November 20, 2022
Ephesians 4:1-6
“One”
Service Overview:
Paul’s longing for the Ephesians was that they would live as one and for One.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Background Information:
- The opening sentence of chapter 4, where Paul says, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” marks the turning point in the book of Ephesians. The message moves from theology to practicality. This is typical of Paul’s writing. You can observe the same change in Romans 12:1 and Colossians 3:5. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 144)
- 4:1-2. Although gentleness was a recognized virtue, most Greek writers viewed “meekness” in the sense of “humility” negatively, unless it was the socially appropriate self-abasement of a social inferior to a superior. (Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, 283)
- Like a doorway from the classroom of knowledge to the laboratory of experience, most of Paul’s letters contain a “hinge”—a point where they shift from principle to practical, from doctrine to duty, from orthodoxy to orthopraxy. … Ephesians 4:1 represents the literary hinge of Paul’s letter. (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights: Galatians & Ephesians, 272)
- The word “worthy” (axios) means “equal weight”; one’s calling and conduct should be in balance. “The calling” refers not only to believers’ salvation (cf. 1:5-6; 1 Cor. 1:9) but also to their union in one body. Therefore a Christian’s conduct concerns both his personal life and his responsibility to other believers in the church. (Harold W. Hoehner, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, 632)
- For unity to exist, humble, selfless people must be living for the good of others. Interestingly, the term humility was uncommon in first-century Greek literature; when it did appear, it was used with a negative connotation (Thielman, Ephesians, 253). Pride was more highly valued. Christians were ridiculed for humility (ibid.). However, this virtue is valued throughout the Old Testament Scriptures (Prov 3:34; 11:2; Isa 66:2). (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 98)
- This section of Ephesians is the beginning of Paul’s practical teachings which comprise the second half of this letter. He concluded the first half by praying for his readers to be strengthened, rooted, and established in God and His love. Now Paul moves his readers to consider how to apply these benefits to a specific lifestyle that will reflect the glorious result of God’s salvation plan so extensively discussed in the first half of the epistle. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location, 2071)
What marks a life worthy of the calling given in Christ?
- Growing commitment to Jesus above all else.
(v. 1 | 1 Kings 8:61; Luke 9:62; 16:13; Galatians 2:20; Col. 3:1; James 1:22-27; 1 John 4:19)
It has been said that Paul gloried in his chains as a king would glory in his royal robe and crown. Paul’s imprisonment was not the evidence of scandal, but rather of loving commitment. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location, 2090)
All of Paul’s letters contain a beautiful balance between doctrine and duty, and Ephesians is the perfect example. The first three chapters deal with doctrine, our riches in Christ, while the last three chapters explain duty, our responsibilities in Christ. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 88)
- Greater gentleness and humility as a result of greater self–awareness.
(v. 2 | Prov. 15:1; 16:32; John 3:30; Rom. 12:3; Gal. 5:22-23; Col. 3:12; 2 Tim. 2:24-26)
It is, in fact, a law of the spiritual life that the further you go, the more you are aware of the distance still to be covered. Your growing desire for God makes you increasingly conscious, not so much of where you are in your relationship with Him as of where as yet you are not. (J.I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness, 138)
Humility isn’t pretending we’re unworthy because it’s spiritual – it’s recognizing we’re unworthy because it’s true. (Randy Alcorn, The Grace and Truth Paradox, 32)
Humility is an attitude, and gentleness is the action derived from it. Gentle people do not attempt to grab for positions of importance or assert authority over others. Gentle people accept God’s dealings with them without arguing or resisting. Gentle people are considerate of others. If everyone in a church had the characteristics of humility and gentleness, conflicts would disappear and members would have strength and power in their service. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 74)
- Increased capacity for bearing with others.
(v. 2 | Proverbs 15:18; Ephesians 4:2, 32; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Titus 3:2; James 1:19-20)
Our Lord has many weak children in his family, many dull pupils in his school, many raw soldiers in his army, many lame sheep in his flock. Yet he bears with them all, and casts none away. Happy is that Christian who has learned to do likewise with his brethren. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 203)
We must understand that patience is both a command and a gift from God… As a command, patience arrives at the Christian conscience as a matter of accountability. At the same time, patience is a divine gift. Christians are not able, in and of themselves, to demonstrate true patience as a fruit of the Spirit… [Patience] comes only to those who have been redeemed by Christ and in whom the Holy Spirit is calling forth the fruit of the Spirit. (Albert Mohler, Tabletalk, p. 17-18, vol. 28, n. 9)
- Active cultivation of what leads to unity.
(v. 3 | Psalm 133:1; Romans 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 2:2; Col. 3:14; 1 Pet. 3:8)
We cannot expect the world to believe that the Father sent the Son, that Jesus’ claims are true and that Christianity is true, unless the world sees some reality of the oneness of true Christians. (Francis Schaeffer, A Christian View of the Church, 189)
There is one Christ in whom all believers hope, and one heaven they are all hoping for; therefore they should be of one heart. (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1286)
Conclusion… How can we guard the unity we share in Christ at HFM?
