Ephesians 4
BSB1 As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men." 9 What does “He ascended” mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. 11 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part. 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more. 20 But this is not the way you came to know Christ. 21 Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus— 22 to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. 26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. 29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Study Notes — Ephesians 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ephesians 4
- Themes from Ephesians 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ephesians 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Ephesians 4 begins by exhorting believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, gentleness, and patience (Ephesians 4:1-3). The chapter then emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head (Ephesians 4:4-6). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are also discussed, as well as the role of church leaders in equipping believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12). The chapter concludes by urging believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God (Ephesians 4:17-32). Overall, this chapter provides guidance on how believers can grow in their faith and knowledge of God, as they strive for unity and maturity in the body of Christ.
Context for the Chapter
Ephesians 4 is part of a larger letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. The letter is divided into two main sections: the first section (chapters 1-3) focuses on the believer's position in Christ, while the second section (chapters 4-6) focuses on the believer's practice. This chapter is part of the second section, and provides guidance on how believers can grow in their faith and knowledge of God, as they strive for unity and maturity in the body of Christ. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, and the role of spiritual gifts in equipping them for ministry.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to strive for unity and maturity in the body of Christ. This requires humility, gentleness, and patience, as well as a willingness to be equipped by God for ministry. We must also be mindful of the spiritual gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit, and use them to edify and build up the body of Christ. By applying these principles to our lives, we can grow in our faith and knowledge of God, and become more like Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about how believers can grow in their faith and knowledge of God, as they strive for unity and maturity in the body of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of humility, gentleness, and patience, as well as the role of spiritual gifts in equipping believers for ministry. As believers, we are called to put off our old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God (Ephesians 4:17-32). We must also be mindful of the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit, and use them to edify and build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7-12).
Voices from the Church
“The unity of the church is a most precious thing, and it is to be maintained at all costs. We must be willing to sacrifice our own interests and desires, in order to promote the unity of the body of Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to believers for the purpose of equipping them for ministry. We must be mindful of these gifts, and use them to edify and build up the body of Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Call to Unity (Ephesians 4:1-6) — The chapter begins by exhorting believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, gentleness, and patience (Ephesians 4:1-3). The importance of unity among believers is also emphasized, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head (Ephesians 4:4-6).
- The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:7-12) — The chapter highlights the role of spiritual gifts in equipping believers for ministry, as well as the importance of church leaders in this process (Ephesians 4:7-12).
- The Need for Spiritual Growth (Ephesians 4:13-16) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers strive to become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:13-16).
- The Old and New Self (Ephesians 4:17-24) — The chapter urges believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God (Ephesians 4:17-24).
- The Christian's Walk (Ephesians 4:25-32) — The chapter concludes by urging believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion (Ephesians 4:25-32).
Core Doctrines
- The Unity of the Church
- This chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head (Ephesians 4:4-6).
- The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- The chapter highlights the role of spiritual gifts in equipping believers for ministry, as well as the importance of church leaders in this process (Ephesians 4:7-12).
- The Need for Spiritual Growth
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers strive to become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:13-16).
- The Old and New Self
- The chapter urges believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God (Ephesians 4:17-24).
Lessons from Ephesians 4
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, as believers strive to walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1-3).
- The Role of Church Leaders — The chapter highlights the importance of church leaders in equipping believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12).
- The Need for Spiritual Growth — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers strive to become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:13-16).
- The Old and New Self — The chapter urges believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God (Ephesians 4:17-24).
- The Christian's Walk — The chapter concludes by urging believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion (Ephesians 4:25-32).
Themes from Ephesians 4
- Unity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head (Ephesians 4:4-6).
- Spiritual Gifts — The chapter highlights the role of spiritual gifts in equipping believers for ministry, as well as the importance of church leaders in this process (Ephesians 4:7-12).
- Spiritual Growth — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers strive to become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:13-16).
- The Old and New Self — The chapter urges believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God (Ephesians 4:17-24).
- The Christian's Walk — The chapter concludes by urging believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion (Ephesians 4:25-32).
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of your calling, and how can you apply this to your life?
- What is the importance of unity among believers, and how can you promote unity in your church?
- What are some spiritual gifts that you have been given, and how can you use them to edify and build up the body of Christ?
- What does it mean to put off your old self and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God?
