Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4 focuses on unity in the body of Christ and the growth of the church towards maturity. Paul emphasizes the need for each member to function properly, encouraging a life worthy of the calling received in Christ. He discusses the diversity of gifts given for the building up of the body, the importance of speaking the truth in love, and instructing the Ephesians on new behaviors that reflect their new identity in Christ.

Ephesians 4:1-10 (NKJV)
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”
9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

This passage begins with Paul urging believers to live a life worthy of their calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love, which foster unity in the Spirit. Paul emphasizes the oneness of the Church—one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all—showing that believers are united under Christ. However, within this unity, Christ also gives diverse spiritual gifts to each believer to build up the Church. Paul mentions Christ’s descent to earth—His incarnation and sacrificial death—and His ascension to heaven, demonstrating His victory over sin, death, and spiritual forces. By descending to redeem humanity and ascending in triumph, Christ has the authority to give these gifts to His followers. This reminds believers that their spiritual gifts come from the risen and victorious Christ and are meant to reflect His work by fostering unity and strengthening the Church for His glory.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NKJV)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

This passage explains how Christ equips His Church with different roles and gifts to build up His body. Paul mentions that Christ gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, each with a purpose: to equip believers for ministry, strengthen the Church, and help it grow in faith and unity. The goal is for believers to reach spiritual maturity, reflecting the fullness of Christ’s character. Paul warns against remaining spiritually immature, being easily misled by false teachings or deception. Instead, believers are called to grow by "speaking the truth in love," building one another up in Christ, who is the head of the Church. Each member has a role, and as every part works together in love and harmony, the body of Christ grows stronger. This passage emphasizes that spiritual gifts and leadership roles exist not for personal recognition but to promote unity, maturity, and Christlike love within the Church.

Ephesians 4:17-24 (NKJV)
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,
18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ,
21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

This passage calls believers to no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds, being darkened in understanding and alienated from the life of God due to ignorance and hardness of heart. Paul explains that this lifestyle leads to moral decay, impurity, and greed. Instead, believers are called to put off the "old man"—their former sinful nature—and be renewed in the spirit of their minds. This renewal involves embracing the "new man," created according to God in true righteousness and holiness. This transformation is not merely about external behavior but about an inner renewal through the Holy Spirit. Paul’s message is a reminder that following Christ means a complete change of identity and purpose, where believers leave behind their old way of life and live in alignment with God's character, reflecting His holiness and righteousness in both thoughts and actions.

Ephesians 4:25-29 (NKJV)
25 Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
27 nor give place to the devil.
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

This passage calls believers to live out their new identity in Christ by putting away sinful behaviors and cultivating godly habits. Paul begins by instructing them to speak truthfully, as they are members of one body and dishonesty harms the community. He acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion but warns against letting it lead to sin or linger, as unresolved anger gives the devil a foothold to cause division and bitterness. Paul also addresses personal integrity, urging those who once stole to work honestly so they can help those in need, showing that a transformed life involves not just avoiding sin but becoming a blessing to others. When it comes to speech, Paul emphasizes that words should be uplifting, offering grace and encouragement rather than harm or corruption. This doesn’t mean avoiding rebuke altogether; rather, correction should be done with love and a desire to restore. Rebuking someone’s sin, as Jesus and Paul did, is necessary at times but must be motivated by love and aim to build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:15). In summary, Paul teaches that Christian living is not only about avoiding harmful actions and words but also about actively promoting truth, kindness, and grace to reflect Christ’s love and strengthen the community of faith.

Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV)
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

This verse warns believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit, who has sealed them for the day of redemption. Grieving the Holy Spirit means causing sorrow to God through sinful actions, attitudes, and resistance to His leading. This includes bitterness, anger, dishonesty, and unforgiveness, which disrupt the Spirit's work of transforming believers into the image of Christ.
The Holy Spirit is not merely an impersonal force but the personal presence of both the Father and the Son. As Jesus said in John 14:23, "We will come to him and make Our home with him," showing that the Spirit carries the presence of both. Since the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and of Christ, resisting the Holy Spirit means rejecting their love, guidance, and correction. Therefore, grieving the Spirit is grieving God Himself, as His Spirit carries His heart, purpose, and character.
The "seal" of the Holy Spirit represents God’s mark of ownership and His commitment to bring believers to full redemption. However, this seal is not unconditional security; it requires believers to remain faithful and obedient, cooperating with the Spirit’s work in their lives. This verse calls believers to live in harmony with the Spirit by embracing righteousness, love, and humility, reflecting their gratitude for the Father’s and the Son’s indwelling presence as they await the fulfillment of their salvation.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV)
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

This passage emphasizes the importance of putting away negative emotions and behaviors such as bitterness, wrath, anger, and slander, which hinder a Christ-like character. Instead, believers are called to embody kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness, reflecting God's mercy and love shown through Christ's sacrifice. This transformation is possible through the working of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that mirrors the character of Christ. Forgiveness, as highlighted, is not optional but a divine principle rooted in the example of God's forgiveness of humanity. These verses encourage believers to live in harmony, fostering peace and love in their relationships as part of their spiritual walk.