1. Keeping the Unity of the Spirit Ephesians 4 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2. Keeping the Unity of the Spirit Ephesians 4 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This Morning: “Keeping the Unity of the Spirit” Tonight: “In the Bond of Peace”

3. What Is the “Unity of the Spirit”? It is the unity provided for by the Spirit Provision of the Spirit is the word of God   Ephesians 3:1-6   2 Timothy 3:16-17 Word makes unity possible as we obey it   Ephesians 4:13-16   Philippians 1:27 This is unique plea of N.T. Christianity

4. It Is “Of The SPIRIT,” Not Of... Popular Opinion   Matt. 7:13-14 - majority headed to destruction Scientific Thought   1 Tim. 6:20-21 - “science falsely so called” Religious Organizations   Gal. 1:8 - even apostles & angels not to alter law Historical Practice of Brethren   Phil. 3:17-19 - have always been enemies within

5. Must Leave the Word Unchanged God has never permitted changes to His will   Deuteronomy 4:2   Deuteronomy 12:32   Proverbs 30:5-6   No additions & no subtractions tolerated Same principle affirmed in Christ’s gospel   Galatians 1:6-9   2 John 9   Revelation 22:18-19

6. If Unity Provided for by Word... We must teach it & defend it (Titus 1:9)   Both elements of exhorting & convicting needed   If either element excluded, unity not achieved We must limit fellowship to those living in righteousness (Eph. 5:7-12; 2 Cor. 6:14-18)   “Have no fellowship with unfruitful works…”   “Come ye out from among them…” We must point all to word, not men   Acts 20:26-32

7. Bounds of Proper Unity Boundary of God-ordained fellowship & unity is defined in God’s word Growth in understanding of & obedience to the word makes unity grow closer Continued ignorance & worldly conduct make proper unity impossible Any effort which advocates unity-in-doctrinal diversity or unity-in-sinful diversity is wrong We must abide within the Spirit’s provisions