Ephesians chapter 4

Vs. 1-2...The term “walk” is a figure of speech that is used by the apostle to describe our manner of life. How we conduct ourselves, in Christ, speaks volumes to those around us. Every believer is either a babe in Christ, spiritually minded, or a carnal Christian. Interestingly, our manner of life identifies us with one of these three categories. This is why it is so important to walk worthy of our calling. But how is this accomplished? And, is it possible for the fallen sons of Adam to walk well-pleasing unto the Lord?

Paul’s opening statement in Ephesians 4:1 forms a natural transition between the doctrinal portion of the writing in the first three chapters and the practical application taught in the latter three chapters. The very order here strongly suggests that whatever doctrines are committed to God’s people, they always govern their conduct. This is true in every dispensation.

With the introduction of the present dispensation, God has dispensed a new doctrinal handbook for the Church, the Body of Christ. Thus, our walk is governed by the doctrines of grace. So, “let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ” (Col.2:16,17).

Paul exhorts the Ephesian saints “walk worthy” or to see to it that their Christian experience, the Christian life they live, should weigh as much as the profession of Christianity which they make. In other words, they are to see to it that they practice what they preach, that their experience measures up to their standing in grace.

The beginning of our journey to walk worthy is found here in Ephesians 4:2...Lowliness: We are not to think too highly of ourselves. Those who are walking in lowliness aspire to live a Christ-centered life. Meekness means to be mild-mannered, gentle, under control at all times. Insofar as God never causes us to do anything contrary to our will, it is of the utmost importance that we remain in the center of His will. Meekness must never be confused with weakness. The Scriptures state: “Moses was very meek, above all the men which were on the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3). Yet, he courageously confronted the rebels in Israel who challenged his God-given leadership, the outcome of which sent many of them to their death!

Longsuffering is being patient with the circumstances that one may find himself in. Forbearing one another in love is one attribute that is sorely lacking in the lives of most saints. Should we not endure a little hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ? Did not our Savior endure cruel mocking, a crown of thorns, scourging and, yes, even death itself to redeem us?

Vs. 3-6…Notice that the Spirit of God, not the local assembly, has established this sevenfold unity. This “statement of faith” is unique to Paul’s gospel:

One Body: This is the new creation that God foreordained that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. The Body of Christ is a living organism made up of Jews and Gentiles without distinction. We are members one of another—one in Christ, who is our Head (I Cor. 12:12,13; II Cor. 5:17; Eph.1:22,23).

One Spirit: The person of the Spirit is the same yesterday, today, and forever. However, His role during the dispensation of Grace has changed dramatically. Today it is the Spirit who baptizes us into the Church, the Body of Christ. He also illuminates those who are seeking a fuller knowledge of God’s will, which is accomplished by enlightening them to the Mystery (I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 3:1-5; Col. 1:8-10 cf. 1:25-27).

One Hope of Your Calling: No doubt the rapture of the church is in view here; however it is equally true that Christ is our hope according to I Timothy 1:1...“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.” Thus, the hope of salvation (Rapture— deliverance from the wrath to come), the hope of the resurrection, the hope of heaven, and the hope of eternal life, are all dependent upon Him (Gal. 1:4; I Thes. 5:8; I Cor. 15:19; Col. 1:5; Titus 1:2).

One Lord: With the King in exile due to His rejection, Christ is conducting a heavenly ministry today with the Church, which is His Body. As the Head of the Body, He is seated at the right hand of the Father as the God of all grace, not willing that any should perish but that all would receive deliverance from the judgment to come (Eph. 1:19-23; 2:13-16; Col. 1:15-19).

One Faith: While this is a reference to the entirety of Paul’s revelation, which he calls the faith, with the change in dispensations, Paul was given the secret of the gospel which is Calvary. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Thus, when we believe the gospel of salvation; that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, we are justified by His faithfulness (I Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 6:19).

One Baptism: This is the baptism that saves; not water baptism. The moment we trust Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit spiritually baptizes us into Christ. According to Paul’s revelation, this baptism simultaneously places us into the Body of Christ and identifies us with His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:3,4; I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12).

One God and Father of all: We serve one God who eternally exists in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Godhead is co-equal and co-eternal. God the Father is making known His eternal purpose for the Church during the age of Grace. He is working in and through us to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:3-6; 3:11; Phil. 2:12-15).

