The Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesPROPOSITION:To set forth New Testament unity of the Spirit and its clear relationship to God’s WORD and Christ’s BODY.
SUBJECT: Unity
TITLE: THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT
OBJECTIVE: That we endeavor to keep the God ordained unity.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Ephesians 4:3.
2. Regarding the text:
1) Ephesians sets forth the church of Christ, God’s eternal purpose.
2) Christ is the head, the king, 1:22-23.
3) It is the fullness of Christ.
4) Spiritual life is in the body, 2:4-6.
5) Gentiles are reconciled to God in the body, thus to Jews, fulfilling the revelation of the mystery, 3:3-6.
6) God works through the body for his glory, 2:20-21.
7) Because of Christ and his body, the church of Christ, we must make any personal sacrifice to keep the THIS body united.
8) The body of Christ is more important than:
a. family, Matthew 10:37; and
b. Life itself, Matthew 10:38-39.
3. Reference to Subject, Title, Proposition and Objective.
DISCUSSION:We see-
I. The SIGNIFICANCE.
1. The Christian walk:
1) 1 John 1:7;
2) Ephesians 5:1-2; 5:15-17.
2. Poem: DON’T YOU QUIT.
3. In trying times we must keep on trying.
4. This WALK never ends.
1) Nothing of value is ever easy, 2 Timothy 3:12. Chet Carlson invented Xerox by hard work and perseverance, not genius, and he knew disappointment, but if you had invested $1,000.00 in Xerox in 1960, you would be a millionaire today.
2) Continuous is seen in:
a. Matthew 6:33; and
b. Colossians 3:1.
c. Poem: IT COULDN’T BE DONE, Edgar A. Guest.
3) Continual obedience is required, 2 Thessalonians 1:8.
5. The walk involves:
1) humility;
2) gentleness;
3) patience; and
4) forbearing one another in love.
II. The SEDULITY (diligence).
1. 2 Timothy 2:15.
2. 2 Peter 1:5-11.
3. 2 Peter 3:14-15a.
4. Hard work is VITAL.
III. The SINGLENESS.
1. What is unity?
1) The word UNITY found in only two places in the New Testament: Ephesians 4:3 and 13.
2) The concept is found in many places such as: John 17:20-21; and 1 Corinthians 1:10.
2. There can be union without UNITY.
1) World War II: USA and USSR fight Hitler together.
2) Two cats with tails tied together over a clothesline.
3. Bible unity is different, 1 Corinthians 1:10 built on 1 Corinthians 4:6.
IV. The SPIRIT.
1. This unity must be based on the Spirit’s teaching: John 16:12-13; 1 Timothy 4:1-9; Ephesians 5:18 and Colossians 3:16.
2. We must use the sword of the Spirit wisely, Ephesians 6:17.
CONCLUSION: God’s people must be united and “i” must be in my correct place! “Un’I’ted” or “Unt’I’ed.”