Ephesians 4:1-6

God’s Glory in the Church – Living in Unity

Ephesians chapters 1–3 provide the foundation for chapters 4–6. If you were familiar with Greek grammar, you’d notice that chapters 4–6 contain 41 commands, while chapters 1–3 contain none. The first three chapters are essential for understanding how God has transformed us and brought Jews and Gentiles together as one body. Beginning in chapter 4, Paul shifts the focus to how God is maturing us.

Live Worthy of Your Calling (v. 1)

In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul emphasizes that our lifestyle should align with our doctrine. What we believe should inspire us to live in a way that reflects the value of our faith. There must be a balance—our actions should correspond to the worthiness of our calling.

What is this calling? In verse 4, Paul identifies it as salvation. It is the acceptance of all that Christ has done for us and living that truth alongside others who share the same calling.

Be Tolerant With One Another (v. 2)

In verse 2, Paul urges us to live with humility and gentleness, echoing how Jesus described Himself in Matthew 11. He also commands us to walk with patience, bearing with and putting up with one another. This suggests that tolerance will sometimes be uncomfortable, yet it is a vital aspect of our walk with others.

Work Hard at Preserving Unity (v. 3)

In verse 3, Paul instructs us to make every effort to maintain unity. Unity does not come easily—it requires hard work. While we do not create unity, we are called to preserve it, even when our thoughts differ.

Unity Begins With the Triune God (vv. 4-6)

In verses 4–6, Paul reminds us that unity begins with the Triune God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one, demonstrating that there is only one way—an exclusive truth.

Being tolerant of one another (as seen in verse 2) does not mean accepting a variety of contradictory beliefs. When Paul speaks of unity and “oneness,” he sets necessary boundaries. We must align with God’s Word and cannot pick and choose what to believe. As believers, we share in the truths Paul highlights: we are united as one body in Christ.

Application Points

• We are not islands to ourselves. As Christians we need each other and we need to tolerate each other. Each person is essential to the body of Christ.

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore:

• Matthew 11
• Acts 19
• Acts 20
• Colossians 3:12
• 1 Corinthians 12