Pam Parish

Ephesians 4 is one of the reasons that I love this book so much. Starting here and through the rest of the book, Paul gives us clear instructions on how to walk worthy of the calling that God has placed on our lives. As children of God, we are to, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves in united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” When Paul challenges us to walk worthy of our calling, it’s not a minor thing that he is referring to, the greek word that Paul uses here for walk is peripateo, meaning to walk or walk around. He is challenging us to make Christianity the entire sphere of our existence, an all-consuming passion. But he doesn’t just leave us there with a strong instruction, he goes on to break it down into direct, unquestionable instructions that are easy to understand, even if they’re hard to apply. Here are some specifics that Paul calls us to in Chapter 4:

Unity in the Spirit

Paul’s instruction here goes much deeper than a vague friendliness among all humanity. We are instructed to be at peace with one another and to celebrate our diversity. This is sometimes difficult for us on multiple levels. But I think we have to learn to recognize that division is not what Christ purposed for the church. For us to reach our maximum potential as the Body of Christ on this earth, there must be unity and peace. No matter what our skin color, financial status or yes, even our “brand” of Christianity. With our fellow believers in Christ, we must unify in our calling to the “one glorious hope for the future.” There will be no division in heaven…. why must we have it here on earth?

Valuing the Gifts of Christ

Paul is very clear in this passage that the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are gifts from Christ. Why does he call it a gift? Because knowledge of Christ is the greatest gift we can be given in this life and these individuals are called to higher places of discipline and practice on our behalf. So that we can be equipped to do Christ’s work and build up the church, the Body of Christ. 

Our Relationship with Christ is Our Protection

By growing strong in Christ we are protected from world. To use Paul’s words, “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” 

Live as Children of Light

Paul gives clear instruction, in Ephesians 4:17-31, on how we should no longer live as the world with our minds full of darkness and hearts hardened, living for lustful pleasure. We are called to a higher standard in Christ, instructed to throw off our sinful nature and former ways. Our new Spirit in Christ can renew our thoughts and attitudes, making us more like our Father, truly righteous and holy. Here are just a few of the direct instructions:

• Don’t lie. Tell our neighbors the truth because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ
• Don’t let anger control you and cause you to sin - and, don’t let the sun go down on your anger - it gives the enemy a foothold in your life
• Don’t steal, instead use your hands for good hard work
• Give generously to those in need
• Don’t use foul or abusive language
• Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them
• Don’t bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. 
• Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 
• Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another - just as Christ has forgiven you.