Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

(#892, Imperial, 1960)

Read Ephesians 4:30-32.

Paul's burden is endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).

w    vs. 4-6: the unities to be kept.

w    vs. 7-16: the gifts encourage and maintain that unity.

w    vs. 17-29: hindrances to unity of the Spirit are to be put off.

w    vs. 30-32: the conclusion or summary.

ƒ      The unifying power -- the Holy Spirit.

It is not a manmade unity.  Only God can bring this about.

w    Grieving the Spirit spoils and hinders the unity of the Spirit.

w    We grieve Him by sin, particularly the sin of corrupt speech.

w    We ought not grieve Him because we have been sealed by that same Spirit.

ƒ      Things that hinder unity.

w    Bitterness: a resentful disposition, the attitude of constant antagonism toward others.  This will trouble, defile and destroy our testimony (Heb. 12:15).

w    Wrath: the fierce mental excitement that springs out of bitterness (Prov. 21:24).  It also springs from lack of love, misunderstanding and pride.

w    Anger: the passion excited by the wrong done to ourselves rather than good anger which is concerned about the wrong done to God.  God forbids this sinful anger (Col. 3:8).

w    Clamor: the cry of strife, a loud outburst of anger.

w    Evil speaking: that which wounds the reputation of others.

w    All malice: a state of mind which closely resembles bitterness or resentment.

All this is to be put away!

ƒ      Things that promote and maintain unity.

w    Kindness: this is associated with love (1Co.13:4), illustrated by God (Titus 3:4) and a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

w    Tenderheartedness: a compassionate sense of the miseries and infirmities of others (Phil. 2:4).  Christ is our example in this (Hb. 4:15).

w    Forgiving one another: though offended we must forgive because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven us!

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.