VB058 Let’s Walk Together (Eph 4:1-3)
Let’s Walk Together – Eph 4:1-3
Remember the first half of this letter has taught us who we are and what we have in Christ (1-3). And now Paul shows us in the last half of the letter our response to the teaching, or how to walk in Christ (4-6). This is a step-by-step walk to victory (4:1,17; 5:2,8,15). The Christian life is compared to a walk because it starts with one step of faith, involves progress, and demands balance and strength. If we do not learn to walk, we will never be able to run the race that is set before us (Heb 12:1-2), let alone stand in the battle (Eph 6:11ff). What we learn and believe determines our behavior. Lets begin our journey and study our response to Paul’s prayers for us and what we have learned so far.
Eph 4:1-3 (NKJV) – I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, [2] with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, [3] endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
The things Paul tells us to do in the last half of Ephesians are impossible for the natural man to do. Living the Christian life is impossible in our own strength. In order to be Christ-like we must use the same power that Jesus used. Through the Word of God and the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we can live the life of Christ in the devil’s world.
Eph 4:1-1 (NKJV) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
Therefore, since we have the knowledge, Paul pleads with us to walk worthy of the calling; our position, seated with the Lord (1:20; 2:6). Walking is an outward physical action which represents a spiritual truth. Just as walking in the natural is traveling from one place to another – in the spiritual realm, walking is moving from spiritual birth to spiritual maturity.
Worthy, axios (a-xiy’-os) means “equal weight.” Our calling and conduct should be in balance. The calling refers to not only the believer’s salvation (Rom 1:5-6; 1Cor 1:9) but also to their union in one body. A Christian’s conduct concerns both his personal life, and his responsibility to other parts of the body of Christ.
The New Testament gives us at least nine areas of our walk: Each requires putting our knowledge of the Word of God into daily operations in our lives.
- Walk in the Word of God (3Jn 3)
- Walk in the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16; Rom 8:4)
- Walk by faith, not by senses (2Cor 5:7)
- Walk in love (Eph 5:2)
- Walk in a newness of life (Rom 6:4)
- Walk in integrity before the world (Rom 13:13)
- Walk in good works (Eph 2:10)
- Walk in our calling (vocation) or ministry office (Eph 4:1)
- Walk in wisdom before unbelievers (Col 4:5)
[4:2] with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
Gentleness is “meekness” (KJV) Gk. praotes (prai-o’-tees). This is a condition of the heart, not so much of action. It suggests one’s emotions are under control. It does not suggest “weakness.” Jesus was meek and humble in heart (Mt 11:29). Yet he overturned the tables of the money changers and drove them out of the temple with a whip (Jn 2:15).
Meekness is not weakness. In the Greek this word was used for a soothing medicine, a colt that had been broken, and a soft wind. Each having power, but is under control. Jesus could have treated the money changers like a fig tree!
Longsuffering here means “patience.” As it is translated “patience” in Hebrews 6:12, “…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Bearing is “forbearing” (KJV). This word means to “put up with” or “to endure, or stand your ground” Even though we may have more knowledge than another, we must bear with them in love, and remain teachable ourselves. When we know that we are right, we must stand our ground in love. We listen to what others have to say and weigh it in our spirit. At times we may change our mind; other times we may not. We stand for truth, but we must do so in love, forbearing one another.
[4:3] endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Endeavoring means to be “eager to maintain,” or “guard,” the unity of the Spirit. Notice that we do not “make,” but we “keep.” The unity of the Spirit is maintained or protected by our binding together in peace.
Many Christians confuse our mission in life. They believe God has left us here to agree in our beliefs and doctrines. This will not happen until we are in heaven. We will see this later in verse 13 when we study, “the unity of the faith.” This will be accomplished by Jesus after the judgment seat of Christ. Our purpose as believers is keep “the unity of the Spirit.” This is harmony over our mission, not our beliefs. Our mission is the Great Commission (see, Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15-18). We will never agree on all doctrines, but we can get along with each other in peace while we win others to Jesus. This type of unity is not as easy as it sounds.
Maintaining unity among people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds is hard work. Without the Holy Spirit it is impossible, but with Him our hard work will pay off.
One time there was a commotion next door and my Amish neighbors were under attack. The mother was apparently having terrible chest pains and the ambulance was on the way. The nearby Methodist pastor and myself found ourselves in the neighbor’s front lawn as the first responders showed up. The pastor said, “Well I guess we all believe in prayer….” As the pastor prayed, I declared wholeness, health and healing over the Amish woman. Less than an hour later the neighbor was looking for someone to bring his mother home. The hospital could not find anything wrong with her. We all had endeavored in the unity of the Spirit, and God’s will was accomplished!
Prayer:
Father, I thank You that I can have balance and strength in the Holy Spirit during my walk on earth as one called into Your kingdom. I don’t have to believe and act on all the different ways and teachings of others, in order to live together in love and unity. I just want to act like Jesus.
Lord, thank You that I can continually learn of You, by Your Word. I am determined to keep unity of the Spirit, through the bond of peace. I can tolerate differences in levels of grace as long as I operate in love. Amen.
God bless you my friend,
