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[0:00] As the Lord may help me, I will continue to speak before you on the subject of spiritual unity from the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, reading again this morning the fourth verse.

[0:22] There is one body and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.

[0:37] The fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, the fourth verse, there is one body and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.

[0:56] My friends, there are two sides to real spiritual religion, as it is the effect in us of the Holy Spirit's teaching and grace and power.

[1:21] There is the personal side of it. For, make no mistake about it, real religion is personal religion.

[1:33] It is something spiritual, holy, vital, that we must possess in our own hearts, as personally as though we were the only person in the world to possess it.

[1:53] And as though there was no one else in the secret at all. It must be as personal as that. There must be a personal sense of repentance, a personal faith in Jesus Christ, a personal love to the truth.

[2:14] Real religion is personal. There's no salvation in associations. Ever close they may be, nor ever godly, they may be with whom we are in association.

[2:34] Tares were not turned into wheat, because they grew in the same field, and were under the same culture.

[2:45] There were still tares. And, if there's no personal grace, no personal godliness in our heart, being in the field with others, does not make us partake us with them of eternal life.

[3:03] Godliness is something we must possess in our own hearts. Faith is personal.

[3:14] Love is personal. Repentance is personal. But, at the same time, there's another side of it. And that is, that godliness is relative.

[3:31] If it's personal, it's not isolating. If it's something, we must really know, each one for ourselves, it will not make us selfish.

[3:44] When I say that godliness is relative, I mean, that it brings us, into a very, gracious, and spiritual relation.

[3:56] One with another. A spiritual unity. That also is important. I can conceive, that, both these aspects of godliness, are about equal in their importance.

[4:13] If anyone should say, well, so that they possess the grace of god in their own hearts, they don't wish to feel anything more than that.

[4:26] They can believe, and love, and worship god on their own, personally. I should say, the word of god doesn't teach us like that.

[4:37] The grace of god brings together all who possess it. Where the Lord gives repentance unto life, and faith in Jesus Christ, it unites us with others, who are of a like spirit.

[4:52] Subject to the same feelings, possess the same living faith. Godliness is personal, personal, but it's uniting. And, I must say that now, we're on this subject, of spiritual unity, that, to me, the more I'm enabled to look into it, prayerfully, and meditatively, the more rich, and deep, and precious, and wonderful, this subject, is seen to be.

[5:29] If spiritual unity, was just a matter, of people agreeing about matters, say, spiritual matters, well, that would be so far good.

[5:42] But when you look into it, spiritual unity, is something much deeper than that, much richer, much more holy, much more blessed.

[5:54] And it really is, a wonderful thing, to be brought into, the unity, of the spirit. It will be remembered, that last Lord's day, I spoke on the first expression, of this verse, there is one body.

[6:14] And now, every child of God, is a member, in the mystical body, of Christ. And I set before you, that there are first, so, a union, to Jesus Christ, a personal union, to Jesus Christ, and then, a spiritual union, one with another, in Jesus Christ.

[6:38] And that there is a diversity, diversity, in this unity, that all members, are equally members, of the body, but, have not all, the same office, the same place, to fill, the same duty, for there is one body, but many members, and all members, have not the same office.

[7:02] Now, here is another expression, which, if anything, is still deeper, in its truth, and teaching, and blessing, there is one spirit.

[7:17] spirit. There is one spirit. That is to say, there is one spirit, that animates, enlivens, every member, of this one body, so that, no one can be a member, of the body of Christ, unless the spirit, is in them, and everyone, in whom dwelleth, the spirit, is a member, of the body of Christ.

[7:54] There is one spirit. There is no doubt, in my mind, and, probably no doubt, in yours, who understand, these things, that this one spirit, means, the Holy Spirit, of God, himself.

[8:16] It might be, of course, in a lesser, way regarded, in that, there is one, spirit of faith, and love, that animates, the, body of Christ, in every member, but even that, spirit of faith, and love, emanates, from the one, one Holy Spirit, of God, himself.

[8:44] For, there is nothing, spiritual in anyone, apart from, the Holy Spirit, himself. This is very, very important, very blessed.

[8:58] And, here is another thing. when we come, to speak, of this one spirit, the Holy Spirit, of God, we touch, here, and, it appears, throughout this part, of the chapter, we touch, the mystery, of the Trinity.

[9:20] For, the unity, of the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is the foundation, of the unity, of the Church.

[9:35] There is one spirit, one Holy Spirit, of God, one Lord, one Lord, Jesus Christ, that blessed person, in the adorable Trinity.

