How should we walk now that we are in the Lord? This is the central question in Ephesians 4, a chapter rich with wisdom on spiritual growth, unity, and the transformation that comes with faith in Christ. The apostle Paul, writing as a “prisoner of the Lord,” calls believers to live a life worthy of their calling—a life marked by humility, patience, love, and unity.
This chapter is not just about personal transformation but about how each believer contributes to the body of Christ. Paul emphasizes that growing in faith means maturing beyond childish ways, standing firm in truth, and working together as one body. Let’s explore these key teachings and their relevance for modern believers.
Called to a Worthy Walk
Paul begins Ephesians 4 by urging believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” they have received. This calling is not limited to pastors or church leaders; it applies to every Christian. God calls all of us to come home to Him, and this new life requires a different way of living.
Key attributes of this new life include:
- Humility: Recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others.
- Gentleness: Responding to others with kindness instead of harshness.
- Patience: Enduring difficulties and giving grace to others.
- Love: Choosing to care for others selflessly.
- Unity in Spirit: Living in peace and harmony with fellow believers.
Paul emphasizes oneness—one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. The Christian life is about being unified in Christ, rather than divided by different teachings or personal preferences.
Spiritual Gifts and Growth in Maturity
Paul explains that Christ has given spiritual gifts to believers to equip them for ministry. These include:
- Apostles: Foundational leaders of the church.
- Prophets: Those who share messages from God.
- Evangelists: Preachers of the gospel.
- Pastors and Teachers: Shepherds who guide and instruct.
These roles are meant to build up the church, helping believers grow into maturity so they are not “tossed by the waves” of false teaching. Many people in Paul’s time, like those in Athens, were always seeking something new, jumping from one philosophy to another. Paul warns against being easily swayed and calls Christians to be firmly grounded in truth.
When the church functions properly—each person using their God-given gifts while being rooted in Christ—the body grows stronger, just as a physical body thrives when all parts work together.
Leaving the Old Life Behind
A key theme in Ephesians 4 is transformation—leaving behind the “old self” and embracing the “new self” in Christ. Paul describes how those outside of Christ live in spiritual darkness, alienated from God, following their own desires without understanding His truth. He warns against hardness of heart, which leads to moral corruption.
Instead, believers are called to:
- Put away falsehood and speak truth.
- Control anger and not let it fester.
- Do honest work instead of stealing, so they can help others.
- Use words to build up rather than tear down.
- Avoid bitterness, rage, and malice, choosing kindness and forgiveness instead.
Paul urges Christians to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as Christ forgave them. In today’s world, where social media often fosters cruelty and division, these words remain powerfully relevant.
The Call to Maturity
Paul’s message in Ephesians 4 is ultimately about maturity. Being a Christian is not just about receiving salvation—it’s about growing into the fullness of Christ. Immaturity leads to instability, while spiritual maturity provides strength and wisdom.
Many people today treat faith like a safety net—something to fall back on when needed, rather than a guiding force in daily life. Paul challenges this mindset. He calls believers to be transformed, not just to seek forgiveness but to become a new person in Christ.
Application for Today
The teachings of Ephesians 4 are deeply practical for modern Christians:
- Seek Unity: The church is strongest when its members work together.
- Use Your Gifts: Every believer has a role in the body of Christ.
- Pursue Maturity: Growing in faith means being steady and firm in truth.
- Be Kind and Forgiving: Love should mark our interactions, even in disagreements.
- Live Differently: Faith should change the way we think, speak, and act.
Paul’s call is clear: we are not meant to stay the same. Faith in Christ is a journey of transformation, leading us to become people who reflect God’s love and wisdom.
Conclusion
Ephesians 4 is a powerful reminder that being a follower of Christ is about growth, unity, and transformation. Paul challenges us to mature in faith, live out our calling, and build up the body of Christ through love and truth.
As we reflect on this passage, we should ask ourselves: Are we growing in maturity, or are we still being tossed by every new idea? Are we living as new people in Christ, or are we clinging to our old ways?
The good news is that through God’s grace, we are being shaped into something better—stronger, wiser, and more like Christ. Let’s embrace this transformation and walk in a way that honors Him.
