Join us Sunday for Worship at 10:30am

X Close Menu

The Essence of Christian Unity (Ephesians 4:4-6)

July 21, 2019 Preacher: Bob DeWaay Series: Ephesians

Scripture: Ephesians 4:4-6

This section of Ephesians has seven “ones” that emphasize Paul’s theme of unity. The first on is “one body” and it shows that unity of the body of Christ is what is foremost in this section of Ephesians. This sermon takes each of the 7 mentions of “one” and explains what they mean in the bigger context of the epistle. We also mention some of the issues going on in the area of Asia Minor that would make what Paul says important to converted pagans. The pagans had multiple “spirits” and deities which are in stark contrast to the Trinitarian God of the Bible. This passage shows the trinity.

We also deal with the “one hope” of the Christian calling, defining the difference between the universal call of the gospel and the internal call heard by those who are converted. The calling that brings hope is the effectual inner call. We explain how the “one baptism” reference is likely about water baptism and what it signifies. We emphasize how common ideas today are very similar to the pagan ideas in Ephesus in Paul’s day. We must understand God’s true nature as the only Creator who is transcendent to the creation to have a biblical worldview. Yet God cares for each Christian and gives us true hope. This sermon ends with a strong emphasize on Christian hope as taught in many passages.

Sermon handout and slides available under the Downloads tab.