Ephesians 4:1-3

Walking Worthily Means Walking In Unity

Because God had given such great blessings to those in the church and could provide even above what we might ask or think, Paul pleaded with the brethren at Ephesus to live a life that is suited to our great calling. Our calling came from the gospel and is directed to the glory of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14). This verse begins Paul's call for unity and suggests to us the need for Christian people to have such (4:1).

The call for unity continues with the call for the proper attitude. For division to truly end, we must have a self-emptying mind. Those who are lowly minded are like minded. That is, putting the needs of others in the forefront of our thinking where we usually put the needs of self (1 Peter 2:28). Of course, Christ is the perfect example of one who put aside self and sacrificed all for the good of others (Matthew 20:28).

Summers says the word meekness was used in Paul's day to describe a wild horse that had been tamed. "The horse still had all of its old power and fire and determination, but these were yielded to the controlling hand of his master who held the reins. He was a 'meek' horse. Meekness then meant surrendered power, obedient power." God suffered long with the sins of men (Romans 2:4; Romans 9:22; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Peter 3:15). If it were not for this characteristic of God, none of us could hope to be saved. We, in turn, need to be patient with one another's weaknesses and failings. Of the word "forbearing," Coffman says, "In a word, this means that a Christian should accept his place with other Christians, having an attitude that grants to them the same 'right to belong' which he claims for himself" (4:2).

Proper authority is also needed to have unity. The Bible is a Holy Spirit given book that is God's only basis for unity. The bond the Bible forms between believers who yield to its instructions does not merely lead to peace, but is peace. We must do our best to submit to the Spirit's direction so we can achieve unity and have peace (4:3).