The fourth chapter of Ephesians marks a dramatic shift. The first three chapters are a majestic declaration of what God has done for us in Christ—our spiritual blessings, our redemption, and the mystery of the Gospel revealed. But beginning with Ephesians 4:1, the tone changes. The Apostle Paul pivots from theological doctrine to practical living, issuing a powerful call to action: “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” This chapter is not merely inspirational reading; it is a divine blueprint for how to build a unified, mature, and Christ-honoring church.
The Call to Walk Worthy: More Than a Suggestion
Paul’s plea is grounded in the profound truths he has just explained. Because we are chosen, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1-3), our lives should reflect that new identity. The phrase “live a life” translates from the Greek word peripateo, which means “to walk.” It signifies a continuous, daily pattern of conduct. This “worthy walk” is not about earning God’s favor but about embodying the grace we have already received. It is the practical outworking of our salvation, the evidence of a transformed heart.
The Four Pillars of Christian Unity
Immediately, Paul defines this worthy life by highlighting the attitudes essential for maintaining the unity of the Spirit. These are not passive feelings but active, deliberate postures we must “make every effort” to keep.
- Humility: In a world that prized honor and status, Christian humility was revolutionary. It is an honest assessment of ourselves before God—recognizing that we are entirely dependent on His grace. It is the antithesis of pride and the foundation for all other virtues.
- Gentleness: Often misunderstood as weakness, gentleness (praütēs) is strength under control. It is the character of Christ, who described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). It means exercising power without being harsh, dealing with others with care and consideration.
- Patience: This is the capacity to endure injury, annoyance, and provocation without retaliation. It is longsuffering with people, reflecting the patience God has shown us.
- Bearing with one another in love: This moves beyond mere tolerance. It is an active, loving forbearance that chooses to put up with the faults and idiosyncrasies of others because love “covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
These four qualities are the glue that holds the body of Christ together, enabling us to preserve the unity that the Holy Spirit has already created among believers.
The Foundation of Our Oneness: Seven Unshakable Truths
Unity is not something we create; it is a reality we are called to maintain. Paul grounds this unity in seven non-negotiable, objective truths that form the core of the Christian faith. Every believer, regardless of denomination or background, shares in these.
- One Body: The universal Church, composed of all true believers, with Christ as its head.
- One Spirit: The Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer, empowers us, and distributes spiritual gifts.
- One Hope: The confident expectation of our future glory—eternal life with Christ.
- One Lord: Jesus Christ, the sole authority and master of the Church.
- One Faith: The body of essential Christian doctrine and our personal trust in Christ alone for salvation.
- One Baptism: Likely referring to the baptism of the Holy Spirit that places us into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), and symbolized by water baptism.
- One God and Father of all: The supreme Creator who is over all, through all, and in all.
Our unity is not based on shared opinions, preferences, or styles, but on these unchangeable spiritual realities.
The Gift of Christ: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers
To equip the church for its work, the ascended Christ gave specific gifted individuals. This is not an exhaustive list of church offices, but a representation of the leadership gifts necessary for building up the body.
- Apostles & Prophets: The foundation layers (Ephesians 2:20). Apostles were Christ’s commissioned representatives, and prophets spoke forth God’s message. Their foundational role continues to guide the church through the Scriptures they authored under divine inspiration.
- Evangelists: Those specially gifted to proclaim the gospel to the unconverted and mobilize the church for outreach.
- Pastors and Teachers: Often considered a single role, these are the shepherds who feed, protect, guide, and care for the local flock of God. They provide spiritual nourishment and instruction.
The purpose of these gifts is clear: “to equip his people for works of service.” The clergy-laity divide is foreign to the New Testament. Leaders are called to equip, and every member is called to serve.
The Goal: Spiritual Maturity and Stability
The ultimate goal of this equipping and serving is the maturity of the entire body. Paul outlines a clear progression:
This maturity protects the church from doctrinal deception and spiritual instability. Instead of being “infants, tossed back and forth by the waves,” a mature church stands firm on the truth of God’s Word.
The Radical Call to the New Self
The final section of Ephesians 4 is a stark contrast between the old, pre-conversion life and the new life in Christ. Paul commands believers to “put off your old self” and “put on the new self.” This is a conscious, decisive act of the will, followed by a daily process of renewal.
The “old self” is characterized by:
- Futility of thinking and darkened understanding.
- Hardness of heart and spiritual insensitivity.
- A life given over to sensuality, impurity, and greed.
In contrast, the “new self” is “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This new identity manifests itself in very practical ways:
- Truthful Speech: Putting away falsehood and speaking truth to one another because we are “members of one another.”
- Righteous Anger: Anger itself is not a sin, but it must be handled righteously—dealt with quickly, without letting it fester into bitterness or giving the devil a foothold.
- Honest Labor: The shift from stealing to honest work, not just for personal gain, but to have something to share with those in need.
- Wholesome Talk: Speech that is constructive, gracious, and helpful for building others up, avoiding all unwholesome talk, slander, and gossip.
- Kindness and Forgiveness: Replacing bitterness, rage, and anger with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, following the ultimate example of God in Christ.
Conclusion: A Life Worthy of the Calling
Ephesians 4 is a comprehensive guide for the Christian life. It begins with a call to unity rooted in profound theology and culminates in practical, daily obedience. It shows us that doctrine and duty are inseparable. The power to live this “worthy life” does not come from our own willpower but from the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables us to put off the corrupt old self and put on the new self, created to be like God. By embracing this blueprint, we not only grow into individual maturity but also contribute to the building up of the entire body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and become the spotless bride He is returning for.