[9:51] And, there is one God, and Father of all, one Father, one Son, one Spirit, and that, one Father, one Son, one Spirit, is one, glorious, eternal, undivided, Trinity, and unity.

[10:16] One God. Now, that's the foundation, of spiritual unity. And, you see what I meant, when I said, if we just, look on spiritual unity, as an agreement, of mind, between, people, who are, of one mind, we don't see, into it.

[10:40] There's, power more, in it than that. There's the unity, of the Trinity, in the unity, of the Church. Church. Now, this morning, may, in our hearts, and our minds, be directed, into this, blessed, truth, there is, one Spirit.

[11:08] Brethren, there's only one, Holy Spirit, only one, Holy Ghost, one, blessed, and glorious, Spirit.

[11:19] And, that Spirit, is a Spirit, of the living God. A divine, person. Not a divine, influence.

[11:31] A divine, person. A divine, influence. Holy, gracious, pure, heavenly, a holy, influence, emanates, from the Holy Spirit.

[11:49] He, exerts it, imparts it, but he is not, an influence. Every, divine, perfection, of wisdom, power, knowledge, eternity, belongs, as much, to the Holy Spirit, as to the Father, or the Son.

[12:11] That is, to set before you, this morning, in plain, and yet I hope, weighty words, the true doctrine, of the Trinity. And, the Holy Spirit, is equal, as a divine, person, with the Father, and, the Son.

[12:33] For, these three, are one God. we read, when the Lord Jesus Christ, spoke it, that the Holy Spirit, proceedeth, from the Father.

[12:51] But, how, we don't know. It would be, I think, far too, much, to simplify, a mystery, if I were to say, that the Holy Spirit, proceedeth, from the Father, as the breath, proceedeth, from a person.

[13:10] The Holy Spirit, is spoken of, under that, way of breath. Wind, or breath, is a metaphor, used in the scripture, to express, the mysterious, proceeding, of the Spirit, of God.

[13:30] But, it would be, much, to oversimplify it, to leave it at that. The proceeding, of breath, from my body, is no, ways, at all, a metaphor, adequately, to express, the way, which the Holy Spirit, proceedeth, from the Father.

[13:52] But, the Lord Jesus Christ, so, expressed it, the Holy Spirit, which proceedeth, from the Father. Now, as far as, words can express it, or our minds, can understand it, the, mystery is this, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, was the Son of God, by an eternal, generation.

[14:22] He was always, eternally the Son, as the Son, as the Son. The Holy Spirit, is not the Holy Spirit, by generation, but by, a mysterious, proceeding, from the divine, nature, of the Father.

[14:43] Now, I'm not going to, attempt to say, more about it, than that. Lest, I should darken, counsel, by words, without knowledge. knowledge. But if these, few words of mine, on such, a sublime, and such, a blessed mystery, as the Holy Spirit, are commendable, to your heart, as being, words of truth, and scriptural, teaching, then, the Lord, grant, that it, might indeed, be a blessed word, to us, this morning.

[15:23] There is one Spirit, eternal, the Spirit of the Father, infinite, in his divinity, and holy, in his nature, and blessed, in his operations.

[15:39] There is one Spirit. Now, I would speak a little, for a few minutes, on the connection, of this, with the subject.

[15:53] There is one Spirit, that animates, every member, of this one body. And here we come, a little more, within, the sphere, of our experience.

[16:06] Divine mysteries, in themselves, are above, the sphere, of our experience. But, this comes, within it. There is one Spirit, who dwells, in the heart, of every, member, of the one body.

[16:23] And how can we know, that he dwells, in our heart? Except, by experiencing, his gracious, influences, and operations. Now, for instance, the one Spirit, is, is a Spirit, of life, to quicken, to enliven, and to continually, revive, spiritual life, in every, member of the body.

[16:54] The Holy Spirit, is a Spirit, of life, in Christ, Jesus. It is, the Holy Spirit, who, first of all, quickens, our souls, into spiritual life, at all.

[17:12] That is, his work. He infuses, into the soul, a new life. The life, also, of Jesus Christ.

[17:23] For, there are no, lifeless members, in the mystical, body of Christ. Christ. There may be, of course, and there are, in the general, body, of professing, people, there may be, lifeless members, but there are, no lifeless members, in the body, of Christ.

[17:44] And, it isn't only, that the Holy Spirit, gives life, but he is, the Spirit of life, in every, one of them. And, he maintains it, often, mysteriously.

