Being in Step
Ephesians 4:1-16
Introduction: Being in step is another way to address something we use to call “Backsliding”. The lesson today addresses discord among members and the need we have to evaluate ourselves to make sure we are in step with or behavior and responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to Christ. He talks about mutual love and unity and the means to promote such.
The church is now the body of Christ’s believers and a body cannot function well when one part is sick or not working with the others. Ever have a broken leg, sore throat or a bad bruise or cut? They affect the whole body, no matter to what degree the imperfection is.
Live up to Your Call V. 1-6 “1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
V.1 Paul is a prisoner both in Rome and as one of the Lord. He does not implore his friends for gifts or food as most prisoners but that they should walk worthy of their calling.
Our walk with Christ is a calling, a way of life---not an option or when convenient
“worthy” in Greek means “weighting the same as”
V. 2 Qualities that characterize the Christian lifestyle
By lowliness we are to understand humility
By meekness people are unwilling to provoke one another
Forbearing means to accommodate people’s infirmaries or flaws out of the principle of love NOTE: We are all with flaws and manners that are unappealing to other people
Humility is the first step towards unity NOTE: Pride and passion break peace and is the reason for all the mischief in the world.
By pride comes contention
Only by humility comes love
V. 3 The foundation of Christian unity is in the spirit or heart of a Christian. It must come from the spirit as this type of love is not natural for men
V. 4 Paul tries to motivate us
There is one heart—two would be monstrous
All Christians make up one body, one church V. 5
There is one Father for all the Christians and He is above all. Pride and contention seeks to rival God NOTE: Satan’s beginning is found in pride and desire to usurp God’s authority.
Appreciate our Spiritual Gifts Paul points out that we are given a variety of gifts. V. 7-12 “7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
V. 7Though Christian are to agree on so many things there are things that we differ on—but this should not breed a discord in our affections for one another
Everyone is given grace, yet some of us are given different gifts to use in this state of grace that we live
V. 8-9 He looks at Christ’s ascension (David had the gift of prophecy. He mentioned Lord ascending in Psalms)
In that day victorious generals led their captives in chains through eh streets and bestowed their bounty on the soldiers and those that assisted in the campaign
Christ led captivity captive---he conquered his enemies and now He gives gifts to those as he sees fit
NOTE: Christ humbled Himself to come to us, thus an example of love. We humble ourselves to those that at times are not worthy of it, but we do it anyway.
Our gifts are to be used for the glory of Christ and not our own glory or personal edification
Work Together V. 13-16 “13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
The gifts are to be used until we all come together and are perfected in Christ
There will come a time we will no longer be like children but be fully knowledgeable of all spiritual things
Our judgment will not be as children
V. 14 We will not be easily imposed on but we will know how to be firm in our knowledge and belief NOTE: This is so important in this day and time when all things seem to be blurred by technology and lifestyles.
V. 16 Paul makes a comparison between the natural body and Christ’s mystical body
There is one head, and that is Christ
For the body to grow it must work together
Just as God made the different parts of the body and they work together, so God made us and directs us so that we work in one accord together
Conclusion: Mutual love among Christians is required if we are going to grow together and as individuals. This cannot be done, except it be done through the guidance and obedience to the Holy Spirit that dwells in us and desires to glorify Christ. It’s when we forget that, that discord follows and trouble in our own live as well as others. A kingdom divide against itself will fall, but the secret to peace and growth in our lives is the obedience to Christ who will keep us working together in one accord.
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