Choose unity!

Topics: God, baptism, unity

I. One body, one spirit

1. There is one body and one Spirit, (Ephesians 4:4a).

2. And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 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 (Hebrews 10:24-25, see also 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

3. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you (John 14:26).

4. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).

5. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).

II. One hope, one Lord, one faith and one baptism

1. Just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:4b-5).
2. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18).
3. Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him (1 Corinthians 8:6)
4. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21, see also 1 John 4:10).
5. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20).

III. One God and Father

1. One God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:6, See again 1 Corinthians 8:6).
2. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father" (Galatians 4:6)

Sermon by Pastor Dane Nissen, September 1st, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Choose unity

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Discuss the biblical teaching of how God gave us these seven "ones" to bring unity, and how in turn it is our job to preserve that unity!

Getting Started:

1. What does it mean to keep the unity in our local church?
2. Reread 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, what part do you play in the body of Christ?
3. What sacrifices are you willing to make to maintain the unity in your church community?

Discussing Truths:

1. Unity is not the same as uniformity. What's the difference? What are some examples of healthy diversity within our church?
2. Ephesians 4:4-6 list seven things that unite all Christians: one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God and Father. Which of these do you find most compelling as a foundation for unity? Why?
3. How does the reality of the Trinity "one God in three persons" serve as a model for our own unity in diversity?

Now What? Application:

1. How does understanding our shared identity in "one Lord" and "one God" impact how we treat others who have different personalities or gifts within the church?
2. Think of a time you felt disunity in your church fellowship. How was it addressed and what part did you play in bringing unity back?
3. How can you actively contribute to maintaining a stronger unity and stronger sense of community here in our local church?