PART 1

Unity (Ephesians 4:1-16) – Let us study some things that can help us strive for unity.

Love each other: This is the deep love that John speaks of in the book of 1 John.

Loved = 4 times, Beloved = 5 times, Love = 36 times for a total of 45 times the term agape or agapan is used in only 5 chapters of 1 John!

This term means: To love in a social or moral sense; affection or benevolence; charity; dear; dearly or well beloved. Notice 1 John 3:16-23.

Examine ourselves: This is done from a pure conscience, measuring what is in our hearts with God’s Word (2 Corinthians 1:12, 13:5, 1 Timothy 1:5, Matthew 7:1-5, 21-24, James 1:21-25).

Humble ourselves to God: If we do not humble ourselves totally to God we will not be able to be united with His children (Luke 18:9-14, James 4:6-10, 1 Peter 5:6-7).

Humble ourselves to one another: When we need to repent, when we have a strong opinion about something, when we are aware of a weakness of a brother or sister, when we have weaknesses, when brethren repent of their sins, when brothers and sisters are going through a rough time, etc., etc. (Philippians 2:1-4, Colossians 3:12-17). Younger humble themselves to the older and older humbler themselves to the younger (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:5-7). Humility to God and brethren, are critical to maintain unity and harmony in the church.

Maintain and encourage the gospel as our standard: We do this by teaching the whole counsel of God in our homes, in our Bible classes, in our sermons, on our TV programs, in our studies, etc. (Acts 20:27).

Hopefully this study will remind us all of the precious Bible teachings that encourage us to be united for Him!

The gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Have you been saved? Do you believe? Why not obey the gospel this morning? Repent of your sins and be baptized so they can be washed away!