Introduction: Ephesians 4 speaks to the heart of Christian unity and growth. Paul encourages believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, emphasizing unity, spiritual maturity, and the diversity of gifts within the church. The ultimate goal is for the church to function as one body, growing in love and truth. This chapter gives us a guide for how each member can contribute to the strength and health of the entire church body, and it will still work, even in year 2024.
I. Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16)
In the first part of the chapter, Paul urges Christians to live with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, preserving the unity of the Spirit through peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). He points to the fact, that there is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God (Ephesians 4:4-6). These shared beliefs form the foundation for unity, which is the same unity among believers talked about in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. Christ has given gifts to each person for the building up of the body (Ephesians 4:7-12), like the Bible has already mentioned mentioned in Romans 12:6-8. The goal for each believer is to become mature, taking on the fullness of Christ, and trying to avoid being a spiritual babe (Ephesians 4:13-14). The church must speak the truth in love, growing stronger as each part does its work (Ephesians 4:15-16), much like the body mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:26-27.
II. The Old Self and the New Self (Ephesians 4:17-24)
Here in these verses, Paul contrasts the old life of futility and corruption with the new life in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-19). Believers must put off the old self and be renewed in the spirit of their minds (Ephesians 4:20-23). This renewal Paul talks about here is the same as he spoke about in Romans 12:2. The new self is created to be like God in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24), bringing to mind the new creation mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:17.
III. Instructions for Christian Living (Ephesians 4:25-32)
In the final verses, Paul gives an outline for living out the new life. Christians should be truthful (Ephesians 4:25), a reflection of the truth mentioned in Zechariah 8:16. They should manage their anger righteously (Ephesians 4:26-27), as the Psalmist encouraged us to do in Psalm 4:4. They should work honestly and share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28), following the wisdom of Proverbs 28:27. Wholesome speech should replace corrupt communication (Ephesians 4:29), reminding us of the wisdom in Proverbs 15:4. Believers must avoid grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), as they are sealed the Holy Spirit for redemption, which is somewhat like a verse found in Isaiah 63:10. Lastly, all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be put away, replaced by kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32), a reflection of the mercy shown in Colossians 3:12-13.
Conclusion: In Ephesians 4, Paul delivers a powerful message on Christian unity, maturity, and ethical living. By embracing the one faith and one Spirit that bond believers together, Christians are called to be a reflection of Christ in every aspect of life. We should cast off our old selves and adopt a new identity that mirrors God’s righteousness. Through loving speech, forgiveness, and righteous conduct, believers demonstrate the life changing power of the gospel. This chapter encourages all believers to contribute positively to the body of Christ, ensuring that the church fulfills its purpose as a beacon of love and truth in the world.
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