Introduction

In the first three chapters of Ephesians the apostle Paul speaks of church doctrine. If chapter 4 Paul exhorts the followers of Jesus to walk in accordance with their beliefs. The lessons Paul taught over 2,000 years ago are as valid today as they were in the fledgling Christian church.

The Unity Of The Spirit

1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

I, the prisoner of the Lord - Once again we see Paul using the phrase prisoner of the Lord. Usually this term would have negative connotations however Paul declares it as an honor.

worthy of the calling - Paul is reminding the Christians of their responsibility as Christians. The Lord calls those He would have serve His purpose. We are all called to continue the mission begun by Paul; In a manner that brings glory on honor to the name Christ Jesus. We his ambassadors in this realm.

2 In verse two Paul lists four qualities the Christion should possess.

1. “humility” – The King James translation uses the word Lowliness and meekness and the basic English translation uses the words gentile and quiet behavior. We are not to appear as haughty “better than thou”, but rather display a quiet demeanor.

2. ‘”gentleness” – You may be stronger in faith and knowledge than the one you are witnessing to. Do not forget that where they are now so once were you. Do not lose control. Thinks of yourself as the strongest person in the world holding a fragile piece of pottery, and take care not to squeeze to hard. (Colossians 3:12)

3. “Patience” – The king James version uses the word “forbearance”, while the basic English uses the phrase “taking whatever comes”. We should use restraint when witnessing to others remembering the concept you are introducing to them is new to them. Do not become frustrated or angry with them, but rather be patient with them for they are as precious to God as you are. (2 Timothy 2:25, Galatians 6:1)

4. “showing tolerance” – This does not mean political correctness nor softening the message to appease the listener, or accept evil in any form. Rather this means to understanding their ignorance, and possible hostile attitudes towards you and the message your witnessing to. I prefer using the word forbearance or long suffering which mean to put up with the actions of other Christians and those who may not understand the importance of your witness. (Titus 3:2; Colossians 3:13-15 )

Verses 4 – 6 speak of a oneness within the church.

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also 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 over all and through all and in all.

“There is one body” – Our bodies, Like the church, (body of believers), is comprised of many different parts each part functioning in unity of purpose. No one member of the body is more or less important than the other. The church is ruled by its head Christ our Lord.

“One Spirit” - There can only be one Spirit within the church. The Spirit is one and cannot be divided. Therefor this Spirit animates (1 Corinthians 12:13) and guides ( Romans 8:14) the body, by working through each member in order to accomplish the will of God.

(5 ) “there is one Lord” – Jesus the Christ is the Lord of the church the corner stone on which his church is built. Jesus is the Lord of all; the rich, the poor, Jew or gentile.

“one faith” – there can only be one true faith, that is faith (trust) in Jesus who is our salvation (Galatians 3:26).

“one baptism” – We know from our studies there is a baptism of in water, and one baptism into Christ (Galatians 3:27). “"Baptism" is specified, being the sacrament whereby we are incorporated into the "one body." Not the Lord's Supper, which is an act of matured communion on the part of those already incorporate, "a symbol of union, not of unity" [ELLICOTT]. “

(6) “one God and Father” – God who made the heavens and the Earth and all that is in them, and so He is called Father. God Is the binding force holding all of creation together.

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

“Grace” – this word was translated from the Greek word: charis khar'-ece meaning; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worth [y). see GREEK for 5463 [2]

God gives gifts as they are needed to support the body. In one is the gift of preaching in another the gift of tongue (language) etc. Christ apportions gifts as He chooses and to who He chooses. No one is given all the gifts. Be vigilant, for the gift you receive may not be the gift you asked for and it may come to you unexpectedly as the need arises.

8 “Therefore it says,
“When He ascended on high,
He led captive a host of captives,
And He gave gifts to men.”

This verse found in Psalms 68:18 had been misunderstood. As King David wrote this verse many thought this simply referred to the captives and spoils of war. Paul is pointing out this verse actually was speaking of Christ Jesus; in that it was Jesus who led the captives and Jesus who gave the gifts. This verse is explained by Paul in verse 9.

9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?

There are several interpretations of this rhetorical question. I will speak of the most popular interpretation.

