Introduction

Ephesians 4 marks a transition from doctrine to practice. Having established the believer's identity in Christ (chapters 1-3), Paul now calls them to live out that identity. This chapter emphasizes unity in the body, the diverse gifts that build up the church, and the radical transformation expected in Christian character.

The Call to Unity

[1-6] Paul urges believers to walk worthily and maintain the unity the Spirit has created.

• Walk worthy [1]: As a prisoner for the Lord, Paul urges them to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called"
• Humility and gentleness [2]: This worthy walk requires humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love
• Eager to maintain unity [3]: Believers must be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace—unity is a gift to preserve, not create
• Seven unities [4-6]: There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father—diversity exists within fundamental unity

Gifts for Building Up

[7-16] Christ gives diverse gifts to equip believers for ministry and build up the body.

• Grace given to each [7]: Grace was given to each one according to Christ's gift—every believer has received grace for service
• Ascending and descending [8-10]: Christ descended (incarnation/death) and ascended (resurrection/exaltation) to fill all things and give gifts
• Leadership gifts [11]: Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to the church
• To equip the saints [12]: These leaders exist to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ
• Unity and maturity [13]: The goal is unity of faith and knowledge of Christ, mature manhood, the measure of the stature of Christ's fullness
• No longer children [14]: Maturity means no longer being tossed by every wind of doctrine or human cunning
• Speaking truth in love [15]: Growth happens by speaking the truth in love—truth without love damages; love without truth deceives
• The whole body grows [16]: As each part works properly, the whole body grows and builds itself up in love

The Old Self vs. the New

[17-24] Paul contrasts Gentile futility with the new life believers have learned in Christ.

• No longer walk as Gentiles [17]: Believers must no longer live as unbelievers do, in the futility of their minds
• Darkened understanding [18]: Unbelievers are darkened in understanding, alienated from God's life due to ignorance and hardness of heart
• Given themselves up [19]: Having become callous, they have given themselves to sensuality and every kind of impurity
• Not what you learned [20-21]: But believers have learned Christ—if indeed they heard Him and were taught in Him as truth is in Jesus
• Put off the old self [22]: They were taught to put off their old self, corrupt through deceitful desires
• Renewed in mind [23]: The transformation involves being renewed in the spirit of their minds
• Put on the new self [24]: They must put on the new self, created after God's likeness in true righteousness and holiness

Practical Instructions

[25-32] Paul gives specific commands for living out the new self in community.

• Put away falsehood [25]: Having put away falsehood, speak truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another
• Anger without sin [26]: Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger—anger must be brief and righteous
• No opportunity for the devil [27]: Unresolved anger gives the devil a foothold
• Work instead of steal [28]: Thieves must stop stealing and work honestly, so they have something to share with those in need
• Wholesome speech [29]: No corrupting talk but only what is good for building up, that it may give grace to hearers
• Don't grieve the Spirit [30]: The Holy Spirit by whom believers were sealed can be grieved by sinful behavior
• Put away bitterness [31]: Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice must all be removed
• Be kind and forgiving [32]: Instead, be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you

Key Takeaways

• Unity requires effort [3]: The Spirit creates unity, but believers must be eager to maintain it
• Gifts are for others [12]: Spiritual gifts exist to equip saints for ministry and build up the body
• Transformation is expected [22-24]: The Christian life involves actively putting off old patterns and putting on new ones
• Community affects behavior [25-32]: Our interconnection as members of one body shapes how we must treat each other

Reflection Questions

• What does it practically look like for you to "maintain the unity of the Spirit" in your church community?
• How are you using the grace and gifts God has given you to equip and build up others?
• Is there any area of your life where you are still walking in the "old self" rather than the new?