Ephesians Chapter 4: A New Letter from Paul

Introduction

• Transition point in Ephesians, shifting from theological exposition to practical application.
• First three chapters focus on what God has done for believers through Jesus Christ.
• Emphasis: Christianity is founded on what God has done, not what we do for God.

Living Out Theological Truths

• Paul transitions from theological truths to practical living in chapters 4-6.
• Initial focus on principles of Christian life, not specifics.

The Call to Walk Worthily

• Verse 1: Paul urges believers to "walk worthy of the calling."
• Foundation: Understanding who we are in Christ enables us to live accordingly.
• Motivation should be gratitude for God's love, not earning merit.

Characteristics of a Worthy Walk

• Verse 2-3: Lowliness, gentleness, long-suffering, bearing with one another, unity.
• Importance of unity despite inevitable conflict within the church.
• Unity of Spirit, not structural or denominational.

Unity of the Spirit

• Verse 4-6: One body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God.
• Spiritual unity transcends differences like race, nationality, denomination.

Spiritual Gifts and Church Leadership

• Verse 7-10: Grace and spiritual gifts given according to Christ's measure.
• Jesus, through His ascension, gave gifts to the church.
• Spiritual gifts distributed, not based on merit.

Offices in the Church

• Verse 11-12: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
  • Apostles: Special ambassadors of God's work.
  • Prophets: Speak God's message, sometimes predictive.
  • Evangelists: Preach salvation through Jesus.
  • Pastor-Teachers: Shepherd and teach the flock.
• Purpose: Equip saints for ministry, building up the body of Christ.

Maturity and Growth in the Body

• Verse 13-16: Unity, maturity, and growth in Jesus Christ.
• Stability against false doctrines.
• Speaking the truth in love.
• Growth through each part of the body doing its share.

The New Man vs. The Old Man

• Verse 17-24: Walk differently than the world.
• Reject old ways tied to the "futility of the mind."
• Put off the old man, put on the new man created in true righteousness and holiness.
• Emphasis on changing conduct and renewing the mind.

Conclusion

• Foundation of Christian living is spiritual truth over mere actions.
• Reject superficial to-do lists in favor of deep spiritual understanding.
• Live out the reality of being a new creation in Christ.

Closing Prayer

• Seek alignment with God's ways.
• Pray for the ability to live above worldly ways.
• Gratitude for the identity in Jesus Christ and a call to live out this new identity.