Ephesians 4:1-3 • The Call is High, The Heart is Low, The Bond is Strong

HOOK:

Everyone wants the benefits of being a Christian — but are we actually living like we belong to Jesus?

Paul says your walk should match your calling.

And spoiler alert — that starts with humility, patience, and how we treat each other.

The world is watching… the question is, do they see Jesus?

Review & Overview

1. Ephesians’ Overview

Here, in chapters 4–6, Paul shifts gears. He lays out what it looks like to live out our faith, with 35 specific instructions on how to walk worthy of our calling.

He moves from big spiritual truths to practical, everyday life—how we relate to others, live in unity, and even fight spiritual battles.

Ephesians starts in the spiritual but ends in the physical regarding relationships, and in the real world.

So Chapters 4-6 deals with the Christian’s Position Physically.

2 Previous Study’s Review

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3. Current Study’s Overview

That brings us to Chp. 4 and our portion of Scripture.

The Title of Today’s Sermon is: The Call is High, The Heart is Low, The Bond is Strong

Because… Do you ever notice how some jobs or roles automatically come with a certain expectation?

You hear the word “doctor” — you expect professionalism.

You hear “parent” — you expect responsibility.

But when you hear “Christian” — what do you people expect?

The truth is, God’s called us to something higher than a title or a label.

Being a follower of Jesus comes with a standard — not to earn God’s love, but because we’ve already received it.

It’s not about being perfect, but it is about how we live, how we love, and how we treat each other.

Today, we’re diving into a passage where Paul basically says, “Hey, if you belong to Jesus — walk like it, love like it, stay united like it.”

This isn’t about religion — it’s about reflecting the One who called us.

If your taking notes we want to look at 3 “E’s” about our Calling…

1. The Elevation of our Calling Vs. 1

2. The Evidence of our Calling Vs. 2

3. The Essence of our Calling Vs. 3

1. The Elevation of our Calling Vs. 1

1.1 The Christian Calling is Worthy Vs. 1

When Paul says, “I beseech you,” that’s his way of encouraging and pushing believers to take this seriously.

He’s not barking out orders like a drill sergeant, but he’s pleading with them as a pastor who cares deeply.

And you’ll see him do this in other letters too, it's kind of his signature move when transitioning into practical sections.

Now notice how Paul refers to himself as “the prisoner in the Lord.” 

He did this earlier in chapter 3:1.

And it’s not just for sympathy points — it’s a reminder that his whole life, even his suffering, is under the lordship of Christ.

His imprisonment wasn’t random or meaningless; it happened because of his commitment to sharing the Gospel and building unity among believers.

So when he challenges them to live worthy of their calling, he’s doing it from a place of sacrifice, not just words.

APPLICATION: If Paul could live worthy of his calling chained to a Roman guard, what’s stopping us from living worthy of ours in the middle of our hard days?

Your circumstances don’t cancel your calling — they reveal your commitment to it.

The question isn’t, “Is life hard?” — it’s, “Will I still walk like I belong to Jesus when it is?”

Now notice there in the middle of Vs. 1 where Paul talks about living “worthy of the calling with which you were called,” 

Paul is connecting our daily choices to the big-picture story of what God’s already done for us.

This isn’t about trying to earn salvation — that’s already covered by grace.

But just like in 2 Corinthians 5:20 where Paul calls believers Christ’s ambassadors, this is about living in a way that reflects who we now are in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV

20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

It’s not just a Sunday thing — it’s how you talk, how you carry yourself, how you treat others — it’s the whole package.

Now notice the word walk. Paul loves using this idea of “walking” to describe how we live.

Earlier in Ephesians (2:1-2), he talked about how we used to “walk” in sin, following the world’s ways.

But now, because of what God’s done, we’re called to walk in the good works He’s prepared for us (2:10).

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

This same idea keeps showing up throughout chapters 4 to 6 — because how we walk reflects who we belong to (see 4:17; 5:2, 8, 15).

