Eager to Preserve Unity
Jeremy Bell
Ephesians 4:1-6
July 19, 2020
Sermon Audio & Video
Ephesians 4:1–6
[1] I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—[5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (ESV)
Introduction
Main Point: Eagerly preserve the unity of the Spirit by living according to your calling as children of God.
I. The Motivation of Our Unity (verse 1)
II. The Preservation of Our Unity (verses 2-3)
III. The Foundation of Our Unity (verses 4-6)
Questions For Discussion/Application:
- Re-read the text, Ephesians 4:1-6. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
- Paul says “be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit.” The NIV translates the same command as “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).” What is involved with “making every effort?” Give a profile of the person who makes “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.”
- What are the greatest hindrances to unity in a local church?
- What role does our speech play in maintaining unity?
- Doctrine matters. How do we discern whether a particular doctrine or belief is something worth dividing over or not? (see Albert Mohler’s article “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity“).
- What is one step you can take personally, as a member of this local church, to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit?