The sermon focuses on the biblical concept of unity as outlined in Ephesians 4:1-6, emphasizing that God desires unity among believers and provides guidance through church leaders. It discusses the importance of love and peace in fostering unity, highlighting God's role in reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Additionally, it identifies behaviors that oppose unity, such as pride, lack of communication, and divisions within the community.

1. A Spirit of Unity
Sermon text: Ephesians 4:1-6
Sermon by: Brian Birdow

2. Objective of Lesson
1. To define unity.
2. To show that God desires unity.
3. To show what God has done so that
we could be united with Him.
4. To show things that war or oppose
unity.

3. Unity defined
✓ UNITY (Gk. Henotes)
✓ One, a state of oneness.
✓ One unit.
✓ Being in harmony or in one accord.
Joined as a whole.

4. God desires unity
Ephesians 4:11-16
Objective # 2

5. God desires unity
• God in his infinite wisdom and love put in place the
Apostles (Matthew 10 & Acts 1 & 9)
• Prophets (2 Peter 3:2, James 5:10)
• Evangelist (Colossians 1:7-9)
• Shepherd’s or pastors (1 Tim. 3, Titus 1, John 10)
• Teachers (shepherd - teachers)
• To build up the saints. We would be wise if we would
heed their counsel so long as it is based off the word of
God!

6. Application
‣ Unity is based off of love for God and our fellow
brother or sister in Christ Jesus!
‣ If we truly love our brother and sister we will consider
them in our decisions and act accordingly.
‣ Colossians 3:14 Beyond all these things put on
love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
‣ Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in
your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one
body; and be thankful.

7. What God has done for our unity
Ephesians 2:11-19

8. What God has done for our unity
• He reconciled or restored us back to him!
• Ephesians 2:11 and might reconcile them both in
one body to God through the cross, by it having
put to death the enmity.
• Enmity— the state or feeling of being actively
opposed or hostile to someone or something.

9. What God has done for Unity
• Titus 3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior
and His love for mankind appeared,
• Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which
we have done in righteousness, but according to His
mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing
by the Holy Spirit,
• Titus 3:6-7 whom He poured out upon us richly through
Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His
grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of
eternal life.

10. Application
• God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die
for our sins so that we can be one or united
again. And do good deeds!
• Titus 3:8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want
you to insist on these things, so that those who
have believed in God may be careful to devote
themselves to good works. These things
are excellent and profitable for people.
• Reference: Isaiah 59:1-2, John 3:16

11. Things that war against unity
3 John

12. Things that war against unity
Failing to realize that the body
consist of more than me.
Failing to practice “if eating
meat offends my brother then I
will never eat meat.”
A haughty spirit, I know what
is best, and do not need any
input. Just do as you are told.
Failure to be considerate of
others and their things.
Taking it upon yourself to
decide things and not
consulting with the whole.
Failing to communicate that
someone has wronged
you.(Matthew 18:15)
Wanting to have the
preeminence! I am in charge,
I run this and not you.
Hungry power people who
insist on their way and act
accordingly.

13. Things that war against unity
Failure to participate
with the saints.
Failure to
communicate
thoughts, ideas and
plans.
Clicks or separate
groups from the
whole.
Gossip and
backbiting
Failure to realize that
the body of Christ is
bigger than me.
Failure to respect the
word of God.