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There Is One God
Introduction:
1. We are concluding our study of the 7 unique subjects listed in Ephesians 4:4-6. 2. In this lesson we are focusing our attention on the "one God" mentioned in vs.6. Discussion: I. LET US IDENTIFY THE "ONE GOD" UNDER CONSIDERATION A. This is where we need to begin because: 1. the "one Spirit" [the Holy Spirit, mentioned in vs.4] is called "God" (Acts 5:3-4) 2. the "one Lord" [Christ, mentioned in vs.5] is called "God" (John 1:1, 14). B. In vs.6, the "one God" under consideration is the "Father." II. LET US IDENTIFY 3 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "ONE GOD" A. First, He is "Father of all," including Jews and Gentiles (Romans 3:29-30). B. Second, He is "above all." 1. Isaiah declared that God sits "upon the circle of the earth" (Isaiah 40:18, 22). 2. Jesus taught that the Father is in heaven (Matthew 6:9; 23:9). C. Third, He is "through all, and in you all." 1. A similar statement is found in 1 Corinthians 8:6. 2. God is through all and in all because He created everything, including man whom He created "in His own image" (Genesis 1). III. HOW CAN WE KNOW THAT THE "ONE GOD" EXISTS? A. Good advice is given in Psalm 46:10 -- "Be still, and know that I am God." B. Listen to the heavens and the great objects in the heavens (Psalm 19:1-6). 1. The sun, the moon, and the stars have a message that can be heard in any language. 2. The great objects in the heavens "declare the glory of God." C. What about the person who denies that God exists? (see Psalm 14:1) IV. LET US ALLOW SOME OF GOD'S TEACHERS TO EXPLAIN CERTAIN THINGS ABOUT HIM A. (Psalm 23) David enjoyed 12 special blessings as a result of knowing God as his shepherd, including contentment (vs.1b), providential care (vs.2a), peace (vs.2b), restoration (vs.3a), direction (vs.3b), courage (vs.4a), companionship (vs.4b), comfort (vs.4c), favor (vs.5a), abundance (vs.5b), assurance (vs.6a), and immortality (vs.6b). B. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Solomon realized: 1. what is important -- fearing God and keeping His commandments (vs.13) 2. why it is so important -- everyone will face God in judgment (vs.14). C. (Acts 17:22-31) In Athens, Paul taught that: 1. there is one true God who cannot be compared to any image 2. God requires everyone to repent. D. (Luke 15:7, 10, 20-24) Jesus showed how the Father feels when a sinner repents. Conclusion: 1. Let us conclude our study with the following observation. 2. The "one faith" teaches that the "one God and Father" wants us to believe that the "one Lord" is His only begotten Son, and He wants us to submit to the "one baptism." 3. Those who do so will be added to the "one body" [the church], gain access to the blessings provided by the "one Spirit," and receive the "one hope" of eternal life. | ||