Ephesians 4 - Introduction

Ephesians

Chapter Ephesians 4:1-16

Outline:

I. The unity of the Spirit:

A. Attitudes necessary for Unity: Ephesians 4:1-3

B. Doctrines necessary for Unity: Ephesians 4:4-6

C. Gifts given to promote Unity: Ephesians 4:7-11

D. The purpose and desired results of such gifts: Ephesians 4:12-16

I. The walk that is worthy: Ephesians 4:17-20

I. The "Walk" That Is Unworthy: Ephesians 4:17-20

II. Put off the old man and put on the new man: Ephesians 4:21-24

III. Specific applications: Ephesians 4:25-32

“The apostle continues to describe the new standards which are expected of God's new society. He goes on to argue now, we must also cultivate purity. Purity is as indispensable. characteristic of the people of God as unity” (Stott p. 174). “The readers are Gentile converts to the Christian faith. They were brought up in the pagan way of life; that must now be abandoned. The darker side of that way of life is depicted in the following clauses, which repeat, but more concisely, the picture of the ethical bankruptcy of contemporary paganism presented in Romans 1:18. Even in the ethical field, it is implied, the most strenuous efforts of pagans are vain” (Bruce p. 355). We should carefully note the type of background, environment and upbringing which many first century Christians came (1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 4:2). The lesson is clear. With God's instruction the Christian can overcome even the worst upbringing and the most addictive of sinful habits. When someone is trying to blame the past for their present moral failures, they are making an excuse that God does not accept.

As in many of Paul's letters,. strong doctrinal section is followed by an equally strong practical section (Romans 12:1; Galatians 5:1; Colossians 3:1), reminding us to build our lives on the truths already mentioned. As Caldwell said, “We are obligated to become what we believe” (p. 152). “For three Chapter s Paul has been unfolding for his readers the eternal purpose of God being worked out in history. Through Jesus Christ, who died for sinners and was raised from death, God is creating something entirely new. Paul sees an alienated humanity being reconciled,. fractured humanity being united, even. new humanity. Now the apostle moves on from the new society (the church) to the new standards which are expected of it. So he turns from exposition to exhortation, from what God has done to what we must be and do. from doctrine to duty, from mind-stretching theology to its down-to-earth, concrete implications in everyday living” (Stott p. 146). “From Cain (Genesis 4:1) and Babel (Genesis 11:1) until the present, brother has risen against brother and nation against nation. This world is marked by dissension, division, and strife. Even in religion, the order man has chosen for himself is fighting and quarreling: sect against sect and church member against church member. God did not will division. God devised, designed, and executed. plan, on the other hand, whereby satisfying unity can be established in and through Jesus Christ. This is not. forced unity. Man voluntarily must will to accept the plan for unity. The fact that too many will not surrender to Christ and to His design of spiritual fellowship does not militate against the Lord's pattern itself. It simply speaks to the unwillingness of men to comply with the word and will of Almighty God in His wisdom” (Caldwell p. 152). This section reveals that unity in the Church is. real possibility. God's plan for unity includes proper attitudes, correct doctrine, and everyone using their gifts.