Ephesians 4:1-16

Please read Ephesians 4:1-16

Paul has already laid out the groundwork in chapters 1-3 of Ephesians. That groundwork is full of spiritual truths that our faith has been built on. Our faith is built on the truth of Christ, the truth of the transformation that He supplies and the truth of living out the purpose that He calls us to.

Paul now shifts his focus to the body of Christ. Being a Christian is not a solitary act. Christ established His Church (body of Christ) to be a very communal and relational venture. One of the biggest “proofs” of our faith is God’s work in us, as seen in how we feel towards others, how we respond to one another and how we love each other.

In verses 2 & 3, Paul gives us a picture of just this “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Verse 4-6 explains that this unity is only possible because of God and Christ’s sacrifice. “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.” Unity within the body of Christ is a direct indication of the presence and power of God in that body.

Why does this “body of Christ” matter so much? Why can’t we be Christians on our own little islands or in our own worlds segregated from the rest of the Church? Because “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (verse 7) Pastor Brandon a couple of weeks ago talked about this grace. This grace is an empowering grace. It is the grace that is given to each of us in the form of gifts and abilities to do God’s will in this world and to bring our community to the point of being a reflection of the kingdom of God on this earth.

Each of us has a specific purpose in the body of Christ as a whole throughout the world and each of us has a specific purpose within the context of the community we live in every day, and our local church. “He gave to some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” (verse 11) He gave these gifts to these people so that they might “prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (verse 12) He gives blessings and grace to us so that we can in turn bless and grace others.

This building up that Paul is speaking of has many avenues and facets but one in particular that Paul immediately addresses is the idea of babies. Through unity in the body and in oneness with Christ, making use of each person in the body we are promised that we move from babes that have no coordination and no set direction for life to have fullness and knowledge. We are promised that together we become “mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (verse 13-14) “From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (verse 16)

Augustine once said “He cannot have God for his Father who refuses to have the church for his mother.” The church is the body of Christ. So here’s the hard part “what contribution are you making to help make your church a place where people are loved and where they can mature in their Christian faith?” You have a place and a purpose in the body of Christ. As our this past Sunday was, so it be today, “Lord, break our hearts with what breaks yours, and give us a clear vision of our your purpose for us in the body of Christ. Where is it that you want us to serve? What breaks your heart? Father, pour your grace out on us so that we might be the body that you called us to be, so that we might love you deeper than ever before, love others with your heart and be able to change the world for your glory!”