The Unity of the SpiritThe Unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1-16

Walk in Unity

Having written about the Christian’s wealth in Christ (Ephesians 1-3), Paul is now ready to write about the Christian’s walk in Christ (Ephesians 4-6). The word “therefore” in Ephesians 4:1 is the connecting word between the two themes of the book.

Paul has made the point in chapters 1 through 3 that Christians have enormous wealth in Christ; “therefore”, walk or live in such a way that is worthy of a life in Christ (chapters 4 through 6).

Walk in Unity

In Ephesians 4 through 6, Paul will discuss the practical, daily walk of the Christian. The word “walk” is found several times in this portion of Paul’s epistle and it refers to the daily life of the Christian (4:1,17; 5:2,8,15).

Paul will cover the various activities and relationships of the Christian life in this portion of his epistle: the local church, the world, the home, the workplace, and the battle with the Devil.

Walk in Unity

Paul begins his theme of the walk in Christ with a discussion of the Christian’s walk in unity (Ephesians 4:1-16).

The call to unity in Jesus Christ has…

a divine plan that must be followed (4:1-6)

a divine provision that must be accepted (4:8-11)

a divine purpose that must be fulfilled (4:12-16)

The Divine Plan for Unity(Ephesians 4:1-6)

• The right walk (v. 1)

• The right attitude (v. 2): lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing, and love

• The right effort (v. 3)

• The right doctrine (vv. 4-6): one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God

The Divine Plan for Unity(Ephesians 4:1-6)

Seven OnesSeven Ones ReferenceReference UnityUnityBody Romans 12:4-5 MembershipSpirit John 16:13 CommunicationHope 1 Peter 1:4 AspirationLord Matthew 28:18 AuthorityFaith Jude 3 Teaching

Baptism Galatians 3:27 EntranceGod 1 Corinthians 8:6 Origin

The Divine Provision for Unity(Ephesians 4:7-11)

• The right provision (vv. 7-11)

Apostle and prophets: reveal the unifying word of God

Evangelists: preach the unifying word of God

Pastors (elders) and teachers: lead with the unifying word of God

The Divine Purpose for Unity(Ephesians 4:12-16)

• The right purpose (vv. 12-16)

Work and growth (v. 12)

United faith and growth (v. 13)

No immaturity or deceit (v. 14)

Truth and growth (v. 15)

United through work and love (v. 16)

The Unity of the Spirit(Ephesians 4:1-16)

• Are you practicing the right walk (v. 1)?

• Are you displaying the right attitude (v. 2)?

• Are you putting forth the right effort (v. 3)?

• Are you obeying the right doctrine (vv. 4-6)?

• Are you accepting the right provision (v. 7-11)?

• Are you fulfilling the right purpose (vv. 12-16)?