Divine Unity: The Power of Christ in Us

 

Summary

In Ephesians 2:19, Paul uses the phrase "now therefore" to encapsulate the profound transformation that has occurred through Christ. This transformation is the unification of Jews and Gentiles into one body, the Christian Church. This unity, which seemed impossible by human standards, is a testament to the power of God, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. It is crucial to understand that this unity is not superficial or temporary but is deeply rooted in the spiritual transformation brought about by the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that true unity among believers is not something that can be manufactured by human effort or agreement. It is a divine creation, a result of the Holy Spirit's work in the hearts of individuals. This unity is organic and vital, akin to the unity of a body where each part is connected and functions as a whole. It is not merely a coalition of individuals but a new creation in Christ.

The sermon also highlights the futility of superficial unity, whether in the church or among nations. True unity cannot be achieved through common interests or external agreements. It requires a fundamental change in human nature, which only the Gospel can accomplish. This change begins with the recognition of our shared sinfulness and helplessness, leading us to the same Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Christ, all believers share the same salvation, the same Holy Spirit, and the same new nature. This shared experience creates a bond that transcends all earthly divisions. We are united by our common trials, temptations, and the hope of eternal glory. This unity is inevitable and unbreakable because it is founded on the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- True unity among Christians is a divine creation, not a human achievement. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms individuals and brings them together as one body in Christ. This unity is organic and vital, not a superficial coalition. [05:15]

- Superficial unity, whether in the church or among nations, is ultimately futile. True unity requires a fundamental change in human nature, which only the Gospel can accomplish. This change begins with the recognition of our shared sinfulness and helplessness. [11:32]

- In Christ, all believers share the same salvation, the same Holy Spirit, and the same new nature. This shared experience creates a bond that transcends all earthly divisions and is rooted in the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [12:23]

- The unity among Christians is inevitable because it is based on the shared experience of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This unity is not something that can be manufactured by human effort but is a natural result of the work of God in our lives. [14:27]

- As Christians, we are united by our common trials, temptations, and the hope of eternal glory. This unity is not based on external agreements or common interests but on the shared experience of God's grace and the hope of eternal life. [40:45]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:19
- [00:29] - The Importance of Unity
- [01:09] - The Power of God in Unity
- [02:01] - Jews and Gentiles United
- [03:07] - Access to the Father
- [04:20] - The Nature of True Unity
- [05:15] - What Makes Us Christian
- [06:38] - The Futility of Superficial Unity
- [08:21] - The Illusion of Unity
- [10:33] - The Danger of Superficial Unity
- [12:23] - The Nature of Christian Unity
- [14:10] - Unity as a Divine Creation
- [18:41] - The Gospel's Role in Unity
- [28:51] - Looking to the Same Savior
- [40:45] - Shared Trials and Temptations
- [42:18] - Marching to the Same Eternal Home

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:19
- Romans 8:3-4
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean by the phrase "now therefore" in Ephesians 2:19, and how does it relate to the transformation he describes? [00:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the unity between Jews and Gentiles, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this unity? [02:01]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "middle wall of partition" being demolished? [03:46]
4. What examples does the sermon provide to illustrate the futility of superficial unity? [08:21]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the concept of true unity among Christians as a divine creation rather than a human achievement? [05:15]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that superficial unity is dangerous and ultimately futile? [11:32]
3. How does the shared experience of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit create a bond among believers that transcends earthly divisions? [12:23]
4. What does the sermon imply about the inevitability of Christian unity based on the shared experience of salvation? [14:27]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced superficial unity in a group setting. How did it differ from the unity described in the sermon? [08:21]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our shared sinfulness and helplessness. How can this recognition change the way you interact with fellow believers? [18:41]
3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in creating unity among believers. How can you be more open to the Spirit's work in your relationships within the church? [05:15]
4. The sermon discusses the shared trials and temptations among Christians. How can you support a fellow believer who is going through a similar struggle? [40:45]
5. Think about the divisions that exist within your church or community. What steps can you take to promote true unity based on the shared experience of God's grace? [14:27]
6. How can the understanding of being a new creation in Christ influence your daily interactions with others? [36:50]
7. Reflect on the hope of eternal glory shared among believers. How does this hope impact your perspective on current challenges and relationships? [42:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Unity Through the Holy Spirit
True unity among Christians is a divine creation, not a human achievement. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms individuals and brings them together as one body in Christ. This unity is organic and vital, not a superficial coalition. [05:15]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life where unity feels strained. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that relationship to foster true unity?


