Introduction:
Seven Areas of Unity That Affect Our View of the Church
1. We Exist as One
(v.4)
“One Body” = Eph 1:23, 2:16, 3:6, 4:4, 4:12, 4:16, 5:23, 5:30
We are all ONE group of people redeemed by Christ, awaiting His return
Philippians 1:12-18 » 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.
We are not in competition. And neither are we to be isolated.
Hebrews 10:24-25 » let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
2. We Have One
(v.4)
Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8, John 14
The Spirit of God indwells EVERY believer equally.
Ephesians 2:18
3. We Share One
(v.4)
Ephesians 2:12-16
Hebrews 11:24–26 » 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.
4. We’re Saved by One
(v.5)
Acts 4:12 » And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
John 14:6 » Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Jesus as Savior is the centerpiece of our unity as Christians
The Church is most unified as its people are most like Jesus.
5. We Have One
(v.5)
Ephesians 1:15, 2:8, 3:12, 3:17, 4:5, 4:13, 6:16, 6:23
6. We All Participate in One
(v.5)
Matt 28:18-20, Acts 2:38, 8:35-38
7. We Worship One
(v.6)
Deuteronomy 6:4 » 4 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!