ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL

ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:1-6

Key Verse: “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” — Ephesians 4:6 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 64:8; Matthew 6:9; John 1:12-13; John 14:6-7; Romans 8:14-17; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:18-22; James 1:17.

Description: This message reveals God as the one sovereign Father of all who belong to Him, highlighting His supreme authority, sustaining presence, fatherly love and desire for His children to live in unity.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian faith is founded upon the revelation of one true God, who is the Creator, Sustainer and sovereign Ruler of all things. In Ephesians 4:6, the Apostle Paul declares that there is “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” This declaration completes Paul's description of the spiritual realities that unite believers: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all.

God's fatherhood reveals both His greatness and His loving relationship with His people. He is above all because no power or authority can surpass Him. He works through all according to His sovereign purpose, sustaining His creation and accomplishing His will. He is also present in His people through His Spirit, dwelling in those who belong to Christ. Although God is Creator of all humanity, the New Testament particularly describes believers as His children through faith in Jesus Christ and adoption into His family.

Understanding God as our Father should transform our worship, confidence, relationships and daily conduct. We must approach Him with reverence, trust His provision, submit to His authority and demonstrate His character to others. Because we share one heavenly Father through Christ, we must reject pride, hatred and unnecessary division, treating fellow believers as members of the same spiritual family.

1. THERE IS ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL

The foundation of Christian unity is the truth that there is one God. He is not one among many competing gods, nor is He limited by human imagination, geographical boundaries or cultural traditions. He is the living God who created all things and reveals Himself through His Word.

Paul's description of God as Father also reminds believers that our relationship with Him is personal. He is not merely a distant power to be feared; through Jesus Christ, we can know Him, love Him, worship Him and enjoy fellowship with Him. This relationship gives us our spiritual identity and a foundation for unity with other believers.

a) God Is the One True God (Deuteronomy 6:4)

Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”

The oneness of God is a foundational truth of Scripture. The God revealed in the Bible is unique, supreme and incomparable. He alone deserves our ultimate worship, allegiance and devotion. No created being, human leader, spiritual power or earthly possession should occupy the place that belongs to Him.

This truth calls us to reject idolatry in every form. Idolatry is not limited to bowing before physical images; anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts can become an idol. Money, fame, power, relationships and personal ambition must never become our ultimate source of security or object of devotion.

When we recognise God as the one true God, our worship becomes focused and our loyalty becomes settled. We learn to seek His will above every competing desire.

b) God Is the Creator and Father of Humanity (Malachi 2:10)

Malachi 2:10 asks, “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?”

God is the Creator of all humanity. Every human being owes existence to Him and possesses dignity as one made in His image. No tribe, nation, social class or ethnic group can claim to be beyond God's authority or superior in human worth.

This truth should influence the way we treat people. Racism, tribal hatred, oppression and contempt for others contradict the dignity God has given human beings. We may have different backgrounds, languages and customs, but we all stand accountable to our Creator.

However, Scripture also teaches that becoming a child of God in the special relational sense of adoption comes through receiving Christ and believing in His name. God's universal creative relationship with humanity must not be confused with the saving relationship He establishes with those who belong to Christ.

c) Believers Are Adopted into God's Family Through Christ (Galatians 4:4-7)

Galatians 4:4-7 explains that God sent His Son to redeem those under the law so that believers might receive adoption as sons and receive the Spirit of His Son into their hearts, crying, “Abba, Father.”

Salvation brings us into a new relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, we are not merely forgiven sinners; we are welcomed into God's family. We receive a new spiritual identity, a new standing before God and the privilege of approaching Him as our Father.

This adoption is not earned through religious performance or human merit. It is a gift of grace received through Christ. Our confidence rests in His redeeming work, not in our personal achievements.

When you understand that you belong to God's family, you no longer need to build your identity solely on human approval, social status or past failures. You can live with the assurance that your heavenly Father has received you through His Son.

d) God's Fatherhood Calls Us to Worship and Reverence (Matthew 6:9)

Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”

The words “Our Father” reveal intimacy, while “Hallowed be thy name” expresses reverence. God invites His children to approach Him confidently, but never carelessly. He is loving and accessible, yet He remains holy and worthy of honour.

True worship recognises both the tenderness of God's fatherhood and the majesty of His holiness. We must not become so familiar with God's grace that we lose our reverence for His presence, His Word and His commands.