A. By elevating Jesus over self.
(Proverbs 11:2; John 13:13-15; Rom 12:3-10; Phil 2:1-11; Col 3:12-15; James 4:6)
The worse we realize we are, the greater we realize God’s grace is. (Randy Alcorn, The Grace and Truth Paradox, 32)
Humility…see[s] more evil in [one’s] own heart than in any other in the world. (J.C. Ryle, Holiness, 85)
B. By guarding our hearts when tempted to take offense.
(Proverbs 17:9; 19:11; Ecclesiastes 7:21-22; Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:25; James 1:19-20; 3:16)
Meekness has nothing to do with being weak or passive. Meekness is power harnessed by love. It is an expression of humility that will not bristle or defend when challenged about motives. (Dave Harvey, When Sinners say, “I Do,” 130)
Christian patience is an active thing. It conveys the idea of positive endurance rather than quiet acceptance. (Ajith Fernando, The Cross and the Problem of Pain, 216)
To demand from others what the Spirit Himself patiently endures is to exalt ourselves above God. (R.C. Sproul, The Spirit of Revival, 39)
C. By making peace personal.
(Proverbs 6:16-19; Matthew 5:9; John 13:35; 17:23; Rom. 12:10, 18; 14:19; 1 John 4:11; )
Peace can diffuse a tense moment or a potential conflict. It can correct a misunderstanding or soothe a bruised ego. Peace can be the atmosphere that allows us to function comfortably with one another, even amid the hurried activity of a church at full speed. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location, 2155)
Believers are never told to become one; we already are one and are expected to act like it. (Joni Eareckson Tada, Spontaneous Compassion, Tabletalk, November, 2008, p. 68)
Gospel Application…
In a culture marked by division, the good news of Jesus unites in a way unlike any other; tearing down walls between people and God, and walls between all people.
(John 17:21; Romans 12:4-5; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Colossians 3:12-15)
God’s answer to the disharmony of the world is Christ. (Willard H. Taylor, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 8, 169)
God has chosen us to be Christ’s representatives on earth. In light of this truth, we should live worthy of the calling we have received—the privilege of being selected as Christ’s very own. This includes being humble, gentle, patient, understanding, and peaceful. People are watching your life. Can they see Christ in you? How well are you doing as his representative? (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 73)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- What has your commitment to Jesus looked like in your relationship with him so far? Where is it going?
- What does the term “self-awareness” entail? How can understanding yourself better lead to greater gentleness and humility?
- Who is someone you have a hard time being gentle towards? If you were to live out Paul’s challenge, how might the way you relate to that person change going forward?
- In what ways do you see your church united? In what ways could you work to cultivate greater unity?
Quotes to note…
God creates out of nothing. Therefore, until a man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him. (Martin Luther, as quoted in Christian History, Issue 34, p. 28)
A Christian without patience is like a soldier without arms. (Thomas Watson, Quoted by Curtis C. Thomas, Practical Wisdom for Pastors, 115)
The union of believers is grounded in the mystical union of Christ and His Church. The Bible speaks of a two-way transaction that occurs when a person is regenerated. Every converted person becomes “in Christ” at the same time Christ enters into the believer. If I am in Christ and you are in Christ, and if He is in us, then we experience a profound unity in Christ. (R.C. Sproul, Tabletalk, p. 7, June 2004)
All the barriers separating men from God and from one another have been provisionally broken down, so this new community of love can be formed in Christ, the Prince of Peace, thus bringing peace. (Willard H. Taylor, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 8, 168)
Whereas humility is an attitude of mind, gentleness refers to the outward manifestation of a person’s humble demeanor. Gentle people are not harsh with others, don’t fight to get their way, and don’t turn everything into a winner-takes-all competition. (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights: Galatians & Ephesians, 276)
Christians are not to make unity but to keep or guard what God made in creating the “one new man” (Eph. 2:15-16). They are to keep this unity “through the bond” which consists of “peace.” Concern for peace will mean that Christians will lovingly tolerate each other, even when they have differences. (Harold W. Hoehner, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, 633)
The “Lord’s Prayer” opens with “Our Father”—not “My Father.” (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 92)
The triune God not only creates the unity we have as believers but also serves as the ultimate picture of unity. Jesus prayed for unity, reflecting on His relationship with the Father: “May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). A healthy church is characterized by such unity, and it is a marvelous testimony to the watching world. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 100)
Nothing destroys the calling of God more than the inability of God’s people to get along with one other. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location, 2099)
Believers cannot experience unity without the presence of the Holy Spirit, and neither can they maintain unity without allowing the Spirit to work in their lives. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 75)
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ’s kingdom and glory. (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1286)