1. In Ephesians 4:4-6, seven very special subjects are listed. 2. We have been studying a series of lessons designed to help us know the truth concerning these subjects. 3. Jesus revealed the key to knowing the truth in John 8:31-32. 4. Today we are concluding this series of lessons by 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] (vs.4) is called "God" (Acts 5:3-4) 2. the "one Lord" [Christ] (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. He is the Father "of all," including Jews and Gentiles (Romans 3:29-30). B. He is "above all." 1. The Father is in heaven. a. (Matthew 6:9) "Our Father which art in heaven." b. (Matthew 23:9) "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." 2. (Isaiah 40:22) God sits "upon the circle of the earth." C. 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 (Genesis 1). 3. God created man "in His own image" (Genesis 1:27).
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 for us. 2. Their message can be heard in any language. 3. 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: 1. contentment (vs.1b) 2. providence (vs.2a) 3. peace (vs.2b) 4. restoration (vs.3a) 5. direction (vs.3b) 6. courage (vs.4a) 7. companionship (vs.4b) 8. comfort (vs.4c) 9. favor (vs.5a) 10. abundance (vs.5b) 11. assurance (vs.6a) 12. 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 2. God cannot be compared to any image 3. God requires everyone to repent. D. (Luke 15:7, 10, 20-24) Jesus showed how the Father feels when a sinner repents.
Conclusion:
1. This evening we will conclude our study of the 7 subjects listed in Ephesians 4:4-6. 2. We will cover some additional information revealed in the Bible concerning the "one God and Father." 3. Let us summarize our study. a. 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." b. When we do so,: 1) the Lord will add us to His "one body" [the church] 2) we will have the "one hope" of eternal life 3) we will gain access to the blessings provided by the "one Spirit."