Vs. 8-16…Christ ascended twice to His Father’s throne near the close of His earthly ministry. Our Lord’s ascension from the Mount of Olives, following His post-resurrection ministry, is the most familiar to us. But forty days prior to this glorious event He had ascended to the Father for an entirely different purpose.
This ascension took place at the time of His resurrection—the first day of the week! After the initial flurry of activity that fateful day, our Lord appeared to Mary Magdalene, who was yet troubled by His disappearance. “Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend untomy Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God” (John 20:16,17). The day Christ died, He descended into the lower parts of the earth to the unseen world known as Hades. He remained there for three days and three nights in a disembodied state. According to Luke’s gospel, Hades was divided into two compartments, paradise and torment, with a great gulf fixed between them. Peter informs us that during this period He “preached unto the spirits in prison (torment); which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah” (I Pet. 3:19,20). The Master’s words to the thief on the cross substantiates that He also spent time in paradise during His three day absence from the earth. Imagine the celebration of these righteous dead who for the first time were introduced to their Redeemer. After His resurrection and brief appearance to Mary, Christ led captivity captive. But what is the significance of this phrase? “When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive.” In the Old Testament this terminology is closely associated with liberation. Although the sins of those in paradise had been atoned for, the blood of bulls and goats could never remove those sins. Consequently, these sins past, though covered, hindered them from residing in the presence of a holy and righteous God. With the finished work now a reality, and the sins of those past generations removed as far as the east is from the west, Christ led captivity captive, thus liberating those confined to the center of the earth. They, too, were presented to the Father as the first trophies redeemed by the blood. Little wonder He didn’t want to be detained by Mary; there were more pressing matters that required His attention. Of course, the hope of these prophetic saints is earthly. They are temporary residents of heaven where they anxiously await the millennial kingdom. This helps explain Enoch’s prophecy that when the Lord returns in His Second Coming to the earth to execute judgment, He will come “with ten thousands of His saints” (Jude 1:14,15). Today, then, paradise is located in the third heaven (II Cor. 12:1-4).

As Paul develops the theme of the ascension, he does so within the context of the Mystery Program. The Spirit of God made good use of Paul’s knowledge of the Old Testament. In fact, He often guided Paul to borrow a selection that was in harmony with his message, but added a new morsel of truth making it unique to Paul’s revelation. For example, the apostle begins by quoting from Psalm 68 in Ephesians 4:8: “Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive,” but adds: “and gave gifts unto men.” What or who are these gifts? Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers were the gifts Christ gave to the Church, which is His Body that it might edify itself in love.

Inasmuch as the gifts of apostles and prophets had to do with the original imparting of the Word of God, when the Holy Scriptures were completed these gifts were withdrawn. We now have the written revelation of God which is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

Vital signs are essential. Since the Body was still in the infancy stage at the time of this writing Paul was anxious for it to grow. Growth is a miracle of God. The why and how we grow physically, and why we stop growing at a particular point, is a great mystery. But we do know that there are certain required elements to sustain the growth process such as nourishment, exercise, and time. In regard to the Body of Christ, the apostle says that we are to “grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ.” Notice we are to mature “into Him in all things.” The goal is Christ likeness. The Body matures as its members ingest the Word of God, exercise themselves unto godliness, and look forward to the time of Christ’s imminent return. What’s often overlooked is that maturing in Christ also includes acknowledgement of our union and relationship with one another. Therefore Paul states that the Body is, “fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth.” The statement “fitly joined together is also found in Ephesians 2:21 where it’s referred to as a building “fitly framed together”. In both cases it has the idea of that which is connected. For example, as we consider the wonder of the human body, the femur (thighbone) is connected to the tibia (shinbone) by the kneecap. Each is essentially dependent upon the other in order for the leg to function properly. The same can be said of the Body of Christ; every member is bound together in a vital union. Thus, when a member falls from grace, those who are in close proximity feel the pain of the one who has fallen. This union produces a relationship between each member that’s unlike any other. The apostle describes it as being knit or “compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part.” In other words, every joint or member has a purpose through which the influence of Christ passes to the other members, similar to the human body’s circulatory system.

Vs. 17…When the present dispensation was committed to Paul, the very nature of “grace” gave birth to a new revelation in regard to our Christian walk. Unfortunately, many have failed to acknowledge this change in God’s program which has caused some to be judgmental of those who have never matured in Christ:

“even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
“I…beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Eph. 4:1).

Each of the above verses state that while the believer should live a godly life in Christ Jesus, this is not always the case. In fact, a large percentage of Christians fall into this very classification. Although “grace” beseeches us to conduct ourselves in a Christ like manner, believers are often prone to wander.

