The Church I see – Anointed Through Unity

Preacher: Pastor Daniel Erasmus

Worship: I Speak Jesus (Charity Gayle)

Check-in:
Take a few moments to connect as a group.

Ask each person to share: What is one team, family, or group that you have enjoyed being part of, and what made it work well?
OR
Imagine you were planning a big event with a group of people. What do you think would be more challenging:

• Getting everyone in the same room?
• Getting everyone on the same page?

Why?

Sermon:
Key Scripture | Psalm 133:1-3
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”

Introduction:
As Edge Church enters Legacy Season, we are reminded that God’s mission is bigger than events, programmes, campuses, or buildings. God desires a church united around Jesus, His Word, and His mission. The psalmist paints a picture of unity as precious oil flowing from Aaron’s head down to the edge of his garments. This represents God’s blessing and empowerment flowing through His entire people, not just a select few.

The challenge before us is not merely to agree with one another, but to live in unity so that God’s purposes can flow through every part of His church.

Preparation for Discussion:

1. Unity Is Something We Live In
The sermon highlighted that Psalm 133 doesn’t speak about occasionally visiting unity, but about God’s people living together in unity. Unity is not something we attend once a week; it is something we choose to cultivate daily.

Questions

1. What stands out to you about the phrase “live together in unity”?
2. Why do you think unity requires intentional effort?
3. What are some practical ways believers can cultivate unity in everyday life?

2. The Oil Must Reach the Edge
The oil poured over Aaron flowed from the head to the edge of the garment. This picture reminds us that God’s empowering presence is meant for every believer, not only leaders. The church is strongest when every member carries the love, grace, and hope of Jesus into everyday spaces.

Questions

1. What do you think it means for “the oil to reach the edge”?
2. Who are the people in your world most likely to encounter “the edge of the garment” through you?
3. Share a story of a time someone impacted your life through an ordinary act of faith, kindness, or encouragement.

Read Acts 1:8 | How does this verse support the idea that every believer is called to carry the hope of Jesus into the world?

3. Unity Is Commitment, Not Uniformity
Unity does not mean everyone thinks alike, has the same personality, or shares the same preferences. Unity means remaining committed to Jesus and one another despite our differences.

Questions

1. Why is it important to distinguish between unity and uniformity?
2. How does commitment help us navigate disagreements?
3. How can disunity weaken our witness to the world?

Read John 17:21 | What does Jesus’ prayer teach us about the relationship between unity and our witness?

4. Three Areas of Unity
A. Unite Around the Future, Not Just the Past
God’s faithfulness in the past should inspire our faith for the future. We honour what God has done without becoming stuck in nostalgia.

Questions

• What future opportunities do you believe God is placing before our church?
• Is there something from your past that might be preventing you from embracing God’s future?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 | What encouragement does this verse give us regarding our future in Christ?

B. Unite Around Principles, Not Preferences
Principles are rooted in Scripture and remain true. Preferences are personal opinions about how things should be done. Lasting unity is built on God’s truth rather than personal tastes.

Questions

• Why do preferences often create division?
• Can you think of examples where preferences can be mistaken for principles?
• What biblical principles should always remain central in the life of the church?

Read Acts 2:42 | What do you notice about the priorities of the early church?

C. Unite Around Relationships, Not Roles
Roles, locations, and responsibilities may change, but our commitment to one another should remain constant. We are family before we are volunteers, leaders, or team members.

Questions

• Why is it dangerous to define people primarily by what they do?
• How can we strengthen relationships within our Life Group?
• What does it practically mean that “we all belong to each other”?

Read Romans 12:5 | How does this verse challenge individualism?

Application:
Ask each person to consider: What is God asking of me this week?

Possible areas include:

• Restoring a relationship.
• Extending forgiveness.
• Choosing people over preferences.
• Taking a step of faith.
• Inviting someone to At the Movies.
• Serving more intentionally.
• Praying for someone who needs Jesus.
• Supporting the mission of the church in a practical way.

Personal Reflection:
Complete the sentence: “This week, I will contribute to unity by _____________________.”

Prayer:
Spend time praying for:

1. Unity across Edgemead, Goodwood, and the wider Edge Church family.
2. The upcoming At the Movies series and those who will be invited.
3. People who need to encounter Jesus during Legacy Season.
4. Strengthened relationships within the Life Group.
5. Boldness to be the “edge of the garment” in workplaces, homes, schools, and communities.
6. The Holy Spirit to work through every believer as together we build the church God is calling us to become.

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us into Your family. Help us to live in unity, grounded in Your Word and committed to one another. Let Your anointing flow through every part of Your church, from the centre to the edge, so that others may encounter Your love and grace through us. Give us faith for the future, wisdom to hold firmly to Your principles, and hearts that value relationships above roles. Use us to bring hope to our city and glory to Your name. Amen.