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Let Us Keep the Unity of the Spirit
(Ephesians 4:1-3)

​Introduction:

         1. This morning we showed from the Scriptures [the Old Testament, John 17, and the New Testament]
             that "God's people are to be united."
         2. According to Ephesians 4:3,  we are to "endeavor" to keep the unity of the Spirit.
         3. In our lesson we are pointing out some things [positive and negative] that will help us fulfill this
             responsibility.
         4. To keep the unity of the Spirit, . . .

Discussion:

I.           WE  MUST  AVOID  THINGS  THAT  ARE  HINDRANCES  TO  UNITY

         A. Exalting people over Christ is a hindrance to unity.
             1. This practice was found in the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:11-12).
             2. The result was strife and division (1 Corinthians 3:3-4).
             3. 1 Corinthians 4:6 shows us how to avoid this problem.
         B. Murmuring is a hindrance to unity.
             1. The church in Jerusalem displayed a beautiful spirit of unity (Acts 2:44, 46).
             2. Later, murmuring threatened to destroy that church's unity (Acts 6:1).
             3. Philippians 2:14 shows us how to avoid this problem.
         C. Earthly wisdom is a hindrance to unity.
             1. We read about the effects of earthly wisdom in James 3:14-16.
             2. We must pursue heavenly wisdom as described in James 3:17-18.
         D. Loving to have preeminence is a hindrance to unity.
             1. This problem is mentioned in 3 John 9-10.
             2. To avoid this problem, we must:
                 a. remember that Christ has all preeminence in the church (Colossians 1:18)
                 b. follow the instructions given in Philippians 2:3-4.
         E. On the positive side, to keep the unity of the Spirit, . . .

II.          WE  MUST  PURSUE  THINGS  THAT  PROMOTE  UNITY

         A. Love promotes unity.
             1. True Christian love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
             2. (1 Corinthians 16:14) "Let all your things be done with charity."
             3. Colossians 3:14 teaches us to "put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
         B. Practicing the Golden Rule promotes unity (Matthew 7:12).
         C. The right kind of speech promotes unity (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 25:11).

Conclusion:

         1. In Ephesians 4:3  we are instructed to "endeavor" to keep the unity of the Spirit.
         2. May God help us:
             a. to avoid things that are hindrances to unity
             b. to pursue those things that promote and maintain unity.
Webmaster Gary L. Wade