Preserving the Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6)
This sermon explores the profound truth that while sin divides, God's ultimate desire is to reconcile humanity to Himself and to one another. It delves into the foundational elements of Christian unity and outlines the essential virtues believers must cultivate to actively preserve spiritual harmony.
Sin causes division, but God's purpose through salvation is reconciliation, reuniting humanity with Him and each other. This sermon explores the seven 'ones' that form the basis of Christian unity, and four characteristics believers must cultivate to preserve it.
Overview
This sermon begins by establishing sin as the ultimate divider, separating humanity from God and each other. In contrast, God's purpose through salvation is reconciliation, bringing estranged individuals back into a right relationship with Him. The preacher then turns to Ephesians 4:1-6 to explore how believers are called to preserve the unity of the Spirit.
The core of this unity is described through seven foundational 'ones': one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father. These 'ones' emphasize shared identity, purpose, and spiritual reality for all believers, forming the unshakeable basis of their togetherness. They are not merely concepts but define the very nature of Christian existence and community.
While God creates this unity, believers have a personal obligation to preserve it. The sermon details four key characteristics from Ephesians 4:2 necessary for this: humility, gentleness (meekness), patience, and forbearance. Cultivating these virtues allows individual Christians to contribute positively to the oneness of the body of Christ.
Ultimately, the sermon stresses that true spiritual vitality and effectiveness in God's work require believers to function together within the local body. There are no 'lone rangers' in the Christian life; mutual support and shared effort are essential for fulfilling God's purpose.
Key points
- Sin is a separator and divider, disrupting relationships with God and others.
- Salvation is God's purpose to reunite mankind with Himself and each other through reconciliation.
- Ephesians 4:1-6 outlines the basis of Christian unity through "seven ones": one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father.
- The "one body" refers to the church, where every member is important and functions according to their gifts.
- The "one Spirit" is the Holy Spirit, who indwells, seals, guides, and enables believers to live the Christian life.
- "One faith" refers to the system of belief about Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and teachings, which believers are called to contend for.
- To preserve this unity, believers are commanded to walk with humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance towards one another.
In Charles Stanley's words
“Sin divides, it separates, and it splinters.”
“Reconciliation means bringing back into a right relationship that which was estranged and separated from God.”
Outline
- I. The Divisive Nature of Sin and God's Purpose for Reconciliation
- A. Sin as a separator from God and others
- B. Salvation as God's purpose to reunite mankind
- C. Reconciliation: bringing the estranged back into right relationship
- II. The Call to Preserve the Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6)
- A. Living in a fallen world with spiritual battles
- B. Believers have a new nature but still "naturalness" (flesh)
- C. Diligence required to preserve God-given unity
- III. The Basis of Our Unity: The Seven "Ones"
- A. One Body: The Church, where every member is vital and gifted (1 Corinthians 12)
- B. One Spirit: The Holy Spirit, the indwelling enabler of Christian life
- 1. Believers cannot be possessed by the devil if indwelt by the Holy Spirit
- 2. Essential for living a godly life and understanding scripture
- C. One Hope of Calling: The rapture of believers to heaven (not worldwide redemption before Christ's return)
- D. One Lord: Jesus Christ, who controls our lives and before whom we will stand for rewards (1 Corinthians 8:5)
- E. One Faith: The system of belief delivered to the saints, to be contended for (Jude)
- F. One Baptism: Spiritual baptism by the Holy Spirit placing believers into Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)
- 1. Physical baptism is a visible expression of this spiritual reality
- G. One God and Father: Sovereign ruler, working through and living in believers
- IV. Characteristics Required to Preserve Unity (Ephesians 4:2)
- A. Humility: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last (JOY)
- B. Gentleness (Meekness): Strength under control, not easily irritated or shaken
- C. Patience: Not rushing ahead of God, enduring criticism without retaliation
- D. Forbearance: Putting up with obnoxious people
Scripture references
- Ephesians 4:1-6
- Ephesians 4:16
- Ephesians 2:2
- 1 Corinthians 12
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
- 1 Corinthians 8:5
- Jude
- John 3:16
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Insights
Sin's deep separation reveals God's greater design for restoration.
True unity emerges from a shared spiritual foundation, not uniform opinions.
Living a godly life is impossible apart from the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence.
Questions & answers
What is the main problem addressed by the sermon?
The sermon addresses sin as the primary cause of division and separation, both from God and among people. It highlights how sin has been a separator from the very beginning of scripture.
How does the sermon define reconciliation?
Reconciliation is defined as God's purpose to bring back into a right relationship that which was estranged and separated from Him. It is about reuniting mankind with God and each other.
What are the "seven ones" mentioned in Ephesians 4?
The sermon identifies the "seven ones" as one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father. These form the foundational basis of Christian unity.
What does the preacher mean by "one faith"?
"One faith" refers not to individual belief systems but to the common deposit of truth about Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the Christian life that was once for all delivered to the saints, which believers are called to defend.
What are the four characteristics needed to preserve unity?
Believers are called to walk with humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. These qualities help maintain peaceful relationships and the oneness of the Spirit within the church.
Why is the Holy Spirit crucial for the Christian life according to the sermon?
The sermon emphasizes that no one can live a godly life or understand spiritual truths apart from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He enables, guides, teaches, and seals believers.
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Source
Unofficial AI summary for study purposes. Watch the full sermon on In Touch Ministries. Sermon Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the pastor or church.