We're looking in Ephesians 4:4-6. I've been spending some time on this topic, things that unite. This verse, specifically 4-6 gives us a basis in the unity that Christ wants us to have.
- Ephesians 4:4-6
Jesus desires for all believers to be united together.
- John 17:20-21
His desire is for all his disciple be united in one body, one church. He did not build more than one body. He did not build more than one church. There is one body of believers.
We looked previously at there is ONE body.
Here is the foundation for unity. There are seven “ones” in this passage that give us the basis for unity in the body of Christ as we are to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Ephesians 4:1-3.
There is ONE Spirit
Let’s note a few things in relationship to the one Spirit and our endeavor for unity.
The one Spirit unites by giving us:
- One mind,
- One voice,
- One mission.
One Mind in the Spirit of Unity
We must have the mind of the Spirit.
- Romans 8:1-9
We can know what that mind is because of what the Spirit teaches.
- 1 Corinthians 2:6-13
The Spirit has revealed all of those things to us through the inspired apostles.
- John 16:13
By studying these things, we drink of the water of life that the Spirit gives.
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
- John 7:37-39
By having one mind based upon the teaching of the Spirit, we can have unity.
- 1 Corinthians1:10
- Philippians 2:1-2
One Voice in the Spirit of Unity
The Spirit is not divided upon the message that He reveals.
- Ephesians2:14-22
The Spirit is not divided. We ought to teach the same things. God is not the author of confusion. If there is confusion in the religious world it is not from God.
- 1 Corinthians 14:33
There is only one gospel message.
- Galatians 1:8-9
- Jude 1:3
When we have one mind, we will then have one voice.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10 “speak the same things.”
- Romans 16:17- “mark” those who do not speak the same things.
We then, in turn, take that message to others. By having one voice through the Spirit, we can have unity.
One Mission in the Spirit of Unity
The Spirit shared in the ministry and mission of Jesus.
- Mark 1:9-13
- John 1:32
- Luke 19:10
- John 12:28
- John 3:34
Christians are born of both the water and the Spirit and so share in that ministry as well.
- John 3:5
Through the one Spirit, Christians share in the Lord’s mission, that is, to seek and save the lost with the gospel.
- Matthew 28:18-20
We are to glorify God in all things.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Christians have the indwelling of the Spirit. There are those who believe it is a literal in-dwelling. Then those that believe that the indwelling is the Word living in us. He influences only through the Word.
- Romans 8:10-17
Christians work under the direction of the one Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
There were differences back then, but the one Spirit guided their work. Today, the same Spirit through the Spirit’s revealed words must guide us.
- 2 Timothy 1:13-14
- Acts 20:27-28
By having one mission as guided by the one Spirit, we can have unity.
The one Spirit truly unites us by giving us through His words.
- one mind,
- one voice,
- one mission.
Notice the beautiful unity between the Spirit and the church in Revelation 22:17.
The Spirit has given us His Word. Our mission is the same as Jesus' mission to help others go to Heaven. The message of unity the message of the gospel is the only way to be saved.
If you are not a Christian, the message of the cross is the only way to be saved. Got sent His Son to die on the cross so that we can be united with Him.
If you are not a Christian this morning, you can hear the word, believe with all your heart that Jesus is the Son of God, repent of your sins, confess Jesus as the Son of God and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.
And if you are a Christian who is not living faithfully, you can repent and be united again with Him.
If we can assist you in walking in the Unity of the Spirit, please contact us.