When you pray, remember that you are approaching the Almighty God who loves you and has made a way for you through Jesus Christ. Come with faith, humility, thanksgiving and a sincere desire to obey Him.

Biblical Example: Jesus Reveals the Father (John 14:6-9)

Jesus explained that no one comes to the Father except through Him. When Philip asked to see the Father, Jesus pointed to the revelation of the Father in His own person and works. This teaches us that we come to know God as Father through the revelation of Jesus Christ, not through human speculation.

2. GOD IS ABOVE ALL

Paul declares that God is “above all.” This means that He possesses supreme authority over creation, history, spiritual powers and human affairs. Nothing can overthrow His sovereignty, surprise Him or force Him to abandon His eternal purposes.

The truth of God's supremacy should produce confidence in His people. We may face powerful opposition, difficult circumstances and uncertain futures, but no earthly situation is greater than God. Our responsibility is to trust Him, obey His Word and remain faithful while leaving the ultimate outcome in His hands.

a) God Is Supreme Over All Creation (Psalm 103:19)

Psalm 103:19 declares that the LORD has established His throne in the heavens and that His kingdom rules over all.

God's throne represents His sovereign authority. Governments rise and fall, human systems change, and earthly powers have their limitations, but God's authority remains supreme. He is never threatened by the events that trouble humanity.

This does not mean that everything that happens is morally approved by God or that believers will never experience suffering. It means that evil does not possess ultimate sovereignty and that God remains able to accomplish His righteous purposes.

When circumstances seem beyond your control, remember that they are not beyond God's knowledge or authority. Continue to pray, act wisely and trust His faithfulness.

b) No Power Is Greater Than God (Jeremiah 32:17)

Jeremiah 32:17 declares that the Lord God made the heavens and the earth by His great power and outstretched arm, and that nothing is too hard for Him.

The God who created the universe is not limited by the weakness of human beings. He can open doors, provide wisdom, strengthen the weary and accomplish what lies beyond our ability. His power is not exhausted by the difficulties we face.

Nevertheless, faith does not mean demanding that God fulfil every personal desire in exactly the way we expect. It means trusting His power, wisdom and goodness, even when His timing or method differs from ours.

Bring your burdens to Him in prayer. Do what is right, seek wise counsel and remain faithful. Your inability to solve a problem does not mean that God has lost His ability to work.

c) God Has Authority Over Spiritual Powers (Colossians 2:15)

Colossians 2:15 declares that Christ spoiled principalities and powers and made a public display of His victory over them through the cross.

The victory of Jesus Christ demonstrates that spiritual opposition cannot overturn God's redemptive purpose. Through His death and resurrection, Christ defeated the powers of darkness and secured the basis of our deliverance from sin.

Believers must therefore resist fear and stand firmly in Christ. We should pray, put on the spiritual armour described in Ephesians 6:10–18 and refuse to participate in sinful practices. Our confidence is not in human strength or magical formulas but in the authority and finished work of Jesus Christ.

When spiritual battles arise, remember that you belong to the victorious Lord. Stand in the truth, remain steadfast in prayer and trust the power of God.

d) Humble Yourself Before God's Sovereignty (James 4:10)

James 4:10 teaches, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

God's supremacy calls for humility. We are not the masters of our own destiny, and we do not possess unlimited knowledge or power. We need God's wisdom, direction and grace in every area of life.

Pride makes people resist correction, despise others and trust excessively in their own abilities. Humility enables us to acknowledge our limitations, repent when we are wrong and submit our plans to God's will.

When you humble yourself before the Lord, you place your life in the hands of the One who sees the end from the beginning. You can work diligently without becoming proud and wait patiently without losing hope.

Biblical Example: Nebuchadnezzar Learns God's Supremacy (Daniel 4:28-37)

Nebuchadnezzar became proud because of his power and achievements, but God humbled him until he acknowledged the sovereignty of the Most High. His restoration came after he recognised God's eternal dominion. His experience warns us against pride and reminds us that every genuine achievement should lead us to honour God.

3. GOD WORKS THROUGH ALL

Ephesians 4:6 also describes God as the One who is “through all.” This expression highlights His active work and sustaining influence throughout His creation and in the lives of His people. God is not an inactive observer of the universe. He sustains life, provides abilities, directs His purposes and works through willing people to accomplish His plans.

