Christian Unity (Ephesians 4)
The great mystery that Paul now gets to proclaim is that all men can be united in Christ to the glory of the Father (Eph. 3). Now he presents the facts, means, and evidence of such a unity.
Christian Unity (Eph. 4)
The great mystery that Paul now gets to proclaim is that all men can be united in Christ to the glory of the Father (Eph. 3). Now he presents the facts, means, and evidence of such a unity.
- Facts of Christian Unity (v1-6) – the foundation of unity is set forth in these “seven ones”. We are called to walk worthily of our Christian calling with the right attitude (Phil. 1:27; 1 Pet. 5:6), recognizing there is one body—the church (Eph. 1:22-23; Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 12:12, 13); one Spirit—the Holy Spirit that directs our lives through the revealed word (Rom. 8:14; 1 Cor. 12:4, 13); one hope—gospel produces one hope (Col. 1:23; Titus 1:2, 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:3-4); one Lord—Christ, the head, authority, and savior (Eph. 1:22, Matt. 28:18; Acts 4:12); one Faith—one system of saving faith (John 14:6; Rom. 10:17; Jude 3); one baptism—one means of accessing salvation (Gal. 3:27; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38); one God—author of life and every blessing (Acts 17:28; James 1:17; Matt. 4:10; John 4:23).
- Means of Christian Unity (v7-16) – shows the spiritual gifts were for the purpose of bringing them to maturity and unity through the revealed word which is now recorded (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3; 1 Cor. 1:10; 13:8-10).
- Evidence of Christian Unity (v17-32) — this unity ought to be shown in the way we walk/live as imitators of God (Eph. 5:1); there should be a contrast between those outside of Christ (v17-19) and those in Him (v20-32; Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:1-2; Rom. 6:17-18).