Ephesians 4:17 “17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,”

Ephesians 5:2 “2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us…”

Now the word “calling” their towards the end of Vs. 1 shows up all over Paul’s letters, and it’s not just a casual invitation…

It’s God Himself pulling people into a relationship with His Son, bringing them into His family, His kingdom, and His glory. Look at…

1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV

9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:30 NKJV

30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Here in Ephesians, Paul reminds us believers that we’ve already been called into…

1. salvation (1:3-14),

2. into hope (1:18),

3. into unity with Christ (2:6),

4. into this new humanity where Jews and Gentiles are one (2:13-16).

So we are a part of God’s family, His temple, His church — and with that comes both huge blessings and real responsibility.

Because God didn’t just save us to sit around.

Him choosing us, Him adopting us into His family (1:4-5), and Him preparing good works for us to walk in (2:10) means He expects us to respond — to actually live this out.

Our lives should match the calling we’ve received.

And the rest of the letter goes in depth on what that actually looks like practically.

But it all starts with this big, simple idea: Live like you belong to Jesus — because you do.

2. The Evidence of our Calling Vs. 2

Paul doesn’t just tell us to live worthy of our calling in a vague kinda way— here, he starts spelling out exactly what that looks like.

And it all starts with how we treat each other in the church.

The first thing on the list? Lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, and putting up with each other in love.

That might not sound appealing, but it’s essential if we’re going to live the way God’s called us to.

And also notice, Paul jumps straight into relationships — how we act towards each other as believers.

Unity, harmony, getting along — that’s not some side note, that’s front and center in what it means to live for Christ.

Paul doesn’t even get into our relationship with the world until verse 17.

First, he deals with how we’re supposed to act with each other.

APPLICATION: Because let’s be real! some of us have better relationships with the world than with each other…

It’s easy to smile at strangers and be polite at work — but how are we treating the people sitting next to us in church?

Paul makes it clear — the evidence of our calling starts right here, with each other.

If we can’t show love, patience, and humility in the family of God, what message are we sending to the world?

We don’t just preach unity — we prove it in how we treat one another.

These qualities — lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, love — they aren’t optional. Without them, unity falls apart.

They’re not just nice to have — they’re required if the church is going to stick together the way God intends.

Because at the end of the day, Paul is telling us to cultivate the same heart and attitude we see in Jesus Himself.

These aren’t just random character traits — they’re part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and they are also a reflection of what Christ has already done for us through His death and resurrection (Ephesians 2:14-18).

Because Jesus brought us peace and unity through the cross — now it’s our job to live that out with each other.

2.1 Lowliness Vs. 2a

Now, humility — or lowliness — is a loaded word.

In the ancient Greek world, people didn’t think being lowly was a good thing. It was seen as weak, shameful, or like you were just crawling around, lacking dignity.

But the Bible flips that thinking on its head. In the Old Testament, being humble or lowly shows up over 250 times, and it’s almost always in the context of God humbling the proud and lifting up those who trust Him and walk humbly.

In the New Testament, humility is about how we serve God and treat others.

Paul himself modeled this — when he was ministering to the Ephesians, he did it with great humility.

Acts 20:19 NKJV

19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

And we’re called to that same attitude — not just with God, but in how we interact with one another.

Philippians 2:3 NKJV

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Colossians 3:12 NKJV

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

1 Peter 5:5 NKJV

5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

And the ultimate example, of course, is Jesus. He described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29) — not proud, not pushy, but approachable and humble.

Matthew 11:29 NKJV

29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

So this theme of humility runs all through the Bible and God honors the lowly and humbles the proud.

But the perfect example of humility is found in Philippians 2:6-11 — that beautiful picture of Jesus humbling Himself, stepping down from heaven, becoming a servant, and even going to the cross.

And because of that, God exalted Him above all. That’s the pattern for us — to live with true humility, putting others before ourselves and genuinely caring about their needs.

APPLICATION: In a world that celebrates pride, self-promotion, and platform — God calls us to something better: lowliness.

True greatness in the kingdom isn’t about climbing higher, it’s about stooping lower.

If Jesus humbled Himself to serve, how can we justify walking around with an inflated ego?

Real humility isn’t weakness — it’s Christlikeness.

2.2 Gentleness Vs. 2b

The next quality Paul points to is gentleness, or what’s sometimes translated meekness.

