Are you tired of the endless divisions and conflicts that seem ingrained in our world, from political tensions to cultural strife? For millennia, humanity has chased after harmony in vain, with human efforts often deteriorating into controlling and corrupt structures. Yet, the Apostle Paul issues a seemingly impossible command to the church in Corinth: be perfectly united in mind and thought. Is this a naive dream or an irrational expectation in a fragmented society?

Authentic unity is a supernatural reality for Jesus' followers, not humanly impossible. This episode offers practical steps for supernatural unity: embrace supernatural humility, allow God's healing, and invest the mind of Christ in His pursuits. Stop chasing a dream; live God's powerful reality.

Glossary of Terms

• Authentic Unity: Not a man-made concept, but a divine unity experienced by followers of Jesus, characterized by perfect agreement in mind and thought, enabled by the Holy Spirit. It is not a unity of good and evil, nor is it expected among all Christian institutions.

• Spirit of this World: Refers to influences and wisdom contrary to God's wisdom and the Spirit of God. Those without the Spirit of God consider spiritual realities foolishness.

• Rulers of this Age: Spiritual beings rebelling against God, from whom God's wisdom and plans were hidden. They are also associated with human political powers and social movements that cannot derail God's plan.

• Spiritual War: The ongoing conflict between God's kingdom and the kingdom of darkness, where God intentionally keeps some of His plans secret from His enemies.

• Mystery of God (God's Wisdom): God's wisdom, hidden before time began and revealed only by His Spirit, especially to those who love Him. It was hidden from the "rulers of this age" who, had they understood it, would not have crucified Jesus. It's not "Plan B" but an intentional redemption plan.

• Supernatural Humility: A deep personal submission to God, trusting His plan even when it's not fully revealed, and acknowledging that He is the boss, not us.

• Kingdom of Darkness/God: Two opposing spiritual realms. Authentic unity cannot exist between good (Kingdom of God) and evil (Kingdom of Darkness). Paul's appeal for unity is specifically to followers of Jesus.

• Holy Spirit: A member of the Trinity, the Most High God, who searches the deep things of God and reveals them to believers, enabling them to understand what God has freely given.

Bible Study Questions

1. The sermon highlights that humanity has "unsuccessfully chased authentic unity for millennia". What contemporary examples of division (social, political, religious) do you observe in your own life or community, and how do they reflect the idea that "divisions and strife seem ingrained in the human equation"?

2. Paul's instruction for believers to be "perfectly united in mind and thought" seems impossible given human nature. How does the concept of having "the mind of Christ" through the Holy Spirit transform this instruction from a "pipe dream" into a "matter of practice"?

3. The sermon emphasizes that God "outsmarted his enemies with mystery" by keeping His plans secret. How does this perspective on God's intentional secrecy impact your personal prayers about knowing God's will or plan for your life, especially when faced with uncertainty?

4. One practical suggestion is "don't hide" when the Holy Spirit highlights areas in your life, allowing God to bring healing to "darkest corners" and "skeletons in your closet". How do you think unaddressed hurts or hidden aspects of our lives can hinder unity, both personally and within a community of believers?

5. Jesus instructs us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness". How might actively pursuing God's kingdom and righteousness, rather than "wasting the mind of Christ" on personal interests, contribute to fostering "perfect unity" among believers?