“Ascended” - It is clear to me, Paul is talking about Jesus, who died, rose from the tomb, and ascended to the Father presenting His sacrifice for mankind to the Father this was the first ascent, see also John 20:17.

“descended” - Comparing three different translations of the verse we find more clarification in the Basic English and also the King James versions; both state the He descended first. Where as in the American standard version the word first does not appear.

The second ascension came after He descended to the lower parts of the Earth, namely the realm of lost souls or Hates - reference Isaiah 44:23. We can surmise the purpose of His descent was to proclaim salvation to those who had died in their sin. THIS IS THE ONLY SECOND CHANCE FOR MANKIND.

(9) Whether He descended in His glorified body or by His spirit is still up for speculation. Jesus spoke to evil spirits who heard and obeyed Him (Mark 5:8). Therefore Jesus could have descended in the body or in the spirit either way He lead the captives (those who trusted in the law and those who never heard the message of salvation) out of Hades.

10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) NOTE: The reason This entire explanation has parenthesis is because it was not part of the quote found in Psalm 68:18.

“All the heavens” – the word heaven was translated from the Greek word: ouranos oo-ran-os' perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity):--air, heaven(-ly), sky. see GREEK for 3735

There are three heavens mentioned in scripture one is the sky or firmament (Genesis 4:14), the second is outside Earth’s atmosphere (Genesis 1:8) , and the third is the abode of God. (2 Corinthians 2:2; Hebrews 7:26, 4:14)

“fill all things” Jesus full filled all that the Father asked of Him.

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

“In the original Greek, it says that Jesus has given certain people to the church as a gift.” [6]

Is there a distinction between gift and talent, and if so what is it? Talent usually is a natural ability or aptitude requiring nurturing. A gift is given freely and is completely matured needing only guidance by the Holy Spirit.

In verse 11, according to the original Greek God gives gifted people to the church as He sees the need.

Does today’s church have apostles? An apostle is a follower of Christ and is given a specific mission. In Paul’s case he was given the mission to preach the gospel to the Gentile.

(11) Does a church need two pastors (Sheppard)? although some individual churches employ assistant and youth pastors, who assist the pastor in sheparding the youth and perform other pastoral duties of the church.

Most churches are not given a prophet (although some claim to be) or gifted evangelist, we are all commissioned by Jesus to spread the word but few are truly gifted in this area. Scripture tell us in the last days many will have dreams, visions, and be given to prophesy (Acts 2:17).

Teachers are needed in every church. Often the pastor fills this role. Others who have talent or gifted assume the role of teacher. These gifted people’s mission is to aid in the equipping the believers in the church to complete God purpose for the church.

(12) Gods purpose in gifting people is to equip its saints to build the Christ’s church. God’s plans, for the church (the body of Christ), is to bring unity to the church through His saints. This is not to say that only a very few are responsible for growing the church. All of the member of the body have a function and purpose and are given talents towards that end. There are other gifts of the Holy Spirit however we are only addressing those gifts Paul enumerated in verse 11.

14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

(14) Paul calls to no longer be childish who are moved easily by those who would cause dissension and division in the church through guile or by complicating doctrine.

(15) Gods desire is for us to become mature Christians giving of our gifts, talents and of our gospel knowledge; in order to mature in Christ who binds us all together in the unity of the body; all functioning for the betterment of the body.

This concludes the portion of Paul’s letter dealing with the church doctrine. He now begins to focus on individuals teaching them and us how to walk as Christians.

The Christians Walk

17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

Paul was fearful the Gentiles reminds them they no longer are lost ignorant people. Paul may have been fearful they would slip into old habits, and begin living as they did. Paul ads a warning, by describing what their life would become if they abandoned their Christian walk.

(17) “ futility of their mind” – Paul, speaking to the Gentile Christians, warns them not to depend on their own mind for logic and guidance; for it would be a waste of time yielding nothing of use.

(18) “being darkened” - They would be as blind men groping for answers in the darkness because of their ignorance; separated from the wisdom of God, lost in confusion, and hardened in their heart.

(19) As sin creeps in, hearts become callous. Alan Turner sums it up rather well: “ ,. Sin is like anesthesia. At first, it is offensive and our conscience revolts against it. However, if we do not get away from it, it soon becomes less offensive and will finally overpower us. [8] (Romans 1:24)

When people do not have Jesus in their hearts; they can expect the same outlook for their lives. Such a person feels they have no purpose. And ponders the question; why am I here?

