Brian DeCook
Teaching Notes
Guest Speaker: Brian DeCook | “The Unity of the Spirit”
In this deeply encouraging and practical message, Brian DeCook invites us to take a closer look at what it really means to live in unity as the body of Christ. Unlike the world’s version of unity—built on shared opinions, preferences, or political alignment—biblical unity is a gift from God, established through the Holy Spirit and rooted in our identity in Jesus Christ.
Drawing from Psalm 133, John 17, and Ephesians 4, Brian reminds us that unity isn’t something we create—it’s something we’re called to maintain. Jesus prayed that His followers would be “one,” just as He and the Father are one. That kind of unity is spiritual, relational, and powerful. It’s not about uniformity or always agreeing on everything, but about living from a place of shared dependence on Christ, letting His life flow through each of us.
Brian explains that the unity of the Spirit is first and foremost about our individual connection to Jesus. When each member of the body is tuned to Christ, like instruments tuned to the same key, the result is harmony. And it’s in that harmony that the world sees something different—something compelling. Jesus said the world would believe He was sent by the Father by watching how His people live in unity.
But unity isn’t always easy. That’s why Paul urges us in Ephesians 4 to walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and love—four postures that reflect Christ and help preserve unity even when conflict arises. Brian reminds us that it’s not about being right; it’s about pursuing peace. We don’t ignore tension, but we respond to it with grace, leaning on the Holy Spirit to guide our words, soften our hearts, and help us forgive generously.
The message challenges us to ask:
Am I walking in unity with Christ—and therefore able to walk in unity with others?
Is there a relationship in my life where I need to pursue peace?
When conflict comes, do I respond out of the Spirit or from self?
Brian’s call to the church is simple but profound: don’t let disagreements destroy the work of God among us. Instead, focus on what we share in Christ, and let that be the starting point for any difficult conversations or relational repair.
As your faith grows, and your church continues to grow, this is a timely reminder: The unity of the Spirit is worth protecting. Not through force or control, but through grace, truth, humility, and love.
