity He prayed for. Sure, we might worship differently or have varying practices, but when we’re centered on Christ and motivated by love, those differences don’t have to divide us. That’s what makes us truly different from the world - not our rules or traditions, but our unity in Christ’s love.

Bible References

• John 17:6-10
• John 17:22-23
• John 1:12
• 1 John 3:1-2
• John 13:34-35
• John 14:15
• John 14:21