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

(20) Jesus taught them and us a better way to live. A life that is full and rich in blessings. A life that is completed in Christ.

(21) “heard Him” - This phrase goes beyond simply hearing; it means to understand.

“and have been taught in Him” – The key word here is “in” this is not just telling people about Jesus but more so telling of a personal relationship with Jesus.

(22) “lay aside old self” – As Christians we are to no longer live as we once did thinking only of ourselves and what would please us

(23) “renewed” - means to regenerate or mend that which was broken. The mind of man, now dead in Christ is once again make alive in Christ as it was in the garden before the fall. This change is brought about by yielding ourselves in Him; He then can live in us.

(24) We strive to be like Jesus and as a Christian we should have the same attributes of Jesus. There should not be deceit, injustice,

25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

“laying aside falsehood” – Do not lie any longer for you are renewed in righteousness and are members of the body (Exodus 20:16).

“speak truth each one of you with his neighbor” - Why is it so important not to lie?

Speaking untruths breads mistrust, which then leads to separation from others. For a Christian to give false witness to a nonbeliever will bring about mistrust of the entire body. For we are all singularly, and collectively, ambassadors of Christ Jesus. As ambassadors it is our responsibility to walk with righteousness as He did, showing no deceit.

Guys you may find yourself in this dilemma: Your wife just bought a new dress. You think, it is ugly, and does not flatter her. Now she asks you how she looks in it. what is your response going to be? Ponder your answer wisely.

26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.

It’s ok to be angry; it is what you do with that anger that may be sinful. What is Righteous anger? It is anger directed against injustice and sinful acts of others (Mark 3:5 & Psalms 4:4). Unrighteous anger usually comes about when undesirable actions of another is directed towards you. Anger when left unchecked leads to no good outcome. So therefore Paul warns his readers not to let anger fester in your mind overnight for this anger will be intensified by morning.

(27) If you fall prey to lingering anger, it will poison the body, giving Satan the victory. When speaking of the church (the body) when anger lingers Satan moves in and drives a wedge between the members of the body possibly causing a split in the church.

28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.

Bandits were a plague in the mountains of Ephesus and this is undoubtedly why Paul brings this up hear. It would seem as though some of the Christians were guilty of taking from others, that which they did not earn with their own hands. When we hear of someone stealing, our minds immediately condemn that person. We should bear in mind that theft or stealing encompasses many situations. We usually equate stealing with money and inanimate things. However ideas, claiming a prize won by another are examples of theft we may not have considered as stealing. Perhaps you Can think of instances when you have stolen something and didn’t believe it was theft.

Paul extols the benefit of earning through our own sweat those things needed or desired in our lives. Paul seems to by saying, things earned yield more satisfaction.

29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

“unwholesome” is translated from the Greek word: sapros sap-ros' from 4595; rotten, i.e. worthless (literally or morally):--bad, corrupt. Compare 4190. see GREEK for 4595 see GREEK for 4190 [2].

We are being told not to use bad words (filthy talk) or words which could harm another (gossip), or words that are corrupted with falsehoods. We are to take care in our speech helping, not hindering others, by what we say. The tongue has been compared to a two edged sword. Meaning it is a powerful tool which can be used for good or evil. Great care should be taken remembering the tongue can cut deep into a person’s heart.

We all have been guilty of careless speech at some point in our lives; words that just slip out without any thought of consequence.

30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

How do we make the Holy Spirit sad? Paul has given us the answer in verses 27-29. The Holy Spirit is a personage of God. He is Holy and has feelings that are saddened when one who He has sealed tarnishes themselves with unrighteous anger, bearing false witness, by our actions, or cause injury to others by what we say.

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Paul lists of five DON’TS for Christians:

1. Don’t retain bitterness for this can sour the soul.

2. Don’t hold onto anger.

3. Don’t allow wrath (or rage) to overcome you.

4. Don’t speak carelessly causing much clamor (noise).

5. Don’t carry malice in your heart towards others.

32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Be quick to forgive others who have wronged you; as God, through Christ Jesus, forgave your transgressions. Forgiving someone is not an easy thing to do. Grace is a gift from our Lord and through Him, we can extend forgiveness to others.