Ephesians 4:1-16 Theology of Oneness

Introduction of Scripture Passage

Ephesians 4:1–16 (LRC Eph): Ephesians 4 marks a shift in the structure of the letter. In the first three chapters, Paul extolled God and His marvelous salvation, which hinges on Christ’s redemptive accomplishments and forms a new humanity—the body of Christ. Now Paul moves from exaltation to exhortation, urging his readers to be united in faith and life.

Ephesians 4:1–16 (LRC Eph): He begins by imploring them to maintain unity. He bases this appeal on their calling, the subject of his previous discussion (Eph 1–3), and on a sevenfold statement of oneness. Their identity is founded upon this understanding of oneness, and they can remain united because of it.

Paul’s entreaty is further strengthened by noting the diversity of gifts Christ has made available to the body. This diversity emphasizes the body’s interdependence, which is necessary for its maturity. By understanding their God-ordained functions within the framework of a cohesive unit—a body—Paul’s audience can avoid the factions and divisiveness that impede unity and spiritual growth. They can function as one and for one another, all the while resisting false teaching and maturing in their understanding as disciples of Jesus.

Main Idea: We will evaluate the missional components to oneness we have in Christ. What does it proclaim to the world? Can we carry out the mission of God a divided people?

In context that are intentionally cross-ethnic, cross-class, and cross-generational being united in Christ has to be foundational.

Our strategies become null and void without the wisdom and love of God.

Ephesians 2:11–22 (ESV)

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Important for us to realize that God is building his kingdom. This kingdom agenda rids itself of hate and division, instead it seeks to provide gospel hope. This hope is restorative and reconciling.

Identity Restored

Family

Shared Story/Testimony

Celebrating Differences

with all humility

gentleness

with patience

bearing with one another in love

eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

How do these characteristics help us to carry out gospel oneness and mission? Remember these godly characteristics are what attracts people to the children of God.

Colossians 3:12–13 (ESV)

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon and to the Ephesians (2. Cofession of Faith (4:4–6))

Confession of Faith

4 There is one body and one Spirit (as indeed you were called8 in one hope of your calling);

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

6 one God and9 Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.10

A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ (2.1. The One Church and Its Mission (4:1–16))

“One” is the drumbeat in verses 4–6, as Paul uses this word to characterize seven facets of Christian existence: “one body,” “one Spirit,” “one hope,” “one Lord,” “one faith,” “one baptism,” “one God and Father of all.” Only two of these require comment. “Faith” might refer to the act of believing, but it is probably rather here the content of what is believed.90 “Baptism” (baptisma) has, of course, the root notion of “immersion,” and some interpreters think it here may refer to the believer’s “immersion” into Christ’s death.91 However, sixteen of the nineteen New Testament occurrences of this noun refer to the rite of immersion in water. Almost certainly, then, Paul refers here to this Christian rite of initiation—although there is a lot to be said for thinking that water baptism is viewed as part of a larger “conversion-initiation” process.92

How are we equipping the saints for the work of ministry for the building up the body of Christ?

Ephesians Chapter 13: Owner’s Manual for the Church (Ephesians 4:1–16)

In the remaining chapters, Paul pours his efforts into describing how the church purchased by Christ’s sacrifice must function in order to fulfill its mission

Dependence on Christ and Interdependence upon one other (4:16)

Our job is to continue to encourage our all of God’s people to join us in as we carry out God’s mission together.