Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

As we move into the second half of Ephesians, we are moving from belief to behaviour. How we live is crucial (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15). In the ESV the Christian life is helpfully described as a walk. This suggests that Christian living is progressive and deliberate; we are to be moving in a direction. Paul will cover the church, the world, the home and the workplace. In each area Paul directs us to ‘live a life worthy’ of all the blessings he has described in the first three chapters of the book (4:1). Truth transforms us (Rom. 12:1–2). 

In a letter which puts great emphasis on the importance of the church, Paul begins by describing the way in which Christians should relate to each other in the fellowship of the church. The church is a foretaste of the unity that will one day exist in the universe when it is united under the Lordship of Christ (3:10–11). It is important that the church displays this unity now. Unity is a gift of God since He is the one who creates it (2:14). However, we must work hard to maintain it. 

We must guard our hearts and be both humble and gentle (vv. 1–3). Humility is an attitude of lowliness, the opposite of pride (Rom. 12:16). It means following the example of Jesus (Mark 10:45). Gentleness is a mildness of character which refuses to insist on its own way. It is not spineless, but it seeks the good of others. It leads to patience and forbearance. Remind yourself of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23). How can we see these characteristics develop in our lives? Why are they important? 

Paul also reminds the Ephesians of the foundations on which the unity of the church is built (vv. 4–6). We belong to ‘one body’, the body of Christ. Since it is God’s foretaste of the final unity of the cosmos, its current unity is vital. We have ‘one baptism’, through our individual conversion, into this one body. We share ‘one hope’, an inheritance that we will share together for all eternity. We confess ‘one faith’ – trusting in Christ alone for salvation. Our unity is based on our relationship with the triune God; ‘one God and Father’, ‘one Lord’ and ‘one Spirit’. These seven common characteristics are seven reasons why we belong together and why we should do everything in our power to guard, promote and enjoy this unity. 

Reflection

What is the greatest challenge to unity among Christians? Why is it important that we follow Paul’s directions here (see John 17:20–23; Col. 3:13–14)?