Now, that word often gets misunderstood. Back in the ancient world, people thought being gentle or meek made you weak.

Like you couldn’t stand up for yourself or you were some kind of pushover.

But in Scripture, it means something totally different.

In the Old Testament, meekness described people who were poor or going through tough times but didn’t lash out.

Instead, they humbly turned to God for help. It wasn’t weakness — it was strength under control, trusting God rather than fighting their own battles.

And Jesus Himself is the perfect example of this. He fulfilled the role of the promised King — but not with armies or violence.

He came and brought salvation through humility and peace.

Zechariah 9:9 NKJV

9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.

He even described Himself as meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29).

And Paul talks about the meekness of Christ — the way Jesus treated people with kindness, patience, and gentleness all throughout His life (2 Corinthians 10:1).

2 Corinthians 10:1 NKJV

1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

That’s the example Paul says we’re supposed to follow.

This kind of gentleness should show up in how we treat fellow believers, especially when someone stumbles or sins.

Paul tells the Galatians to restore people gently and to carry each other’s burdens — that’s how we live out the law of Christ (Galatians 6:1-2).

He tells Timothy to correct people with gentleness.

2 Timothy 2:25 NASB95

25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition…

It’s not about being harsh or proving a point — it’s about caring for people, even when they mess up.

Gentleness is actually listed as one of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

It shows up right alongside love, patience, and kindness — so it’s proof that God is at work in your life.

It’s also mentioned throughout the New Testament as a key mark of Christian character.

1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

So bottom line — gentleness isn’t weakness. It’s strength wrapped in kindness.

It’s choosing to be considerate, to put others first, and to let go of your “right” to always win, prove your point, or get even.

That’s the kind of attitude Paul says we need if we want to walk in unity and represent Christ well.

APPLICATION: Our world sees gentleness as weakness — but in God’s eyes, it’s power under control.

If Jesus, the King of Kings, approached people with gentleness, what excuse do we have for harsh words, short tempers, or prideful correction?

Real strength shows up not when we crush people, but when we care for them — even when they mess up.

2.3 Longsuffering Vs. 2c

The third character trait Paul highlights is long-suffering, or as we often call it, patience.

But this isn’t just the “waiting in line at Starbucks without losing your mind” kind of patience — this word runs a lot deeper.

Throughout the Bible, long-suffering describes how God puts up with His people — with all their mistakes, stubbornness, and sin — and keeps showing them mercy (Exodus 34:6 is a perfect example of that).

Exodus 34:6 NKJV

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

And because God has shown that kind of patience with us, we’re expected to show it toward other people too.

Jesus even laid this out clearly in His parable of the wicked servant (Matthew 18:23–35) — the one who was forgiven a huge debt but wouldn’t extend that same patience to someone else.

Now here in Ephesians, long-suffering also carries the idea of steadfastness — sticking it out, even when people frustrate you.

Paul makes that point clearly in the next phrase, “bearing with one another in love.” 

In other words, patience isn’t just about waiting around quietly — it’s about giving people grace when they fall short, when they annoy you, or when they wrong you.

It’s choosing not to fly off the handle or get revenge, but instead showing the same mercy God shows us.

This kind of patience is also listed as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), meaning it’s something God grows in us as we walk with Him.

And it’s essential for building healthy, lasting relationships in the church.

And you see this taught all over the New Testament — be patient with each other.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 NKJV

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

In fact, love is described as long suffering…

1 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

Bottom line — if we want unity and real community in the church, we’ve got to be willing to put up with each other’s flaws…

Not with bitterness, but with love. That’s the kind of long-suffering Paul’s talking about here.

APPLICATION: Aren’t you glad God’s been patient with you?

Then it only makes sense we show that same patience to others.

Because longsuffering isn’t just putting up with people — it’s loving them through their flaws, their failures, and their frustrations, just like God does with us.

Real love doesn’t quit when people get difficult — it sticks around and shows mercy.

ILLUSTRATION: Emma’s dream - Tsunami - She lacked faith, but God still saved her - She asked me if God could still heal or protect people who lack faith, I said yes.