Day 2: The Futility of Superficial Unity
Superficial unity, whether in the church or among nations, is ultimately futile. True unity requires a fundamental change in human nature, which only the Gospel can accomplish. This change begins with the recognition of our shared sinfulness and helplessness. [11:32]

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you might be seeking superficial unity. What steps can you take to address the deeper issues that prevent true unity?


Day 3: Shared Salvation and the Holy Spirit
In Christ, all believers share the same salvation, the same Holy Spirit, and the same new nature. This shared experience creates a bond that transcends all earthly divisions and is rooted in the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [12:23]

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt a deep connection with another believer despite differences. How can you nurture this bond in your current relationships?


Day 4: Inevitable Unity in Christ
The unity among Christians is inevitable because it is based on the shared experience of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This unity is not something that can be manufactured by human effort but is a natural result of the work of God in our lives. [14:27]

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you are trying to force unity. How can you step back and allow God to naturally bring about unity through His Spirit?


Day 5: United by Trials and Eternal Hope
As Christians, we are united by our common trials, temptations, and the hope of eternal glory. This unity is not based on external agreements or common interests but on the shared experience of God's grace and the hope of eternal life. [40:45]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How can you use this experience to connect with and support others who may be going through similar challenges?

Quotes

True unity among Christians is a divine creation, not a human achievement. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms individuals and brings them together as one body in Christ. This unity is organic and vital, not a superficial coalition. [00:04:20]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that true unity among believers is not something that can be manufactured by human effort or agreement. It is a divine creation, a result of the Holy Spirit's work in the hearts of individuals. This unity is organic and vital, akin to the unity of a body where each part is connected and functions as a whole. [00:12:23]

Superficial unity, whether in the church or among nations, is ultimately futile. True unity requires a fundamental change in human nature, which only the Gospel can accomplish. This change begins with the recognition of our shared sinfulness and helplessness. [00:11:32]

In Christ, all believers share the same salvation, the same Holy Spirit, and the same new nature. This shared experience creates a bond that transcends all earthly divisions and is rooted in the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [00:12:23]

The unity among Christians is inevitable because it is based on the shared experience of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This unity is not something that can be manufactured by human effort but is a natural result of the work of God in our lives. [00:14:27]

As Christians, we are united by our common trials, temptations, and the hope of eternal glory. This unity is not based on external agreements or common interests but on the shared experience of God's grace and the hope of eternal life. [00:40:45]

We are all sinners, and nothing but the gospel brings people to see that we are all sinners, every one of us. And I'll go further, we're all equally sinners because you see what determines whether you're a sinner or not is not to add up the number of sins you committed, it is your total attitude towards God. [00:19:12]

The whole purpose of the preaching of the Gospel, says Paul, is to show the Jew that he is as much a sinner as is the Gentile. There is no unrighteous, no not one, all sinned and have come short of the glory of God. [00:19:52]

We are all not only sinners together, but we are all equally helpless in our sin. We may try with a great resolve or with tremendous willpower to be better, it avails us nothing. There are people who may lead a very selective stamus and noble kind of life, they may give themselves to perfecting themselves and to raising themselves in the moral scale, but I say how futile it all is. [00:25:48]

We all have come to the one and the same savior. Oh, how he delights to repeat the name, but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. You see how he repeats it at once, for he is our peace who hath made both one. [00:28:04]

We have the same Holy Spirit dwelling within us and living within us and working within us and doing exactly the same work in us. You see, the Apostle has already mentioned him. It is by one Spirit we have this access of ours unto the Father. [00:34:12]

We are all marching and going together to the same eternal home. As Christians, we realize as nobody else can realize that this is but a passing world, this is but a preparatory school, this is not our home. We are marching to heaven, to glory. We've got the same hope set before us. [00:42:18]

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Transcript
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