Ephesians 4:1-16

Growing Together in Christ

____________________________

Introduction

In the heart of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul, the apostle, had before his conversion opposed the teachings of Jesus, but by God’s saving power,,, he experienced a life-transforming encounter with the risen Christ. Who better to speak to God’s saints about Christian unity and its purpose. 

• Paul penned this letter from a Roman prison, not as a defeated captive but as a passionate ambassador for Christ, Paul appeals to the church in Ephesus with a message that is both urgent and timeless. 
• He calls upon all of God’s saints to live lives that reflect the high calling they've received 
• – lives marked by humility, patience, and love. 
  
• As Paul considers the work of the Holy Spirit in the churches he celebrates the diverse spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers, emphasizing that these gifts, while varied, stem from one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. 
• His vision is of a united Church, growing and maturing into the fullness of Christ. But Paul is not alone... Jesus said in John 17:22-23...
  I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one- [23] I in them and you in me-so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
  

Through today’s passage, Paul provides a heartfelt call for unity, urging the Ephesian believers (and us) to work together harmoniously for the edification of the body of believers for the glory of Christ.



I. The Call to Unity (Ephesians 4:1-6) 

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. [2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Q. What is God’s purpose for your calling, for our calling?

God's intent in calling His saints is multifaceted. It is rooted in His eternal purpose, love, and grace. 

God’s word provides several insights into God's intentions. Among other reasons...

He wants you and I to be in a personal relationship with Him: 

• By calling and separating you to be holy as he is holy, God has established a relationship with you.
  "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)
  

He wants you and I to be His image bearers:
Humanity was originally made in the image of God but our first parents broke faith with God and chose another. Jesus rebuked the false teachers with the following scathing words...

• You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)
  
  
• Through salvation and setting apart work of his Holy Spirit, believers are being conformed more and more into His likeness.
  "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:29)
  
• “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  

He wants you and I to be Holy and Blameless: 

• God's intention is for His saints to live a life set apart from this evil world, to reflect His righteousness and holiness.
  "He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." (Ephesians 1:4)
  

He wants you and I to Display His Glory: 

• The saints are meant to be a testament to God's grace, mercy, and power, showcasing His glory to the world.
  "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)
  

He wants you and I to Engage in Good Works

• God has prepared tasks for His saints, encouraging a life of service and love towards others.
  "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
  

He wants you and I to be participate in His Eternal Kingdom:

• God calls His saints not just for this present age but for eternity. They are heirs of an everlasting kingdom.
  "And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:17)
  

He wants you and I to Proclaim the Gospel: 

• Jesus has entrusted you with the message of reconciliation and we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
  "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18)
  

In essence, God's intent in calling His saints encompasses:

• personal transformation, 
• a deepened relationship with Him, 
• our active service in his church and to the fallen world around us, 
• and, looking forward, he desires your participation in His eternal purposes. 

Point! His calling of his saints is a testament to God's boundless grace, infinite love, and sovereign plan for redemption. Who did he call? Those who were at one time lost, hell bound sinners, even his enemies.

Verses 2-3.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

As we move forward as his representatives, he wants you and I to maintain the Bonds of Peace.

- The virtues that hold the church together 

Verses 4-6. He wants us to know His word, the Foundational Beliefs that unify us in our common faith.

- The unifying tenets of our faith

Harmony: Romans 12:5, "So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."

Conclusion:

• Going forward we need to recommit our lives to Jesus Christ.
• We need to commit to growing in knowledge, truth, and love, working harmoniously for the growth of the entire community.

I will leave you with two quotes from God’s word...

Galatians 5:14-16 NIV
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." [15] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. [16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Psalm 133:1-3 NIV
How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Doxology: The Peace of Christ

To the Prince of Peace, our fortress and shield, 

In life's tempest and calm, never to yield. 

Christ, whose whispers the stormy seas cease, 

We extol and adore for His unending peace.

Though trials arise and the world's troubles roar, 

In His peace we find solace, forevermore. 

His peace surpasses what mind comprehends, 

A balm to our souls, on which our hope depends.

Blessed Savior, whose blood has our ransom paid, 

In whose tranquil embrace all fears do fade. 

To the Lamb on the throne, our voices we raise, 

In endless gratitude, love, and boundless praise.

May the peace of Christ, deep as the endless sea, 

Guard our hearts and minds, now and eternally. 

To Him be the glory, both now and always, Amen! 

Let all creation sing of His peace and grace.