- How can you walk in a manner worthy of your calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Call to Unity (Ephesians 4:1-6)
| Ephesians 4:1 | The chapter begins by exhorting believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, gentleness, and patience. |
| Ephesians 4:2 | Believers are urged to bear with one another in love, and to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. |
| Ephesians 4:3 | The importance of unity among believers is emphasized, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head. |
| Ephesians 4:4 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head. |
| Ephesians 4:5 | There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all, who is over all and through all and in all. |
| Ephesians 4:6 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of unity among believers, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head. |
2. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:7-12)
| Ephesians 4:7 | The chapter highlights the role of spiritual gifts in equipping believers for ministry, as well as the importance of church leaders in this process. |
| Ephesians 4:8 | Christ gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. |
| Ephesians 4:9 | The purpose of these gifts is to equip believers for ministry, and to build up the body of Christ. |
| Ephesians 4:10 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual gifts in equipping believers for ministry, and in building up the body of Christ. |
| Ephesians 4:11 | The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to believers for the purpose of equipping them for ministry, and for building up the body of Christ. |
| Ephesians 4:12 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of spiritual gifts in equipping believers for ministry, and in building up the body of Christ. |
3. The Need for Spiritual Growth (Ephesians 4:13-16)
| Ephesians 4:13 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers strive to become more like Christ. |
| Ephesians 4:14 | Believers are urged to no longer be children, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching. |
| Ephesians 4:15 | Instead, believers are urged to speak the truth in love, and to grow up into Christ, who is the head of the body. |
| Ephesians 4:16 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers strive to become more like Christ. |
4. The Old and New Self (Ephesians 4:17-24)
| Ephesians 4:17 | The chapter urges believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God. |
| Ephesians 4:18 | The old self is characterized by hardness of heart, and a lack of understanding of God's ways. |
| Ephesians 4:19 | The old self is also characterized by a lack of sensitivity, and a giving oneself over to sensuality, so as to indulge in every kind of impurity. |
| Ephesians 4:20 | The new self, on the other hand, is characterized by a knowledge of God's ways, and a desire to please Him. |
| Ephesians 4:21 | The new self is also characterized by a willingness to learn, and to be taught by God's word. |
| Ephesians 4:22 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of putting off the old self, and putting on the new self, created in the likeness of God. |
| Ephesians 4:23 | Believers are urged to be renewed in their minds, and to put on the new self, created in the likeness of God. |
| Ephesians 4:24 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of putting off the old self, and putting on the new self, created in the likeness of God. |
5. The Christian's Walk (Ephesians 4:25-32)
| Ephesians 4:25 | The chapter concludes by urging believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion. |
| Ephesians 4:26 | Believers are urged to be angry, but not to sin, and not to let the sun go down on their anger. |
| Ephesians 4:27 | Believers are also urged not to give the devil a foothold, by allowing anger and bitterness to take root in their hearts. |
| Ephesians 4:28 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of walking in a manner worthy of one's calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion. |
| Ephesians 4:29 | Believers are urged to speak only what is helpful for building others up, and to avoid speaking unwholesome words. |
| Ephesians 4:30 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of walking in a manner worthy of one's calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion. |
| Ephesians 4:31 | Believers are urged to get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, and to be kind and compassionate to one another. |
| Ephesians 4:32 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of walking in a manner worthy of one's calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of unity among believers?
The importance of unity among believers is emphasized in Ephesians 4:4-6, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head. Unity is to be maintained through humility, gentleness, and patience.
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to believers for the purpose of equipping them for ministry, and for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7-12).
What does it mean to put off the old self and put on the new self?
To put off the old self and put on the new self means to reject the old, sinful nature and to accept the new, righteous nature that is given to believers in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-24).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 4:1 → Philippians 1:27 | Both passages emphasize the importance of living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. |
| 2 | Ephesians 4:4 → John 17:21 | Both passages emphasize the importance of unity among believers. |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:7 → 1 Corinthians 12:4 | Both passages discuss the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and their role in equipping believers for ministry. |
| 4 | Ephesians 4:13 → Colossians 1:28 | Both passages emphasize the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers strive to become more like Christ. |
| 5 | Ephesians 4:17 → Romans 6:4 | Both passages discuss the importance of putting off the old self and putting on the new self, created in the likeness of God. |
| 6 | Ephesians 4:25 → Zechariah 8:16 | Both passages emphasize the importance of speaking the truth in love, and of promoting honesty and integrity in all interactions. |
| 7 | Ephesians 4:29 → Proverbs 15:1 | This verse is connected to Proverbs 15:1, which also discusses the importance of speaking wholesome words. |
| 8 | Ephesians 4:32 → Matthew 6:14 | Both passages emphasize the importance of forgiveness, and of treating others with kindness and compassion. |
| 9 | Ephesians 4:1-3 → Psalm 133:1 | Both passages emphasize the importance of unity among believers, and the blessings that come from living in harmony with one another. |
| 10 | Ephesians 4:11-12 → 1 Peter 4:10 | Both passages discuss the importance of using one's gifts and talents to serve others, and to build up the body of Christ. |
Sermons on Ephesians 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A New Attitude Towards People by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the imp |
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Door of Repentance by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being in a prison and connecting with a man who was afraid of being whipped. Through love and sharing the word of God, t |
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How to Forgive by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the diff |
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A Final Shaking by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a boat mooring to illustrate the importance of not drifting away from the truth of Christ. He emphasizes the need to hold on tightly |
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Only One Life Will Soon Be Past by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that pleases God. He highlights the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, where believers |
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Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his role as a messenger of God and emphasizes the importance of radical choosing and repentance. He highlights the two categorie |
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"That They May Be one." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a |
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A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid |
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Offer Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the radical depravity and evil nature of mankind, highlighting that there is no hope for self-righteousness. The first 11 chapters of the bo |
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"Forget Miricales Preach Holiness" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the need for true, genuine conversion and a deep commitment to the cross, rather than just seeking emotional experiences or outward displays of spirituality. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ephesians 4
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, gentleness, and patience (Ephesians 4:1-3). He emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head (Ephesians 4:4-6). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are also discussed, as well as the role of church leaders in equipping believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12). The chapter concludes by urging believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God (Ephesians 4:17-24), and to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with honesty, kindness, and compassion (Ephesians 4:25-32). Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of using one's gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Unity
The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as they are all part of the same body, with Christ as the head. This unity is to be maintained through humility, gentleness, and patience (Ephesians 4:1-3).
The Role of Spiritual Gifts
The chapter highlights the role of spiritual gifts in equipping believers for ministry, as well as the importance of church leaders in this process (Ephesians 4:7-12).
The Need for Spiritual Growth
The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers strive to become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:13-16).