United By Christ: Remember Your Walk!

Introduction:

Connect to our Wealth from yesterday!

The Text:

Ephesians 4:1–16 KJV 1900

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 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: 14 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; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 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.

Prayer:

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

Before we look at this section in detail, we must note two important words in Ephesians 4:1: therefore and beseech. The word therefore indicates that Paul is basing his exhortations to duty on the doctrines taught in the first three chapters. (Rom. 12:1–2 are parallel verses.) The Christian life is not based on ignorance but knowledge, and the better we understand Bible doctrine, the easier it is to obey Bible duties.

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

The word beseech indicates that God, in love, urges us to live for His glory. He does not say, as He did to the Old Testament Jews, “If you obey Me, I will bless you.” Rather, He says, “I have already blessed you—now, in response to My love and grace, obey Me.” He has given us such a marvelous calling in Christ; now it is our responsibility to live up to that calling.

Unity:

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

The main idea in these first sixteen verses is the unity of believers in Christ. This is simply the practical application of the doctrine taught in the first half of the letter: God is building a body, a temple. He has reconciled Jews and Gentiles to Himself in Christ. The oneness of believers in Christ is already a spiritual reality. Our responsibility is to guard, protect, and preserve that unity.

Manner of Unity (Visible)

Lowliness

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16)

“Humility is that grace that, when you know you have it, you have lost it.”

Ephesians - Philemon (Volume 11) ePh esians 4:1–6

In light of the emphasis on unity in this section, Paul stresses the need for humility, since pride is destructive of community life. Indeed, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5, citing Prov. 3:34).

Meekness

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

In the Greek language, this word was used for a soothing medicine, a colt that had been broken, and a soft wind. In each case you have power, but that power is under control.

Ephesians - Philemon (Volume 11) (ePh esians 4:1–6)

Paul lists “gentleness” as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23) and emphasizes that it is needed when restoring someone who has sinned (Gal. 6:1) or correcting someone who is in error (2 Tim. 2:25).

Longsuffering

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16)

the ability to endure discomfort without fighting back.

Exodus 34:6 KJV 1900

6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Means to Unity (Visible)

Forbearing

1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV 1900

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Colossians 3:13 KJV 1900

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Endeavouring

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

The verb used here is a present participle, which means we must constantly be endeavoring to maintain this unity. In fact, when we think the situation is the best, Satan will move in to wreck it. The spiritual unity of a home, a Sunday School class, or a church is the responsibility of each person involved, and the job never ends.

Colossians 3:15 KJV 1900

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Motivation for Unity (Invisible)

One Body

English Standard Version (Chapter 12)

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

One Spirit

One Hope

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16)

This refers to the return of the Lord to take His church to heaven. The Holy Spirit within is the assurance of this great promise (Eph. 1:13–14).

Ephesians 1:13–14 (KJV 1900)

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

One Lord

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

This is our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us, lives for us, and one day will come for us. It is difficult to believe that two believers can claim to obey the same Lord, and yet not be able to walk together in unity.

One Faith

Jude 3 (KJV 1900)

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV 1900)

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

One Baptism

1 Corinthians 12:12–13 (KJV 1900)

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

One God

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

The marvelous oneness of believers in the family of God is evident here, for God is over all, and working through all, and in all. We are children in the same family, loving and serving the same Father, so we ought to be able to walk together in unity. Just as in an earthly family, the various members have to give and take in order to keep a loving unity in the home, so God’s heavenly family must do the same. The “Lord’s Prayer” opens with “Our Father”—not “My Father.”

Ephesians - Philemon (Volume 11) (EPHESIANS 4:7–16)

“One” was used in reference to the sevenfold unity, and it underscores that each member ought to be a contributor and participant in that unity through his use of the gifts given to him. These gifts are based not on the believers’ works or merit but “according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Christ graciously and sovereignly distributes gifts to every member of his body.

Ministers of Unity (v. 11)

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

How does the believer discover and develop his gifts? By fellowshipping with other Christians in the local assembly. Gifts are not toys to play with. They are tools to build with. And if they are not used in love, they become weapons to fight with, which is what happened in the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 12–14). Christians are not to live in isolation, for after all, they are members of the same body.

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

There are three lists of spiritual gifts given in the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 27–31; Romans 12:3–8; and Ephesians 4:11. Since these lists are not identical, it may be that Paul has not named all the gifts that are available. Paul wrote that some gifts are more important than others, but that all believers are needed if the body is to function normally (1 Cor. 14:5, 39). Paul named, not so much “gifts” as the gifted men God has placed in the church, and there are four of them.

Apostles

“one who is sent with a commission…as divinely appointed representative”

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

The Apostles were to give witness of the Resurrection (Acts 1:15–22), and therefore had to have seen the risen Christ personally (1 Cor. 9:1–2). There are no apostles today in the strictest New Testament sense. These men helped to lay the foundation of the church—“the foundation laid by the Apostles and prophets” (Eph. 2:20), and once the foundation was laid, they were no longer needed. God authenticated their ministry with special miracles (Heb. 2:1–4), so we should not demand these same miracles today. Of course, in a broad sense, all Christians have an apostolic ministry. “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you” (John 20:21).

Prophets

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16)

A New Testament prophet is one who proclaims the Word of God

Evangelist

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

“Bearers of the Good News.” These men traveled from place to place to preach the Gospel and win the lost (Acts 8:26–40; 21:28). All ministers should “do the work of an evangelist,” but this does not mean that all ministers are evangelists (2 Tim. 4:5).

2 Timothy 4:5 KJV 1900

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Pastor-Teachers

Shepherd via the Word

Feed

Lead

Protect

For the perfecting of the saints...

For the work of the ministry...

For the edifying of the body of Christ:

Maturing in Unity

Christ-likeness (v. 13)

Stability (v. 14)

Truth & Love (v. 15)

Proverbs 27:6 KJV 1900

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

It has well been said that truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy.

Cooperation (v. 16)

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

We realize that, as members of the one body and a local body, we belong to each other, we affect each other, and we need each other. Each believer, no matter how he may appear, has a ministry to other believers. The body grows as the individual members grow, and they grow as they feed on the Word and minister to each other.

Conclusion:

Ephesians - Philemon (Volume 11) THE NEED FOR UNITY

Unity is not an option for believers. It is essential to the very message we proclaim. The gospel declares the good news that, through Jesus, God has provided a way of reconciliation with himself. When we do not display to one another the peace that God brings, our message is compromised. The unity of believers impacts our testimony to the world (John 17:22–23). Paul, therefore, strongly urges us to “to walk in a manner worthy” of our calling (Eph. 4:1). We fulfill this command by seeking to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (v. 3). Unity is not an add-on to Christianity. It is at the very heart of our faith.

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: Let’s Walk Together (Ephesians 4:1–16))

So, then, spiritual unity is not something we manufacture. It is something we already have in Christ, and we must protect and maintain it.

Truth unites, but lies divide.

Love unites, but selfishness divides.

Therefore, “speaking the truth in love,” let us equip one another and edify one another, that all of us may grow up to be more like Christ.