Here Paul warns us to “walk not as other Gentiles.” In other words, the possibility of slipping back into our former manner of life is always a possibility. Paul began the chapter with a positive statement, “walk worthy,” but here he turns to the negative, “walk not.” Life is full of important decisions! As we journey down the road of life, we naturally avoid those things that are dangerous. When we are instructed not to act like the Gentiles, the apostle is encouraging us to exercise discernment.

Vs. 18-19… Inasmuch as the unsaved have rejected the testimony of the gospel, it has left them in a state of spiritual darkness. Sin has separated him from the life of God. If the natural man is left to himself, he will wander aimlessly through the world and never seek God (Rom. 3:11). Satan has also blinded man’s heart to the glorious gospel by using the tool of religion--- ceremonies, baptisms, rituals, and good works. Therefore, that is why God has sent believers forth as "ambassadors of reconciliation" to confront those who would otherwise never seek God and be saved. 

In essence, the apostle is admonishing the Ephesians, and us, to never become insensitive to sin; rather, the doctrines of grace will teach us how to mortify the deeds of the flesh. Sin had so thoroughly corrupted the Gentiles in Paul’s day that blatant sin was looked upon as acceptable behavior.

Vs. 20-21…Here Paul uses three verbs to convey the importance of submitting ourselves to Christ. The verb “learn” (manthano) denotes to “learn by inquiry or observation.” “Ye have not so learned Christ,” that is, our knowledge of Him will never lead us to live as the Gentiles do in the previous verses. In other words, we preach a Person and we are to learn from that Person---not the culture!

The second verb “heard” (akouo) simply means to “hear with perception.” Are you listening to me?

This brings us to the third verb used in this context, “taught” (didaktos). So, the phrase, “taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus” has to do with what Christ has, and is, teaching us through Paul’s gospel. Remember the words of the apostle: “yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh [earthly Jesus], yet now [the present age of Grace] henceforth know we Him no more” (II Cor. 5:16).

Vs. 22-24… Here we have what is known as the principle of replacement. Anytime God tells us to put something away, He replaces it with something far better. The old nature (flesh) is that which we have inherited from Adam and will have to contend with until we get a new body. Thank God our old man (position in Adam) has been crucified with Christ at the moment we believed the gospel of Christ. These are two different things. When God regenerates us, He does not transform or eradicate the old nature. Rather, regeneration is the imparting of a new nature. Regeneration awakens us spiritually; therefore, it is our new man that desires the things of God. All life must come from pre-existing life. There must be both a mother and father to be born of the flesh. In like manner, spiritually speaking, there must be a sovereign work of the Spirit for a man to be saved. He is the one who imparts eternal life to those who have believed the gospel (Titus 3:5-7).

Since a Christian still has the old nature, this explains why some have been faithful for years but somewhere along the line fall from grace. Demas is a classic example; Paul tells us that “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.” Thus it is imperative for us to commit ourselves to a diligent study of the Word of God rightly divided if we are to produce the fruit in our lives that pleases God. (II Tim. 2:15) It is the Spirit of God that takes the Word of God and produces the work of God in us (Gal. 5:22-24). This will enable us to “walk not as other Gentiles.”

Vs. 26-27… God created us with a wide range of emotions, each of which serves a purpose. Yes, even anger can be good. Contrary to popular opinion, anger itself is not sinful. In essence, Paul is saying that we are well within our rights to be angry over an injustice or unrighteous circumstances. In fact, there are scores of times in the Old Testament where the anger of the Lord is said to be kindled against His enemies (Num. 25:1-9; Jer. 12:13). Thus the Lord was well within the boundaries of godly behavior when He exhibited a righteous anger toward those who had made His Father’s house a den of thieves (John 2:13-17).

Paul adds a warning to the phrase “be ye angry”... “and sin not.” Unbridled anger can easily turn into a fit of uncontrollable rage which normally leaves a path of destruction in its wake. Unchecked, anger that overflows into resentment almost always results in some form of retaliation. Those who fly off in a fit of rage permit their anger to take control of them. Sinful anger tears down. In the heat of the moment things are often said and done which cause irreparable damage to relationships.

Paul adds… “let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” We should never allow our wrath to simmer over a long period of time. This will only cause it to become more deeply rooted.

