Perspective in the Crazy

THIS WEEK – WISDOM UNDER FIRE: PERSPECTIVE AND UNITY
As the people of God, we are called to be unified together as believers in all circumstances, especially in times of trial and difficulty and amidst differing perspectives and disagreement.

Having wisdom when you’re under fire means choosing to fight the right fights, the right way.
• The right fight amongst believers is to fight for unity, not fight to be right.

2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) – Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Fighting for unity with wisdom requires us to choose to see our circumstances from God’s perspective while striving to understand the perspectives of others. (Romans 14)

Unity means maintaining agreement in the essential issues and giving grace and compassion in the non- essential issues.

Issues pertaining to salvation and essential, and issues that are non-essential are preferential.

FIGHTING FOR UNITY:
• Requires Humility to Hear
• Takes Courage to Challenge
• Christ-like Character to Challenge
• Combats Cowardice to not Compromise
• Requires Confidence to Correct
• Demands Love, Grace and Mercy

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:

Passages to consider: Daniel 2:24-45, Daniel 6:10; Daniel 9:1-3; Colossians 3:1-3; John 17:20-23; Romans
14:1-13, 14:19-15:1, 15:5-7

Icebreaker: Where is a place that felt like it was the biggest view you had ever seen, maybe you could see for miles and miles? Retell something from the sermon that was important to you.

Questions:
1. Read Daniel 2:24-45, Daniel 6:10; Daniel 9:1-3. What do you see in Daniel as he seeks wisdom, perspective and hope? A)What promises does he have to hold on to?
2. What promises from God do you hold on to? A) How do they impact your perspective in the midst of situations?
3. Take a look at Colossians 3:1-3. A)What helps you gain perspective? B) What can challenge that focus?
C) What promises, habits or practices help you set your heart on living with Christ?
4. Read John 17:20-23 & Romans 14:1-13, 14:19-15:1, 15:5-7 A) Why is unity amongst the followers of Christ important? B) What perspective of God and of fellow Christ followers impacts how you seek unity?
5. What can be disruptive to unity with fellow believers in your life? B) How do you have unity when you have different approaches to various things? C) What do you think is your part in seeking unity?
6. As we conclude Daniel what stands out to you? And how will you respond to what God has shown you?

Challenge: This week read Daniel 10 & Ephesians 6:10-18 – How does thinking about spiritual battle God tells us is happening bring perspective an hope?