God often chooses to work through ordinary individuals who surrender themselves to Him. He uses teachers, parents, ministers, workers, professionals and people whose names may never appear in public records. Our responsibility is to remain available, obedient and faithful wherever He has placed us.

a) God Sustains All Things (Hebrews 1:3)

Hebrews 1:3 describes the Son as upholding all things by the word of His power.

Creation continues to exist because God sustains it. The regularity of the natural world and the existence of life are not independent of His sustaining power. Our very breath is a reason for gratitude.

This truth should remove arrogance from our hearts. Our intelligence, strength, skills and opportunities are gifts that we must use responsibly. We should never act as though our achievements make us independent of God.

Begin each day with thanksgiving. Acknowledge God's goodness in your life, and use the strength He gives you to serve others and fulfil your responsibilities.

b) God Works Through Willing People (Philippians 2:13)

Philippians 2:13 teaches that it is God who works in believers both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

God can shape our desires and strengthen us to carry out His purposes. He does not merely give us instructions and abandon us to our own weakness; He works within His people as they respond to Him in faith and obedience.

This does not remove our responsibility. The surrounding passage calls believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. We must cooperate with God's work by obeying His Word, resisting sin and taking practical steps of faith.

Do not disqualify yourself because you feel inadequate. Make yourself available to God, develop your gifts, accept correction and trust Him to strengthen you for the work He has assigned.

c) God Uses Different Gifts for One Purpose (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

First Corinthians 12:4-7 teaches that there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit, and that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every believer for the common good.

God does not give every believer the same ability or assignment. Some are gifted to teach, others to encourage, organise, serve, give or exercise other forms of ministry. These differences are intended to strengthen the body of Christ.

We must not despise the gifts of others or assume that our own gifts are the only ones that matter. A healthy church recognises the value of every member and encourages each person to serve faithfully.

Discover the gifts God has entrusted to you and use them to bless others. Your contribution may appear small, but when offered faithfully to God, it can become part of a greater work.

d) God Can Turn Difficult Circumstances Towards His Purpose (Romans 8:28)

Romans 8:28 teaches that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

This promise does not say that every event is good in itself. Sin, injustice, grief and suffering remain real. Rather, God is able to work through the circumstances of life to accomplish His purposes in those who belong to Him.

Joseph experienced betrayal, slavery and imprisonment, but God eventually used his position in Egypt to preserve many lives. What others intended for evil did not prevent God from accomplishing His purpose.

When you face disappointment, do not assume that your story has ended. Continue to trust God, learn what you can, make wise decisions and remain obedient. God can bring growth, wisdom and fruitful service out of seasons you never would have chosen.

Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 50:19-20)

Joseph told his brothers that although they had intended evil against him, God had worked through the situation to preserve many lives. His testimony demonstrates God's ability to work through painful circumstances without calling evil good. Joseph's life encourages us to remain faithful and trust God's providence.

4. GOD DWELLS IN HIS PEOPLE

The final expression in Ephesians 4:6 says that God is “in you all.” In the context of Paul's letter, this points to God's presence and work among His people. Through the Holy Spirit, God dwells in believers, strengthens them and forms them into a spiritual dwelling place for Himself.

God's presence is not merely a doctrine to be discussed; it is a reality that should shape our daily lives. We are called to walk in fellowship with Him, listen to His Word, depend on the Spirit's help and reflect Christ's character. The indwelling presence of God should produce spiritual growth rather than carelessness.

a) The Holy Spirit Dwells in Believers (1 Corinthians 3:16)

First Corinthians 3:16 asks believers whether they know that they are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in them. In its immediate context, Paul addresses the church collectively, warning against destructive divisions and reminding believers that the congregation belongs to God.

The Holy Spirit's presence makes the Church sacred to God. We must therefore treat the body of Christ with reverence and refuse to destroy its fellowship through envy, slander or selfish ambition.

The Spirit also works in individual believers, transforming their character and empowering their service. We must not reduce His presence to outward manifestations alone; His work should be evident in spiritual fruit, obedience and Christlike living.

b) God's Presence Gives Us Strength (Ephesians 3:16)

Ephesians 3:16 records Paul's prayer that believers would be strengthened with might by God's Spirit in the inner person.

