“Reunite for Peace” Ephesians 4:1-16
A. Unity has an irresistible power.
What is the nature of Christian unity?
People do not CREATE unity— GOD does (Eph. 4:3; 2:22).
Christian unity is “being one in spirit and purpose” to LOVE Jesus Christ and MAKE HIM KNOWN to others (John 17:23; Phil. 2:2; Rom. 15:5-6).
B. Five commitments needed to cultivate, maintain and demonstrate unity:
#1 A commitment to LOVE Jesus Christ above all things and to SACRIFICE all of our mini-agendas for His sake (Eph. 4:1, 15-16; Matt. 22:37; Gal. 2:20).
#2 A commitment to sound DOCTRINE which never sacrifices the TRUTH, but always prioritizes it in a spirit of GRACE (Eph. 4:4-6, 13, 15, 16; Phil. 3:15).
#3 A commitment to develop Christ-like CHARACTER especially HUMILITY and SUBMISSION (Eph. 4:2; Rom. 12:3; Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:8).
#4 A commitment to respect and pursue God-given DIVERSITY and accept one another as Christ has accepted us (Eph. 4:11; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Col. 3:11; Rom. 15:7).
“Unity is not the same as UNIFORMITY. The church at its best should be like an ORCHESTRA, with many different instruments blending together under one conductor to play complementary parts in one glorious composition.”
#5 A commitment to strive earnestly and prayerfully to pursue PEACE resolve conflict, and preserve relationships despite personal differences (Eph. 4:3; Prov. 19:11; Luke 6:27-28; Rom. 12:18; Gal. 6:1).
C. The evidence and fruit of unity:
#1 A HARMONY of shared lives, with people regularly meeting, eating, praying, worshiping, and reaching decisions together (Acts. 1:14; 2:46; Rom. 12:16; 1 Pet. 3:8).
#2 No worldly DISCRIMINATION based on race, gender, age, or economic status (Gal. 3:26-29).
#3 A commitment to seek genuine UNDERSTANDING and AGREEMENT rather than an imposed uniformity (Phil. 2:1-4).
#4 People feel a FREEDOM to respectfully DISAGREE with one another (Phil. 3:15).
#5 Work PRODUCTIVELY toward common kingdom goals and invest our spiritual and material resources far more effectively (Acts 4:32-37).
#6 DURABLE relationships (Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:12-15).
#7 Enhance our WITNESS for Christ (John 17:23; 13:34-35).
Conclusion: True Christian unity can provide a POWERFUL and APPEALING witness to the world.
Challenge: What will you do today, by God’s grace, to cultivate, maintain, and demonstrate unity in your marriage, family, workplace, or here at church?
Originally shared at River Rock Church Sept 27th, 2009 Pastor Chris Teien
Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries
Chris Teien 