Ephesians 4 begins the practical section of Paul’s Ephesian letter. Paul undergirds action with principle. Chapters 1-3 focus on church identity, “Who are we?” The church must understand its identity and purpose. Chapters 4-6 answer the question, “What do we do?” The Christian life that reflects our shared identity in Christ Jesus includes requirements, reasons, response, and results.
- Requirements. Paul reminds that our calling in Christ is a calling to humility, gentleness, patience (forbearance), love, and relationships.
- Reasons. Our shared life is based in our mutual commitment to peace and unity, our common faith, the gifts of God, the nature of God’s community, and Jesus Christ. This shared life is reality and merely a dream.
- Responsibility. We are responsible to and for one another. We mature together, following the example of Jesus. The body functions and is self-sustaining. We must use our gifts.
- Results. The result is a shared life of stability and support. The body focuses on Jesus and together lives out the truth in love. God’s picture of maturity is not only for individuals. Individuals mature as part of a mature body of believers.
Paul’s conclusion is that the church then grows and is edified through the mutual work of the members with all members functioning according to their own specific activities in the body.