Ephesians 4: Living a Life Worthy of Our Calling
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ;
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil.
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4 marks a significant transition in Paul's letter. The first three chapters lay a foundation of profound theological truths about our identity in Christ and the mystery of the church. Now, beginning with "therefore" in Ephesians 4:1, Paul bridges the gap between belief and behavior, urging believers to live in a manner consistent with the incredible grace they've received. The emphasis shifts from who we are in Christ to how we should then live. This chapter can be broadly divided into two main sections: the unity of believers and the new life in Christ.
Unity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Paul, writing from prison, passionately appeals to Christians to live out their calling with humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:1-2). These virtues are not merely suggestions; they are essential for maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). This unity isn't something we create; it's a reality established by God, which we are called to preserve. Think of it like a sports team: each player has a unique role, but they all work together toward the same goal.
This unity is grounded in several fundamental truths: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6). These "ones" highlight the common foundation upon which all believers stand. To disrupt this unity is to deny our very oneness in Christ, like cancerous cells refusing to unify with the body, pursuing their own destructive agenda. Satan knows that disunity can shut down God’s people, since God is a God of order.
However, unity does not mean uniformity. God, in His grace, has given each believer a unique spiritual gift (Ephesians 4:7), a spiritual ability to be used in service to God's people for the expansion of his kingdom. Paul draws from Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8) to illustrate Christ's victory and subsequent bestowal of gifts. Just as a conquering king distributes spoils to his people, Jesus, having triumphed over sin and death, empowers His followers with gifts. The "descending" and "ascending" of Christ (Ephesians 4:9-10) likely refer to His incarnation and ascension, though some interpret the descent as Christ's activity during the time between His death and resurrection.
These gifts are manifested through various roles within the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Some believe that "pastor-teacher" is a single role. These leaders have the vital purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). The goal is maturity, unity, and a deeper knowledge of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Spiritual gifts, including those in leadership, are blessings that contribute to the overall health and growth of the church.
Maturity is crucial because it protects believers from being easily swayed by false teachings and deceptive schemes (Ephesians 4:14). Instead, mature believers speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), focusing on Christ, who holds the body together (Ephesians 4:16). Like the interconnected roots of redwood trees that allow them to withstand strong winds, the church grows strong when each part contributes to the whole, properly fitted and knit together.
Living the New Life in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-32)
The second half of Ephesians 4 (Ephesians 4:17-32) transitions to the practical implications of our new identity in Christ. Paul emphasizes that believers must no longer live as the Gentiles do (Ephesians 4:17), referring to those without a saving knowledge of Christ. He describes the futility of their thinking, their darkened understanding, and their separation from God due to a hardness of heart (Ephesians 4:17-18). They have become callous, giving themselves over to sensuality and impurity (Ephesians 4:19). Paul uses the word "walk" (live) to illustrate how those in Christ are no longer to conduct themselves like the mass of humanity surrounding them.
"But that is not the way you learned Christ!" (Ephesians 4:20). Believers have heard about Him and been taught in Him, and the truth is found in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21). To learn Christ is not just to learn about Him, but to enter into a relationship with Him. The better you know Jesus, the better you’ll make sense of truth.
This relationship demands transformation. We must "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). Salvation brings a new wardrobe, but we must actively take off the old clothes to put on the new.
Paul then provides specific examples of how this new life manifests itself in practical ways:
- Truthfulness: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another" (Ephesians 4:25). Since we are interconnected in the body of Christ, honesty and transparency are essential.
- Righteous Anger: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (Ephesians 4:26). Anger is not inherently sinful, but it must be controlled and dealt with appropriately, preventing the devil from gaining a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).
- Honest Labor: "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need" (Ephesians 4:28). Instead of taking from others, believers should work diligently to provide for themselves and contribute to the needs of others.
- Edifying Speech: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29). Our words should be used to encourage and uplift, ministering grace to those who hear.
- Avoiding Grief to the Holy Spirit: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). Our actions and attitudes can sadden the Spirit who dwells within us.
- Kindness and Forgiveness: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32). Just as God has forgiven us, we are called to extend forgiveness to others, releasing bitterness and resentment.
Ephesians 4 presents a powerful call to unity and transformation. It reminds us that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life. By embracing our new identity in Christ, cultivating unity within the church, and actively putting off our old selves, we can live a life worthy of the calling we have received, bringing glory to God and building up His kingdom.
