UNROLL
Sheaves of wheat standing upright in a harvested field at dawn, each bound with a single cord, a wide calm sky above.

The Book of

Ephesians 4

Three chapters of what God has done. Now Paul, in chains, shows how to walk in it, together.

32 verses≈ 5 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

  1. 1Every blessingChosen, redeemed and sealed in Christ
  2. 2–3One new peopleSaved by grace, brought near
  3. 4–6:9Walk worthyUnity, new life, love at homeChapter 4
  4. 6:10–24Stand firmThe armor of God and prayer

Unity in the Body

From PaulTo the saints in Ephesus

As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1–3

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:4–6

Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

This is why it says:

“When He ascended on high,

He led captives away,

and gave gifts to men.”

What does “He ascended” mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.

speaking the truth in love

Ephesians 4:14–15

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.

One body, many gifts

Christ, thehead“who is the head”He gave giftsapostles, prophets,evangelists…To equip thesaints“for works ofministry”Every partworking“each individual part”The body grows“builds itself up inlove”Unity andmaturity“the stature ofChrist”

Whiteboard

The gifts come from Christ, and they are given for others. Those who lead and teach equip the saints, and the saints do the work of ministry. As every part does its share, the whole body grows up into Christ, “who is the head,” until we all reach unity and maturity.

Question

Quick question

Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to His church.

What does Paul say these gifts are for?

New Life in Christ

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.

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. 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.

A clean white linen tunic laid out on a wooden bench in morning light, a worn, dirty cloak dropped on the floor beside it.

But this is not the way you came to know Christ. Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus— to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

0:22

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Scrolls and books heaped on a fire in an Ephesian street, pages curling in the flames, people carrying more books to throw on while a crowd watches.

Pray

Put on the new self

Paul says you were taught “to put off your former way of life” and “to put on the new self, created to be like God.” Ask God to show you one old habit you are still wearing, and to renew “the spirit of your minds” today. Thank Him that the new self is His work, not yours.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.

“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold.

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.

only what is helpful for building up the one in need

Ephesians 4:29

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Reflect

Before the sun sets

Paul’s new life is very practical: tell the truth, settle anger before the day ends, work so you can give, speak words that build up. Then he sums it up: “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Is there someone you need to forgive, or a conversation you need to have before the sun sets? What is one step you could take this week?

You’ve experienced

Ephesians 4

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A verse to carry with you

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

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