Ephesians 4:1-6: Live Worthy of Our Calling
Introduction
How do we live in a way that reflects the high calling God has placed on our lives? Ephesians 4:1-6 invites us to walk in humility, gentleness, and love, embodying the very essence of Christ. This passage is not merely a call to personal holiness but a blueprint for how the church—the body of Christ—should function in unity and love. In a world marked by division, individualism, and strife, Paul’s words to the Ephesian church are a timely reminder of the transformative power of the gospel and the unity it brings.
In this article, we will explore the richness of Ephesians 4:1-6, examining its theological depth, practical implications, and relevance for the church today. By unpacking Paul’s exhortation to “walk worthy of the calling,” we will discover how to live lives that honor God, foster unity, and reflect the character of Christ.
Ephesians 4:1-6: A Call to Live Worthy of Our Calling
Paul begins this section of his letter with a powerful exhortation: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1, NRSV). This verse serves as a bridge between the theological truths Paul has laid out in the first three chapters and the practical instructions that follow. Having explained the riches of God’s grace, the mystery of the gospel, and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, Paul now challenges the Ephesians to live in a way that reflects these truths.
The phrase “walk in a manner worthy” is significant. In Scripture, the concept of “walking” often refers to one’s lifestyle or daily conduct. It’s not just about what we believe but how we live out those beliefs. Paul is calling believers to align their lives with the gospel, ensuring that their actions, attitudes, and relationships reflect the grace they’ve received.
The “calling” Paul refers to is multifaceted. It includes our call to salvation, our call to be part of God’s family, and our call to participate in His mission on earth. This calling is not based on our merit but on God’s grace. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. Yet, this grace compels us to live lives of gratitude and obedience.
Living worthy of this calling requires intentionality. It’s easy to conform to the patterns of the world, but as Romans 12:2 reminds us, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is a lifelong process, one that involves daily surrender to the Holy Spirit and a commitment to follow Christ’s example.
The Virtues That Foster Unity (Ephesians 4:2-3)
In verses 2-3, Paul outlines the attitudes and behaviors that are essential for maintaining unity in the body of Christ. These virtues are not optional; they are the building blocks of a healthy, thriving church. Let’s examine each one in detail:
1. Humility: Humility is the foundation of Christian unity. It involves recognizing that we are not the center of the universe and that our worth comes from being children of God, not from our achievements or status. Philippians 2:3-4 captures this beautifully: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Humility allows us to value others and prioritize their needs above our own.
2. Gentleness: Gentleness is often misunderstood as weakness, but in reality, it is strength under control. It’s the ability to respond to others with kindness and compassion, even in difficult situations. Jesus exemplified gentleness in His interactions with people, from the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) to His disciples, who often misunderstood Him. Gentleness is a powerful witness to the love of Christ.
3. Patience: Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances and relationships without becoming angry or frustrated. It’s a recognition that growth takes time and that we are all works in progress. Patience allows us to extend grace to others, trusting that God is at work in their lives just as He is in ours.
4. Bearing with one another in love: This phrase emphasizes the need for mutual forbearance. We all have flaws, weaknesses, and differences, but love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Bearing with one another means choosing to extend grace and forgiveness, just as God has done for us.
These virtues are not just nice ideas; they are essential for preserving the unity of the Spirit. In a world filled with division and conflict, the church is called to be a place where humility, gentleness, patience, and love abound.
The Call to Preserve Unity (Ephesians 4:3)
Paul emphasizes that unity is not something we create but something we preserve. He writes, “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, NRSV). The unity of the Spirit is a gift from God, rooted in our shared identity in Christ. Our responsibility is to protect and nurture this unity.
This requires effort. The phrase “eager to maintain” suggests intentionality and diligence. Unity doesn’t happen by accident; it requires selflessness, sacrifice, and a commitment to peace. It means setting aside personal preferences and prioritizing the well-being of the body of Christ.
Unity is not the same as uniformity. The church is made up of diverse individuals with different gifts, personalities, and perspectives. Unity is about finding common ground in Christ and working together for His glory. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, the body of Christ has many members, each with a unique role to play.
The Basis for Unity (Ephesians 4:4-6)
In verses 4-6, Paul grounds the unity of the church in the oneness of God. He lists seven key “ones” that provide the foundation for Christian unity:
1. One body: The church is a single body with many members, all united under Christ, the head (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
2. One Spirit: The Holy Spirit unites believers and equips them for service (1 Corinthians 12:13).
3. One hope: Our hope is rooted in our shared future with Christ (Romans 8:24-25).
4. One Lord: Jesus Christ is the head of the church and the one we follow (Colossians 1:18).
5. One faith: The faith we share is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which we are called to profess (Jude 1:3).
6. One baptism: Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ and with one another (Romans 6:3-4).
7. One God and Father of all: God is the source of all unity, and we are all part of His family (John 17:21-23).
These “ones” remind us that our unity is not based on human effort but on the work of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The church is united by the gospel and by our common identity in Christ.
Relevance for Today
The message of Ephesians 4:1-6 is incredibly relevant for the church today. In a world marked by division, the church is called to be a beacon of unity and love. This doesn’t mean we will always agree on everything, but it does mean we are committed to loving one another and working together for the sake of the gospel.
Living worthy of our calling means prioritizing the unity of the church, serving others, and reflecting the love of Christ in all that we do. It’s a call to live counter-culturally, rejecting the individualism and self-centeredness of our age and embracing the selflessness and humility of Christ.
Key Takeaways
1. Live Worthy of the Calling: Our lives should reflect the grace and dignity of being chosen by God.
2. Foster Unity: Unity in the body of Christ is essential and requires humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
3. Grounded in God’s Oneness: The unity of the church is based on the oneness of God and our shared faith in Christ.
Let us strive to walk worthy of our calling, living in peace and unity with one another and serving as a witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