2 Timothy 2:13 NKJV

13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

2.4 Bearing With One Another Vs. 2d

Paul keeps building on his list of what it looks like to live worthy of our calling.

He adds the phrase “bearing with one another in love,” which basically means putting up with each other…

And let’s be real, that takes patience and long suffering. This is where patience starts to show how important it is.

It’s not just about having a calm attitude — it’s about sticking with people, even when they’re difficult, frustrating, or disappointing.

Bearing with one another means we give each other grace when we see weaknesses, shortcomings, and mistakes — and let’s face it, in church life, there will be plenty of that.

Paul brings this up again later in the chapter when he talks about being kind and forgiving, just like Christ forgave us.

Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

That’s the tone Paul is setting here — a community where people don’t bail on each other at the first sign of conflict, but stick it out in love.

APPLICATION: ?????I see that all the time! It’s sad…

And that last part is huge — “in love.” 

This isn’t just about tolerating people grudgingly.

True bearing with one another — real patience with others — can only come from God’s love working in us.

Remember, Paul had just prayed that the believers would be rooted and grounded in love.

Ephesians 3:17 NKJV

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

Now he’s saying, if that love is real, it should show up in how you treat each other.

In other words, Paul’s urging them to live out what God’s already planted in their hearts — a love that reflects Jesus, and a love that holds the church together even when it’s messy.

APPLICATION: So let’s be honest — church isn’t full of perfect people; it’s full of forgiven people who still mess up.

If we only stick around when it’s easy, we’ll never experience real community.

Paul’s saying love doesn’t walk out when things get hard — love leans in, forgives, and sticks it out.

If Christ didn’t give up on us, we have no business giving up on each other.

3. The Essence of our Calling Vs. 3

Paul’s been laying his message very clearly — if we want to live worthy of the calling God’s given us, we’ve got to walk with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Why?

Because without those things, there’s no chance we’ll keep the unity God desires for His church. And unity is exactly what Paul’s after here.

When Paul says, “Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” there’s a real sense of urgency packed into that phrase.

It doesn’t come across as strong in English, but the word Endeavoring that Paul uses basically means: “Jump on this! Don’t wait around — this is serious!” 

Endeavoring Definition - To show a keen interest. To have an intense desire of to be impatiently expectant.

One scholar even paraphrased it as, “The initiative is yours — do it now!” Paul’s not casually suggesting unity — he’s passionately urging it like it’s a crisis moment.

And what’s unique about this command is that Paul isn’t telling the church to create unity. He’s reminding them to keep it.

The unity already exists — it’s something the Holy Spirit Himself created when God brought believers together through Jesus.

We see this back in chapter 2, where Paul explains how Jesus tore down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, giving both groups access to the Father through one Spirit.

Ephesians 2:14 NKJV

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

So that unity is already God’s work — but now, it’s our job to maintain it.

And Paul will go on in the next verses to drive this point home, stacking up reminders about how we are one body, one Spirit, one hope, and so on — all to emphasize how solid and unshakable this unity is.

It’s as “indestructible as God Himself.” But even though God established this unity, we have a huge responsibility to live in a way that reflects it.

The church is supposed to be a living, breathing picture of God’s plan to bring everything together under Christ — the future restored universe starts here with us as His people.

Keeping unity means making it visible. If the unity of the Spirit is real (and it is), people should be able to see it.

That means we work hard to guard our relationships — in the church and with believers everywhere.

We deal with conflict, forgive quickly, stay humble, and pursue peace — because to do the opposite, to live in a way that damages unity, is to basically say that Christ’s death and all He did to reconcile us means nothing to us.

That’s heavy — but that’s exactly what Paul is warning against.

Also notice, Paul describes this unity being held together “in the bond of peace.” 

And I think the point is clear — peace is like the glue that holds unity in place.

It’s not just the method to achieve unity, but the atmosphere it exists in.

Jesus already secured peace between us and God, and between each other (Ephesians 2:14-18), and as we lean into that, that peace becomes obvious in our lives and relationships.

So here’s the bottom line — unity in the church isn’t automatic.

It’s God-given, but we have to guard it, nurture it, and live like it matters — because to God, it absolutely does.

ENDING….