With regard to “opinions” or “disputable matters:”
• Don’t pass judgment.
• Don’t be a stumbling block.
• Welcome one another and pursue peace.

Be DIFFERENT, but not DIVISIVE!

• Jesus came as a Jew to serve the Jews…
• …to show God’s truthfulness and confirm the promises of God…
• …in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.

“The church can do the impossible in unifying diverse people.”
– Steve Keels

• Ask the God of hope.
• Hear and believe His promises (“in believing”).
• Receive the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Be filled with joy and peace and abound in hope.

“People who are trying to earn their salvation try to quiet their own consciences by comparing themselves to others and finding fault with others, in order to feel that God must favor them. They need desperately to convince themselves that they are the ones in the right. As a result, there is a deep insecurity and a critical spirit that lead to disputes. Not only this, but if we are living as legalists, we feel the need to tell others how to justify themselves! We impose our legalism on others and insist that they tread the same road we tread.”
– Tim Keller

Big Idea:
Be different but not divisive for the good of others and the glory of God by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Next step takeaways:
With God as His Family:
• Pray for Unity Daily: Pray each day that our church—elders, staff, members—would “with one voice glorify God” (Rom 15:6).
• Name & Surrender One Disputable Matter: Identify one area where you’re tempted to judge or be a stumbling block. Confess it and ask for the Spirit’s power to choose unity over preference.
With Others as His Servants:
• Pause Before You Post or Speak: When you feel tension around opinions, ask: “Will this build up my brother/sister or just please myself?”
• Practice Welcoming: Invite someone different from you (age, background, preferences) into a conversation or meal this week as a tangible act of “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you.”
On Mission as His Missionaries:
• Share Hope With One Person: Tell someone (a neighbor, coworker, classmate) how Jesus is your hope—especially in a world filled with division.
• Sign up for a Short-Term Team: Spread the hope of Jesus to Greece, Romania, Thailand, France, Uganda, or the Middle East.