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ;
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil.
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4 marks a significant transition in Paul's letter. The first three chapters lay a foundation of profound theological truths about our identity in Christ and the mystery of the church. Now, beginning with "therefore" in Ephesians 4:1, Paul bridges the gap between belief and behavior, urging believers to live in a manner consistent with the incredible grace they've received. The emphasis shifts from who we are in Christ to how we should then live. This chapter can be broadly divided into two main sections: the unity of believers and the new life in Christ.
Unity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Paul, writing from prison, passionately appeals to Christians to live out their calling with humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:1-2). These virtues are not merely suggestions; they are essential for maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). This unity isn't something we create; it's a reality established by God, which we are called to preserve. Think of it like a sports team: each player has a unique role, but they all work together toward the same goal.
This unity is grounded in several fundamental truths: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6). These "ones" highlight the common foundation upon which all believers stand. To disrupt this unity is to deny our very oneness in Christ, like cancerous cells refusing to unify with the body, pursuing their own destructive agenda. Satan knows that disunity can shut down God’s people, since God is a God of order.
However, unity does not mean uniformity. God, in His grace, has given each believer a unique spiritual gift (Ephesians 4:7), a spiritual ability to be used in service to God's people for the expansion of his kingdom. Paul draws from Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8) to illustrate Christ's victory and subsequent bestowal of gifts. Just as a conquering king distributes spoils to his people, Jesus, having triumphed over sin and death, empowers His followers with gifts. The "descending" and "ascending" of Christ (Ephesians 4:9-10) likely refer to His incarnation and ascension, though some interpret the descent as Christ's activity during the time between His death and resurrection.
These gifts are manifested through various roles within the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Some believe that "pastor-teacher" is a single role. These leaders have the vital purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). The goal is maturity, unity, and a deeper knowledge of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Spiritual gifts, including those in leadership, are blessings that contribute to the overall health and growth of the church.
Maturity is crucial because it protects believers from being easily swayed by false teachings and deceptive schemes (Ephesians 4:14). Instead, mature believers speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), focusing on Christ, who holds the body together (Ephesians 4:16). Like the interconnected roots of redwood trees that allow them to withstand strong winds, the church grows strong when each part contributes to the whole, properly fitted and knit together.
Living the New Life in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-32)
The second half of Ephesians 4 (Ephesians 4:17-32) transitions to the practical implications of our new identity in Christ. Paul emphasizes that believers must no longer live as the Gentiles do (Ephesians 4:17), referring to those without a saving knowledge of Christ. He describes the futility of their thinking, their darkened understanding, and their separation from God due to a hardness of heart (Ephesians 4:17-18). They have become callous, giving themselves over to sensuality and impurity (Ephesians 4:19). Paul uses the word "walk" (live) to illustrate how those in Christ are no longer to conduct themselves like the mass of humanity surrounding them.
"But that is not the way you learned Christ!" (Ephesians 4:20). Believers have heard about Him and been taught in Him, and the truth is found in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21). To learn Christ is not just to learn about Him, but to enter into a relationship with Him. The better you know Jesus, the better you’ll make sense of truth.
This relationship demands transformation. We must "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). Salvation brings a new wardrobe, but we must actively take off the old clothes to put on the new.
Paul then provides specific examples of how this new life manifests itself in practical ways:
- Truthfulness: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another" (Ephesians 4:25). Since we are interconnected in the body of Christ, honesty and transparency are essential.
- Righteous Anger: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (Ephesians 4:26). Anger is not inherently sinful, but it must be controlled and dealt with appropriately, preventing the devil from gaining a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).
- Honest Labor: "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need" (Ephesians 4:28). Instead of taking from others, believers should work diligently to provide for themselves and contribute to the needs of others.
- Edifying Speech: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29). Our words should be used to encourage and uplift, ministering grace to those who hear.
- Avoiding Grief to the Holy Spirit: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). Our actions and attitudes can sadden the Spirit who dwells within us.
- Kindness and Forgiveness: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32). Just as God has forgiven us, we are called to extend forgiveness to others, releasing bitterness and resentment.
Ephesians 4 presents a powerful call to unity and transformation. It reminds us that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life. By embracing our new identity in Christ, cultivating unity within the church, and actively putting off our old selves, we can live a life worthy of the calling we have received, bringing glory to God and building up His kingdom.