The Right Hill to Die On (Worlds Apart 5)
Message Listening Guide
Guiding Thought: Unity is powerful, but uniting around the wrong thing can be more dangerous than division.
Jesus Is… (Matthew 16:13-17)
Peter’s central confession should be our central confession.
Christ = The anointed King who fulfills God’s promise to establish an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7).
If the center of Jesus’s mission is His kingship, then our central identity should be found in being citizens of His kingdom.
Application: Are your friendships shaped more by personal preferences, political alignment, or shared hobbies, or are they shaped by a common allegiance to the King Jesus?
We Are… (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
This kingdom is one of new creation: Jesus’s Kingdom breaks into the old, bringing transformation.
This kingdom is one of reconciliation: The King’s mission is to repair the relationship between God and humanity.
We are Ambassadors: You are not only a citizen of a different kingdom; you are an official representative of it—speaking and acting on behalf of your King.
Application: What do your actions and words communicate? If someone observed your life, what would they assume your primary allegiance is?
The Point: Christians are united because we share one King, one message, and one mission.
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Q. & A.
Why is unity among Christians so important, and what does it mean to be "united in the wrong way?"
Unity among Christians is vital because it amplifies their impact and witness in the world. However, unity alone is not sufficient. It's entirely possible to be united around the wrong things – things that don’t align with the core message of Christianity, like personal preferences, political alignments, or even specific worship styles. Such misguided unity can be more harmful than division, as it can lead to misplaced priorities and a distorted view of faith. True Christian unity must be centered on the right things.
What should be the core belief that unites Christians?
The central belief that should unite Christians is the confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, which fundamentally means that He is the King. This is not merely an acknowledgement of his divinity but an understanding of his authority and rule. All of our beliefs stem from this core identity and everything we do flows from this core confession.
What is the significance of the terms "Messiah" and "Christ," and how does that relate to the concept of kingship?
The words "Messiah" (Hebrew) and "Christ" (Greek) both mean "anointed one," which in ancient times, referred to individuals set apart for a specific purpose by having oil poured on them. This practice was mainly used for priests and kings. By confessing Jesus as the Messiah or Christ, Christians are acknowledging that He is the promised King, the eternal ruler of God's Kingdom. This understanding shifts the focus from Jesus merely as a spiritual figure to His rightful role as the sovereign ruler of the world.
If Jesus is King, what does that mean for Christians?
If Jesus is King, it means that our primary identity should be as citizens of His Kingdom. This implies a shift in priorities: our allegiance to Jesus and His Kingdom should come before personal preferences, political alignments, or shared hobbies. As kingdom citizens, we should be seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness which changes our friendships, our families and every area of our lives.
What is the significance of the idea of "new creation" in the context of Jesus's Kingship?
Being "in Christ" means being part of a new creation, where the old has passed away, and the new has come. This newness refers to both individual transformation and the renewal of the world. Jesus's kingdom is not just an otherworldly place; it is actively breaking into the present world, calling us to participate in God's will and reign even now, including the reconciliation and healing of all creation. It's about the wholeness of God's will being done here on earth as it is in Heaven.
What does the "ministry of reconciliation" mean, and how does it relate to Christians?
The ministry of reconciliation is the process of putting relationships right, both between humanity and God, and between people. All who follow Jesus are given this ministry of reconciliation – we are to go out as his representatives (ambassadors), and extend his work of bringing reconciliation to broken relationships. This includes sharing the good news and extending healing and forgiveness to the world.
What does it mean to be an "ambassador for Christ," and what is the implication of that for our lives?
To be an "ambassador for Christ" means that each follower of Jesus is an official representative of His Kingdom. Just as Roman ambassadors represented Rome in other lands, Christians are to represent Jesus and His Kingdom in the world. This is not just a job for people who are in professional ministry, it is the role of all who call themselves Christ-followers. This carries responsibilities for not only our words but how we live our lives, we represent the priorities of the King and kingdom of God.
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Connection Group Conversation Guide
Get-to-know-you Question: Share your name with the group and the answer to the question: What is one subject that you could talk about for hours and not get bored of?
Review: Last Sunday’s message focused on the importance of unity, but more specifically, the danger of being united around the wrong things. The sermon emphasized that true Christian unity must be centered on Jesus as King and our shared mission as His ambassadors. We explored Matthew 16 which revealed how Jesus’ identity as Messiah (Christ) means He is the anointed King. As citizens of His kingdom, we are called to live under His authority and proclaim His rule, ensuring that our unity is shaped by allegiance to Him rather than other priorities.
Discuss: People often assume that any kind of unity is good, but that’s not always true. History shows us that groups can unite around bad things—whether it’s people dividing over silly church arguments or entire nations putting politics before faith. Can you think of examples where misplaced unity has caused hurt or harm in families, communities, or churches?
Read: Have someone read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 out loud.
Discuss: Paul describes believers as "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20). In ancient Rome, ambassadors represented the power and authority of the empire. What does it mean for us to be ambassadors for Jesus? How does this compare to the role of an ambassador in the world today?
Discuss: What are the biggest obstacles that keep Christians from being united around Jesus as King today? (Think about things like personal preferences, cultural trends, or ways people misunderstand who Jesus really is)
Discuss: The sermon asked: "What do your actions communicate?" If someone observed your life—how you spend your time, what you prioritize, how you speak—what would they say your primary allegiance is? Would they see Jesus as King in your life?
Discuss: As a follow-up, identify one specific area (workplace, family, friendships, social media, etc.) where you can be more intentional about representing God’s kingdom?
Pray: Share prayer requests and close in prayer.