Introduction
Having explained how the saints were brought into the light and into one body, Paul now focus on behavior that promotes unity in the church. Unity happens when two things exist - when each person exercises his respective gift from the Spirit, and when each person is led by the Spirit to control his attitudes towards others. The chapter lists partial gifts as well as the key personality values that make a church not only united, but effective for God. Exercising of gifts together with internal character transformation leads to God's ultimate purpose for each person: spiritual maturity.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (v1,2)
Observations:
In this passage the key exhortation is to "bear each other in love." The word "bear" (GK. anechō) means to endure or to "suffer" each other. Paul does not ignore the fact that differences of opinions and clashes of personalities will arise, but the common objectives of all Christians is to preserve the unity and peace above protecting personal interests and emotions. Such self-interest conflicts will harm other innocent bystanders (eg: young Christians) as well as the church's reputation among pre-believers.
Regardless of what differences in opinions or practice, we have the same God and same Spirit - to divide ourselves would be a great disrespect to God himself. God is the ultimate authority over all, and we all must subject ourselves, our thinking, our preferences and our emotions under His written word.
Applications:
A pastor was approached by a middle aged lady who asked him how big is heaven. The pastor was puzzled with the question but simply said "I think it's quite big, very big." Curious, he asked her why she wanted to know. She answered, "because there's someone I want to avoid when I get there!"
How much tolerance do we have of differences in people? Do we get agitated easily because the other person has different opinions, methods, mannerism or tones? Do we judge and bear grudges once offended? Do we fight to defend our preference, rather than compromise to defend the unity of the Body?
To bear one another in love, we need to develop humility, gentleness, and patience in our character. (v2)
Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-12
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. (v7, 11-12)
Observation:
Having said that we are all one and equal in the body of Christ, Paul qualified that grace (the ability to perform God's work) is given differently to different people through differing gifts. Five gifts are listed here: apostle, prophets, evangelist, shepherds, and teachers.
Many believe that with the completion of biblical foundation, the gifts of apostles and prophets are no longer required (though we should never tie God's hands to do as He wishes.) Today's common "prophets" (interpreter of oracles) are those who have insights and foresights into consequences of sin by interpreting and applying scriptural principles to the present situation.
Evangelists, teachers and pastors all work together closely. The evangelist helps people take the step of faith; the teacher takes over and helps them understand the Word deeper; the shepherd (pastor) tends to life difficulties faced by the believer. The prophet has the unpleasant task of handing down warnings of sins to both pre-believers and believers, exhorting and rebuking them as necessary.
These and other gifts (eg. Romans 12:6-8) work together to create a holistic ministry and to build up the church.
Applications:
This passage helps us understand that each believer has a role to play in the body of Christ. Everyone has at least a gift, but no one has every gift. We should not despise another brother or sister because they are weak in certain areas, because we are meant to complement each other. Try and identify the gifts of your church mates and encourage them to use it to edify the members of the church.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:13-16
"until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,..speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..." (v13,15)
Observation:
The ministry of the various gifts are to (a) to provide unity of the one faith through one doctrinal truth, (b) to learn deeper about Christ, (c) to grow in maturity (GK. teleios - to become a "complete" man) , and (d) to be more Christ like.
As we grow in this manner, we avoid being deceived by unfounded doctrines brought by false teachers.
Truth must not be compromised but is sometimes painful for those who have been misled or have been living in error to hear. Speaking truth in the gentleness of love is effective in restoring those astray.
Applications:
Despite applying our gifts, it is not easy to correct those who have gone wayward in doctrine or in behavior. Pride prevents people from admitting wrong, and everyone is naturally defensive if we are blunt in delivering the truth. Love must also be communicated to help the person feel accepted rather than judged, and thereby making it easier for them to change. Can you identify someone that you need to speak the truth to, but with love this time?
Scripture: Ephesians 4:20-24
"...put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (v22-24)
Observation:
Is there a hint of sarcasm by Paul in v21: "assuming you have heard about Him (Jesus)" as if to say, if you know Jesus, why are you still walking in the old self? This is a rebuke to many of us!
Paul described spiritual transformation using two opposite actions: to "put off" the old self, and to "put on" the new self. In between the two, there is a "renewal of the spirit of your minds".
What is the "spirit of your minds?" I don't think it is a literal spirit that lives inside the brain. Rather its referring to the way we control our minds. The mind is under the control of the heart. Before we can change the way we think, we have to change our hearts, which is the seat of our will and emotions. (“the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” - Jer. 17:9). The heart can only change if we give control of it to the Spirit.
Once the heart and the mind is freed with obedience to the truth, then actions consistent with the "new self" can be put on, as Paul elaborates in the next section.
Applications:
“Trust and Obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." This is the simplest way to rephrase what Paul said. To submit in humility and to surrender in faith, is the only way for the heart to be changed. Then our thinking can be changed - we begin to "change our mind" about what we thought was right, what we thought was fair, what we thought was important.
There will always be the struggle between the old and new self, but Paul reminds us that grace has been given, that if we are willing, we can have victory.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-29
"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (v26-29)
Observation:
When the mind is under control of the Spirit, external evidences should be seen in 3 areas of our lives:
1. Our Emotions
Anger is given as a key example, but this can also include other passions that overtake godly behavior. Anger happens when we believe our rights or our image are violated. When we react to it wrongly in our actions or in our thoughts, that it sin, especially when we keep nurturing and make it grow over time. Anger is linked to giving the devil an opportunity for a foothold to launch all kinds of spiritual attacks. When the foothold becomes too deep, it becomes a stronghold in our lives that is difficult to eradicate.
2. Our Actions
The example given here is to stop theft (greed) and to be honest, diligent and generous instead. The spirit controlled mind will have a conscience to stop wrong actions (or wrong inactions). When we ignore these conscience warnings, it will eventually fade and we go back into darkness.
3. Our Speech.
We are to speak the truth, avoid words that tear down others but edifying words to encourage others.
Applications:
Research shows that the brain structure is changed by frequent or prolong anger. Mice forced to fight became socially withdrawn and is easily provoked. They develop new neurons in the hippocampus of the brain that affects aggressive behavior. Anger and aggression arise quicker and last longer the next time when similar "triggers" (eg. circumstances, similar face, environment, etc) is recognised by the brain, even if there is no actual threat.
That's why anger creates footholds for the devil is not squashed immediately. The cause of anger root is pride, judgementalism, and unforgiveness. This eventually leads to bitterness, hate and other toxic emotions. God asks us to recognise it, to forgive immediately (not even to wait till evening!), and to eventually be spiritually mature.
Prayer for Ephesians 4:
Father, help us understand the importance of preserving the unity of the Spirit in our church, in our community and in our homes. Create is each of us a spirit of humility, gentleness and patience towards each other. Reveal to us our respective gifts and let us use them to edify the church and to build each other up. We surrender our hearts and minds to you, so that our character can be changed in our emotions, in our actions and in our words so as to attain spiritual maturity that you desire. Amen.
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