There is a passage of Scripture found in the Book of Deuteronomy that captures the attributes and providential care of our heavenly Father: “As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him (that is, Jacob)” (Deut. 32:11,12). Ever since ancient times, eagles have symbolized power, strength, courage, and immortality. As you know, the mother eagle normally builds her nest on the side of a cliff where there is little danger of predators reaching it. When her young are old enough to leave the nest, she instinctively swoops down, hitting them with one of her wings which causes them to fall from the nest. Usually, these little ones are able to fly without any problem. However, occasionally one or two of her young will begin to tumble through the air because their wings are not fully developed. But before they can plunge to their death, the mother eagle will swoop down and safely bear them up on her massive six-foot wing span. In similar fashion, our heavenly Father watches over His own. If we are faltering, He is able to lift us from the depths of despair according to the riches of His grace. Since He is infinite in wisdom and knowledge, we have an endless source of power at our disposal to perform that which is acceptable in His sight. But how do we access this power source so it will have a positive influence on our everyday Christian experience?

Vs. 28… The Ephesians were the spiritual giants of their day. They had acknowledged Paul’s apostleship and message and were known throughout the world for their faith in Christ. Yet there were some among them who apparently were stealing. Even the most spiritually minded believer can fail and find himself lapsing back into old habits. What is the biblical solution to the sin of stealing? Work! “Let him that stole steal no more.” Notice that the apostle doesn’t end here. Simply telling someone to stop stealing is like telling an alcoholic to quit drinking. He may muster enough willpower to abstain from the bottle for a week, but then finds himself back on another binge. That’s why the campaign a few years ago to “Just Say No to Drugs” was such a miserable failure. You see, God’s principle of replacement must be applied if there is to be a meaningful change in behavior. In the case of stealing, God instructs those who struggle with this sin to “let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good.”  This serves a twofold purpose: First, his time is occupied, drastically diminishing the opportunity to steal. Second, if he earns an honest living he can purchase what he needs or wants plus have the satisfaction of supplying for his family. “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (II Thes. 3:10). “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (I Tim. 5:8).

Vs. 29... The term “corrupt” here is the Greek word sapros meaning “rotten, worn out, unfit for use, worthless, bad.” This word was closely identified with the market place where the fruits and vegetables were sometimes said to be spoiled or rotten. Corrupt speech is a direct product of a corrupt nature.

Speech that edifies may sometimes include admonition. Paul frequently found it necessary to admonish the saints, but he never sought to offend merely for the sake of offense; rather, he spoke the truth in love. As problems arose in the assemblies of his day, it was the apostle’s custom to first commend the saints before
he corrected them. Thus, Paul opens his letter to the Corinthians accordingly: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints....I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.”  Then he lowers the boom, regarding the divisions and contentions among them.

The apostle also reminds the Ephesians that their speech ought to “minister grace unto the hearers.” Our communication with those whom we come into contact with should always be characterized by graciousness. It is fairly easy to be gracious when others treat us with respect. The real test comes when we find ourselves the target of someone’s disapproval. Paul is not altogether concerned about the tone of a believer's speech, he is concerned about the text of our speech---we should be communicating the doctrines of grace.

Vs. 30… Childbearing would be much more enjoyable if the teen years were eliminated. Adolescence can be a turbulent time of life for some young people. In fact, a child who is wayward and always in serious trouble may bring a great deal of sorrow and grief to his parents. He may even bring shame upon the family name by his sinful actions. The same is true of the child of God. Our exalted standing in Christ is settled for eternity, but our state sometimes leaves much to be desired. Consequently, Paul instructs us to “grieve not the Holy Spirit.”

Paul gives us a long list of things that grieve the heart of God. In Ephesians chapter four alone we have lying, uncontrolled anger, stealing, corrupt communication, bitterness, malice, etc. Of course, the primary goal of every believer is to walk well-pleasing unto the Lord. As I have said, "Grace" disciplines us to do that which is right in the sight of God...For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:11-12).

In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit merely came upon the prophets, priests, and kings, only abiding temporarily with them. Today, every grace believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God. The promise of the Father according to prophecy clearly states: “Even the Spirit of truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be IN YOU” (John 14:17). What Israel received by promise, we receive by grace. As Paul says, we are “partakers of their [Israel’s] spiritual things [blessings],” which includes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:27;  I Cor. 6:19).

Vs. 31-32...Forgiveness, like every other doctrine, must be studied dispensationally. Under the performance system of the law, forgiveness was based upon a kindred spirit. If one refused to forgive his neighbor a wrong after he had repented, God withheld forgiveness from the one who possessed the unforgiving spirit. Our Lord, who ministered under the law, also confirmed that forgiveness was conditional: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6:14,15).

In contrast, Paul’s writings reveal that the believer in Christ today is working from a position of perpetual forgiveness from which he is free to forgive others. We are to forgive others unconditionally, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. A life under the control of the Spirit will be characterized by a willingness to forgive others, knowing that it is well pleasing to God.