[18:01] We, very little, understand, how spiritual life, through all it, through all the changes, that we feel, the alternating, periods, of light, and darkness, liveliness, and deadness, we, very little, understand, how spiritual life, is maintained, in our hearts, except we know, that we cannot maintain, it of ourselves.

[18:30] Brethren, it's the Holy Spirit, that maintains, spiritual life. He nourishes it, or soul, sweet feet, and graciously, he nourishes it.

[18:45] And, from time to time, as everyone, who has experience, of the indwelling, of the Holy Spirit, knows, he revives it.

[18:57] Brethren, if any of you, should feel this morning, in a spiritually, low, and heavy, and unfeeling, state, you won't always, feel like that.

[19:11] The Holy Spirit, will revive, that spiritual life, in your hearts. If this morning, you feel, spiritually, lively, and in a feeling, responsive, believing, state of mind, it's the Holy Spirit, who is enlivening, your heart, in that gracious way.

[19:36] If you feel, able to pray, it's the Holy Spirit, prompt your prayer. If you feel, to believe, it's the Holy Spirit, animates your faith.

[19:48] If you feel, to love, it's the Holy Spirit, enlivens, your affections. And, it's very wonderful, that it should be so, that these, feelings, in our spiritual life, denote, that the Holy Spirit, is in us, as members, of the body, of Christ, of Christ, there is one Spirit, and the whole body, is a body of Christ, and every member, of the body of Christ, are enlivened, by the continual, quickening, influences, and indwelling, grace, of the one Spirit.

[20:37] Oh yes, there is one Spirit. If he dwells in my heart, he is one Spirit. If he dwells in your heart, he is the same Spirit.

[20:49] if he dwells in the heart, as he does, some here, and some there, in all parts of the world. If he dwells in the heart, of a converted African, or Indian, he is one Spirit there, the same Spirit, in that poor person's heart, as is in my heart, and in your heart.

[21:16] Because, having a divine, omnipresence, he can be everywhere. Everywhere. He is not confined, not limited.

[21:30] He is one Spirit, everywhere, in every believer. My friends, there is one Spirit, to guide, and direct us, in the ways of truth.

[21:47] It is not left, for us to find our way, even with the Scriptures, in our hands, with regard, to the things of God. It is true enough, that the Scriptures, are in themselves, a sure guide.

[22:05] But then we have, a sure understanding, of the Scriptures, of ourselves. Now, let no one, think for a moment, and I think, this is an important, thing for me, to say to all, who are inquiring, their way, to the knowledge, of the truth.

[22:24] Let no one, think, that it is sufficient, for them, to read, and study, the Scripture, of themselves, and employ, their own understanding, and intelligence, to find, their way, to the truth.

[22:41] By all means, employ, your understanding, and intelligence. By all means, study the Scripture, and seek, to come to an understanding, of its meaning.

[22:53] But be you, well assured, you need, the Holy Spirit, to guide, your understanding, your intelligence, your wisdom, or you may, go sadly wrong, and find yourself, entangled in difficulties, with regard, to the things of God.

[23:12] All this one Spirit, is the one teacher, in all the body, in every member. It is his work, to guide you, as Jesus said he would, into the truth, to enlighten, the understanding, to discern, those things, which are spiritual, there is one Spirit.

[23:36] He is a Spirit, of life, to animate. He is a Spirit, of truth, to guide. It doesn't follow, of course, that everyone, who is a member, of the body of Christ, will in this present time, state, see eye to eye, about everything.

[23:57] I know it is, the answer, especially, it is the answer, of the voice, of the Romish church, to us who say, the scriptures, are our guide, whereas they say, yes, but the church, must guide you.

[24:15] We say, no, the scriptures, are our guide. If they say, do you think then, that you can understand, the scriptures, we say, no, we don't think, we can, but we look, to the Holy Spirit, to give us, understanding, in the scriptures.

[24:31] They say, very good, how is it then, that you disagree? One other point, my friends, is just this, all who are led, by the Holy Spirit, agree in fundamentals.

[24:46] All. They must do. They agree, in fundamentals. And with regard, to those things, in which there's a difference, of view, and understanding, we can only say, that arises, from our own minds, in regard, of matters.

[25:05] People just, do not see a light, with regard to, non-essential matters. All are taught, by the Holy Spirit, are taught, certain things.

[25:19] They're all taught, sins demerit. They're all taught, the evil nature, and guilty character, of sin. They're all taught, Jesus Christ, in his redeeming person, grace, power, and precious blood.

[25:40] They're all taught, to believe in God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Ghost. They're all taught, that. and there's, perfect agreement, there, in all, who are taught, of the Holy Spirit.

