Things That Unite–One Faith
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon Outlines CommentsDate written: December 4th, 2004
Scripture ref: Ephesians 4:1-6
SUBJECT: Unity
TITLE: Things That Unite – One Faith
PROPOSITION: How can we have unity in the one faith? 1) By being steadfast within it. 2) By not falling away from it. 3) By contending for it. 4) By being encouraged by it.
OBJECTIVES: Each one should understand the things that he may do to maintain unity in the one faith.
AIM: To give scriptural reasons how we can have unity in the one faith.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Ephesians 4:1-6
2. About the Text:
1) We continue our series on “things that unite.”
2) Today we look at “one faith.”
3) We note that we must “endeavor” to maintain the unity of the spirit.
4) It is a challenge to each one of us as individuals to so do.
5) It is a challenge to the church as a whole.
6) We must work at it; it doesn’t just happen.
3. What is “the one faith.”
1) The one faith is the teachings and doctrines of Jesus.
2) It encompasses everything that we need in order to be faithful to God.
3) It is both teachings about the life, character, and sacrifice of Jesus (Galatians 2:20 ASV).
4) As well as teachings in regard to salvation, the church, our worship, etc (Acts 6:7 – obedient).
4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: How can we have unity in the one faith?
I. By being steadfast within it.
1. Standing in it: 1 Cor. 16:13 – “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. “
2. Continuing in it:
1) Acts 14:22 – “confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.”
2) Col. 1:23 – “if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.”
3. Holding to it:
1) With a pure conscience: 1 Timothy 3:9 “holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.”
2) Not with respect of persons: James 2:1 “My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”
4. Keeping it: 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:”
5. We can remain steadfast in the faith by standing, continuing, holding, and keeping – a progression.
II. By not falling away from it.
1. Some fall through false teaching:
1) 1 Timothy 4:1 – “But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,”
2) 2 Timothy 2:18 – “men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.”
3) 1 Timothy 6:21 – “which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.”
2. Some fall through failure to practice it:
1) 1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.”
2) 1 Timothy 1:19 – “holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:”
3. Some are self deceived:
1) 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
2) 2 Timothy 3:8 – “And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth. Men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.”
III. By being encouraged by it.
1. It centers on Christ: Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.”
2. It nourishes: 1 Timothy 4:6 “If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:”
3. It exhorts: Acts 16:5 — “So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. “
4. It rebukes: Titus 1:13 “This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,”
5. It encourages through others’ practice of it: “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith;”
6. It is that which is preached: Gal. 1:3 – “but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc;”
IV. By contending for it.
1. Phil. 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;”
2. 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.”
3. Jude 1:3 “Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.”
CONCLUSION:
1. How can we have unity in the one faith?
1) By being steadfast within it.
2) By not falling away from it.
3) By being encouraged by it.
4) By contending for it.
2. Invitation