There are seasons when outward circumstances are difficult, yet God can strengthen us inwardly. His presence gives courage to face challenges, grace to endure hardship and power to resist temptation.

Spiritual strength does not mean that we never feel weak, sad or discouraged. It means that we can turn to God in our weakness and receive His sustaining help. The believer's inner life must be nourished through prayer, Scripture, worship and fellowship with other Christians.

When you feel overwhelmed, do not rely solely on your own strength. Ask God to renew your heart and help you take the next faithful step.

c) God's Presence Calls Us to Holiness (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

First Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches that the believer's body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and that we are not our own, for we have been bought with a price.

God's presence in our lives gives us a responsibility to honour Him with our bodies and conduct. We must reject sexual immorality, dishonesty, destructive habits and every practice that dishonours the Lord.

Holiness is not an attempt to earn God's love. It is the response of someone who belongs to Him. Because Christ has redeemed us, we should seek to honour Him in our thoughts, words, relationships and choices.

Ask yourself whether your private conduct agrees with your public confession. Invite God to expose areas that need repentance, and take practical steps to live in a manner that pleases Him.

d) God's Presence Produces the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

The presence of the Holy Spirit should progressively shape our character. Spiritual maturity is not measured only by how loudly we pray or how much knowledge we possess. It is also demonstrated by the way we respond to people, handle pressure and practise self-control.

The fruit of the Spirit helps preserve unity in the Church. Love enables us to care for others, patience helps us bear with their weaknesses, gentleness restrains harshness, and self-control prevents destructive reactions.

Yield yourself daily to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to correct your attitudes, govern your speech and produce Christlike character in you.

Biblical Example: The Church at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 42-47)

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, empowering them to bear witness to Jesus Christ. The believers continued in apostolic teaching, fellowship, prayer and practical care for one another. Their experience shows that the work of the Spirit should strengthen both spiritual witness and the shared life of God's people.

5. GOD'S FATHERHOOD CALLS US TO UNITY AND LOVE

If believers share one heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, then our relationships with one another must reflect that spiritual reality. We cannot honour our Father while deliberately despising members of His family. Christian unity requires more than agreement in doctrine; it requires humility, forgiveness, patience and practical love.

The Church must demonstrate that the gospel creates a new community in which people from different backgrounds can worship together, serve together and grow together. Our unity is not based on personal similarity but on our shared relationship with God through Christ.

a) Treat Fellow Believers as Members of God's Family (1 Timothy 5:1-2)

Paul instructed Timothy to treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers and younger women as sisters, with purity.

This teaching presents the Church as a spiritual family in which relationships must be governed by respect and integrity. We must not treat people as disposable because they disagree with us or cannot offer us personal advantages.

Spiritual family relationships also require appropriate boundaries, accountability and purity. Genuine love does not manipulate people or excuse harmful conduct. It seeks their good while honouring God's standards.

Let your words and actions communicate respect. Encourage the discouraged, honour those who have served faithfully and treat younger believers with patience as they mature.

b) Reject Tribalism, Pride and Discrimination (Galatians 3:28)

Galatians 3:28 teaches that in Christ, distinctions such as Jew and Greek, bond and free, male and female do not determine a person's standing in Him, for believers are one in Christ Jesus.

Paul was not claiming that every cultural or social distinction disappears from everyday life. He was declaring that such distinctions cannot establish superiority in our standing before God or determine who may receive the promise of salvation through Christ.

This truth challenges tribalism, racial prejudice and the belief that some groups are inherently more valuable than others. The Church must welcome people on the basis of the gospel rather than human status.

Celebrate the diversity of God's people. Refuse to judge others by their tribe, language, economic position or background. Let Christ's love shape your relationships and your understanding of Christian fellowship.

c) Practise Forgiveness and Forbearance (Colossians 3:12-13)

Colossians 3:12-13 instructs believers to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering, forbearing and forgiving one another as Christ forgave them.

No congregation is made up of people who never make mistakes. Misunderstandings will arise, and differences of opinion are inevitable. Without forgiveness and patience, small disagreements can become lasting divisions.

Forgiveness does not mean pretending that wrongdoing never happened or refusing to seek appropriate help when abuse or serious harm occurs. It means surrendering personal vengeance to God and pursuing a response consistent with truth, justice and grace.

