Text: Ephesians 4:4–6
"There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
Introduction
We live in a world divided by race, tribe, language, denomination, politics, and personal interests. Sadly, even the Church sometimes reflects these divisions. Yet God's desire is not confusion but unity. Before Paul speaks about spiritual gifts or church ministry, he first calls believers to preserve the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3). He reminds us that our unity is founded on seven unshakable realities.
Christian unity is not based on human agreement but on God's eternal truth.
1. One Body – We Belong to One Family
The "one body" is the Church of Jesus Christ.
Every believer, regardless of nationality, social status, or denomination, belongs to Christ's body. Just as the human body has many parts working together, every Christian has a place and purpose.
Avoid jealousy, division, and competition in the church. Instead, celebrate and support one another because when one member suffers, all suffer.
Supporting Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
2. One Spirit – The Same Holy Spirit Lives in Every Believer.
There are not different Holy Spirits for different churches. The same Spirit who empowered the apostles lives in every genuine believer.
The Holy Spirit unites us, guides us into truth, and produces the fruit of love, peace, patience, and kindness.
Allow the Holy Spirit to remove bitterness, pride, and unforgiveness from your heart.
Supporting Text: Romans 8:9.
3. One Hope – Our Future Is Secure.
Every Christian shares one glorious hope—the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life with God.
This hope gives strength during suffering and courage during persecution.
Supporting Text: Titus 2:13.
4. One Lord – Jesus Christ alone is Master.
Jesus is not merely one of many spiritual leaders; He alone is Lord.
Every believer bows before the same Savior. Our loyalty belongs first to Christ, not to personalities or traditions.
:If Jesus is truly Lord, then every area of our lives must be under His authority.
Supporting Text: Philippians 2:9-11.
5. One Faith – One Gospel that Saves.
This refers to the faith once delivered to the saints—the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Salvation is not achieved through human effort but through faith in Christ's death and resurrection.
:Stand firm in biblical truth. Do not be carried away by false teachings.
Supporting Text: Jude 3.
6. One Baptism – Our Public Identification with Christ.
Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Although churches may differ in practice, baptism points to the same reality: our new life in Jesus Christ.
Supporting Text: Romans 6:3-4.
7. One God and Father of All.
God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Father of all who believe.
Paul describes Him as:
•Above all – His supreme authority.
•Through all – His active power.
•In you all – His abiding presence in believers.
Nothing and no one compares with Him.
Supporting Text: Malachi 2:10.
Illustration.
A bundle of sticks is difficult to break, but a single stick snaps easily.
Likewise, Satan can easily attack isolated Christians, but a united church is powerful. The enemy rejoices when believers fight one another, but God is glorified when His children walk together in love.
Practical Lessons
•Protect the unity of the Church.
•Focus on Christ instead of personal differences.
•Reject gossip, bitterness, and division.
•Live worthy of your Christian calling.
•Remember that what unites us in Christ is greater than what divides us.
Conclusion
Paul reminds us that there are not many bodies, many Spirits, many hopes, or many Lords. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.
The Church is strongest when it stands together under Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity, but it does mean sharing one faith, one Savior, and one mission. Let us strive to preserve the unity that Christ purchased with His own blood.
Altar Call
Perhaps pride, unforgiveness, or division has found a place in your heart. Today, Jesus calls you to reconciliation—with Him and with His people.
If you have never surrendered to Christ as your Lord, today is the day of salvation. Come to Him in faith. If you are a believer, ask God to make you a peacemaker who strengthens the unity of the Church rather than weakens it.
Closing Prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank You for making us one through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for every act of pride, division, and selfishness that has harmed Your Church. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, help us to walk in love and humility, and enable us to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Let our lives reflect the one hope, one faith, one Lord, and one God whom we serve. May our unity bring glory to Christ and draw many to salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Kunle Solomon.
Minister.
SheepGate Evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t
Or call +2347051874707
Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com
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