[25:58] And as for other things, the time will come, when all, will see eye, to eye, about them too. But that is not now. There is one Spirit.

[26:11] and then again, there is one Spirit, as a Spirit of holiness, to sanctify, every member of the body.

[26:25] For every member, of the body of Christ, is a member, of a holy head, and a holy body. And yet, I know, everyone feels, in themselves, so much unholiness.

[26:42] Well, that is so. But nevertheless, as far as the, teaching, and influence, and grace, of the Holy Spirit, is concerned, there's holiness there.

[26:56] My friends, no one has any holiness, apart from the Holy Spirit, of God. And where there's, the Holy Spirit, of God, there's true holiness.

[27:10] And it's that holiness, with which they will see, God at last. And without which, no man will see God. Brethren, look to the Holy Spirit, for holiness in your heart.

[27:26] He sanctifies you, through the truth. Being holy in himself, all his influences, all his operations, all his teachings, are of a holy nature.

[27:44] And being of a holy nature, they have a sanctifying effect, upon us and in us. And that's our holiness. The holiness, of the whole one body, is in this, that the Holy Spirit, of God, dwells in every member.

[28:10] And then again, there is one Spirit. He is that one Spirit, of Christ, that makes Jesus Christ, known, and precious.

[28:22] And precious. As Jesus said, of the Holy Spirit, that he shall take of mine, and show it to you.

[28:33] I think there may be, some misunderstanding, about, what a revelation, of Jesus Christ, in the soul, really is. And, I don't know that I can stay now, to go very fully into it.

[28:48] All I can say is this, and I know I've said it before, if anyone can see, anything in Jesus Christ, to love, anything in Jesus Christ, that appears to them, very blessed, and pure, and holy, anything in Jesus Christ, to desire for themselves, to possess, and enjoy, anything in Jesus Christ, to honor, and adore, there's been a revelation, of Jesus Christ, in the soul.

[29:26] Because, apart from that revelation, Jesus Christ, will be to everybody, a root out of the dry ground, no one would see, any comeliness in him, that they should desire him, no one would feel, any warmth of affection, toward Jesus Christ, because, of the, loveliness of his purse, they really wouldn't.

[29:55] There's such a veil, over the natural mind, through unbelief, and sin, and ignorance, that the mind, just simply, cannot see through it, to discern, the beauty of Jesus Christ, but, you know, the expression, reveal, really means, to, take away, that which hides, or at least, to take it away, so far, as that that is seen, which otherwise, would be hidden.

[30:31] That's the meaning, of the word revelation, and that is the nature, of the Holy Spirit's operation, in revealing Jesus Christ.

[30:43] He so far removes, that, unbelief, and, that state of mind, that prevails, in us, through sin, so that, the light, in the light of the gospel, we can begin to discern, the beauty, and glory, and blessedness, and preciousness, of Jesus Christ.

[31:05] And as we begin, to discern that, we begin to feel, our hearts, attracted to him. And, we feel, an influence, of his precious name, and love, upon our own, spirit.

[31:21] And brethren, that's the experience, for me. That's the experience, for me. Now, there's one spirit, who reveals, this precious, saviour, to every member, of his body.

[31:38] Infuses, by his gracious, teaching, the saving knowledge, of Jesus, and not only, the knowledge, but the savor of it, into every heart.

[31:51] Brethren, all knowledge, of Jesus Christ, apart from the Holy Spirit, is unsavoury. It's cold. It may be, intellectually clear, but it's heartless.

[32:06] There's no warmth, no beams, in it, no beams, of light, and love, from Jesus. There isn't.

[32:18] But that knowledge, which the Holy Spirit, gives, when he, reveals Jesus, there's everything in it, that's gracious. There's life to see, there's life to feel, there's grace, to respond, there's a glory, to adore, there's a loveliness, to esteem.

[32:41] Oh, brethren, that's the knowledge, of Jesus Christ, you know. That's the knowledge, of Jesus Christ. And I can't forbear, quoting that, verse to you again, this morning.

[32:58] I just can't help it. Oh, that my soul, could know, and love him more, his beauties, trace, his majesty, adore, live near his heart, upon his bosom lean, obey his voice, and all his will esteem.

[33:24] Now, if such faith, and such desire, and such affection, and such esteem, is in your heart, the Holy Spirit is there, the Holy Spirit is there, in you.

[33:41]  And there is one spirit, in every member, of Christ's mystical body. And there I must leave it. Thank you.