Unity and Commitment in the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:1-6)

Big Idea: True church membership is not just about belonging, but about living out our commitment to one another as Redeemed Local Church.

I. The need for unity (v. 1)

To walk worthy of our calling

We see the calling first in chapter 1 where we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in that the Father selected us, the Son redeemed us, and the Spirit sealed us (1:3–14).

Because of these blessings Paul prays that the believers might know God and thus know the hope of their calling, God’s inheritance in the saints, and God’s power toward or in the believers (1:15–23).

This calling proceeds from the individual to the union of the Jews and Gentiles into one body, called the church (2:11–3:13).

Because of this call of Jews and Gentiles into one body, Paul prays for Christ’s strengthening love in order that the union would not only be true theologically but also experientially among the believers (3:14–21).

Because of this calling to individual salvation and to a corporate body of believers, Paul draws the inference that we should walk worthy of that calling (4:1).

The imperative “to walk” is used not only to gives a sense of urgencyfor the church, but also a note of authority.

This indicates that the believer is to change his or her conduct from what it was previously practiced.

II. The virtues of unity (vv. 2-3)

A. The Manner

humility, Christ is the supreme example of humility (Phil 2:6–8). Paul has emphasized unity—pride provokes disunity whereas humility engenders unity.

gentleness,

It is mentioned as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23).

Throughout the NT it has the idea of “gentleness.” However, it must not be confused with the idea of weakness.

Jesus was gentle and humble in heart (πραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ, Matt 11:29) but not weak.

The word never connotes the idea of weakness. Rather, it implies the conscious exercise of selfcontrol, exhibiting a conscious choice of gentleness as opposed to the use of power for the purpose of retaliation.

Only the person who is controlled by the Spirit of God can truly be gentle—angry at the right time and never angry at the wrong time.

When such a person is wronged, he or she does not seek revenge, but when a wrong has been committed toward a brother or sister, or the body of believers, he or she has the power to address the situation.

patience, with patience,” is the third characteristic of the believer walking in conformity to his or her calling.

A walk worthy of our call demands humility, gentleness, and patience. In other words, these words do not describe an automatic response but one that demands conscious effort on the part of the believer who relies on the Spirit.

B. The Means

tolerance (bearing or forebearing), differences between believers are to be tolerated.

love,

and peace

believers are to make every effort to preserve the unity which has its origin in the Holy Spirit.

III. The basis of unity: The seven “ones” (vv. 4–6).

(i) One body

(ii) One Spirit

(iii) One hope

(iv) One Lord- Christ is the “one Lord” who provided redemption (1:7), hope (1:12), and headship over the church (1:22–23).

(v) One faith-

(vi) One baptism- Baptism signifies identification as seen in the baptism of Israel into Moses as they went through the Red Sea (1 Cor 10:2) and the baptism of the disciples with reference to Christ’s death (Mark 10:38).

there is unity in the one Lord in whom believers place their one faith expressed in one baptism signifying their identification in Christ death and resurrection.

(vii) One God and Father of all

Trinitarian Lens: The Trinity is the ultimate example of unity and community.

Christ Lens: Christ’s life and sacrifice establish the basis for church membership, binding believers into one body under His lordship. Christ Himself is the peace we seek and the unity we are called to uphold.

When do you start to participate?