Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4

1I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4

1I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

This Morning:“Keeping the Unity of the Spirit”

Tonight: “In the Bond of Peace”

What Is the “Unity of the Spirit”?What Is the “Unity of the Spirit”?It is the unity provided for by the SpiritProvision of the Spirit is the word of God

Ephesians 3:1-6 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Word makes unity possible as we obey it Ephesians 4:13-16 Philippians 1:27

This is unique plea of N.T. Christianity

It Is “Of The SPIRIT,” Not Of...It Is “Of The SPIRIT,” Not Of...Popular Opinion

Matt. 7:13-14 - majority headed to destructionScientific Thought

1 Tim. 6:20-21 - “science falsely so called”Religious Organizations

Gal. 1:8 - even apostles & angels not to alter lawHistorical Practice of Brethren

Phil. 3:17-19 - have always been enemies within

Must Leave the Word UnchangedMust Leave the Word UnchangedGod has never permitted changes to His will

Deuteronomy 4:2 Deuteronomy 12:32 Proverbs 30:5-6 No additions & no subtractions tolerated

Same principle affirmed in Christ’s gospel Galatians 1:6-9 2 John 9 Revelation 22:18-19

If Unity Provided for by Word...If Unity Provided for by Word...We must teach it & defend it (Titus 1:9)

Both elements of exhorting & convicting needed If either element excluded, unity not achieved

We must limit fellowship to those living in righteousness (Eph. 5:7-12; 2 Cor. 6:14-18) “Have no fellowship with unfruitful works…” “Come ye out from among them…”

We must point all to word, not men Acts 20:26-32

Bounds of Proper UnityBounds of Proper UnityBoundary of God-ordained fellowship & unity is

defined in God’s wordGrowth in understanding of & obedience to the

word makes unity grow closerContinued ignorance & worldly conduct make

proper unity impossibleAny effort which advocates unity-in-doctrinal

diversity or unity-in-sinful diversity is wrongWe must abide within the Spirit’s provisions