When someone offends you, resist the temptation to spread gossip or nurture bitterness. Seek reconciliation where possible, communicate honestly and ask God to give you the grace to forgive.

d) Preserve the Unity of the Spirit Through Peace (Ephesians 4:3)

Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Unity requires deliberate effort. It is not maintained automatically, especially when people have different personalities, expectations and preferences. Believers must be willing to listen, apologise, communicate clearly and seek biblical solutions to disagreements.

Peace does not require us to compromise the truth of Scripture. Instead, it calls us to handle disagreements in a manner that honours Christ and avoids unnecessary hostility. We should distinguish between defending essential biblical truth and insisting that everyone share our personal preferences.

Make it your commitment to be a peacemaker. Do not feed quarrels or take pleasure in division. Where you have contributed to conflict, humble yourself and take responsibility for making things right.

Biblical Example: The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-29)

The early Church faced a serious disagreement about whether Gentile believers had to adopt the Jewish practice of circumcision to be saved. The apostles and elders gathered, examined the matter in the light of God's work and the Scriptures, and reached a decision that upheld salvation by God's grace. Their example shows the importance of addressing disagreements through prayer, biblical truth, wise counsel and a concern for the unity of the Church.

CONCLUSION

Ephesians 4:6 reveals the greatness and nearness of God: He is one God and Father of all, above all, through all and in His people. He is the supreme Lord of creation, the Father who welcomes believers through Jesus Christ, the One who sustains and works through His creation, and the God who dwells in His people through the Holy Spirit. His fatherhood gives us identity, His sovereignty gives us confidence, His sustaining power gives us hope, and His presence calls us to holiness.

Let us therefore live as people who truly know our heavenly Father. Worship Him with reverence, trust His authority, make ourselves available for His purposes and yield to the transforming work of His Spirit. Let us also demonstrate His character by loving fellow believers, rejecting discrimination, forgiving one another and preserving the unity of the Church. May our lives bring glory to the one God and Father of all through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Heavenly Father, reveal Yourself more deeply to me and help me to worship You as the one true God with reverence and wholehearted devotion, in Jesus name.

2. Father, help me to understand my identity in Christ and live daily in the assurance that I have been received into Your family through Your grace, in Jesus name.

3. Lord, deliver me from pride, idolatry and every attitude that competes with Your rightful place in my heart, in Jesus name.

4. Father, strengthen my faith in Your sovereignty and help me to trust You when I face difficulties, uncertainties and opposition, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, make me available for Your purposes and use my gifts, abilities and opportunities to bless others and advance Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.

6. Holy Spirit, strengthen my inner person, renew my spiritual life and produce Your fruit in my character, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to live in holiness and honour You in my thoughts, speech, relationships and private conduct, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, remove tribalism, prejudice, jealousy and bitterness from my heart, and teach me to love fellow believers as members of Your family, in Jesus name.

9. Father, bring healing to divided families and congregations, and give Your Church the grace to preserve unity through truth, forgiveness and peace, in Jesus name.

10. Heavenly Father, let my life continually reflect Your goodness, faithfulness and love, and use me to bring glory to Your name through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall grow in the knowledge of God as your heavenly Father, and your relationship with Him shall become stronger, deeper and more fruitful through Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. You shall walk in the assurance of your identity in Christ, and the opinions of people, the pain of your past and the uncertainties of your future shall not define your worth before God, in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. You shall grow in confidence in God's sovereignty, and when challenges arise, you shall receive grace to stand firm, pray faithfully and follow His direction, in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. God shall strengthen you to use your gifts, talents and opportunities wisely, and your life shall become a blessing to your family, church and community, in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You shall grow in spiritual strength, and the Holy Spirit shall help you develop a life marked by love, patience, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. You shall not be ruled by pride, fear or the desire for human approval; you shall learn to submit your plans to God and walk humbly before Him, in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. You shall become a builder of unity in the body of Christ, and your words and actions shall encourage peace, reconciliation and mutual respect among believers, in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. You shall receive grace to forgive those who offend you, wisdom to establish healthy boundaries and courage to pursue what is right according to God's Word, in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. Your home and congregation shall grow in the knowledge of God, the practice of genuine love and the commitment to serve Christ faithfully, in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You shall continue to trust the one God and Father of all, walk in obedience to Jesus Christ and yield to the Holy Spirit, and your life shall bring honour to God from generation to generation, in the mighty name of Jesus.