In our desire to prioritize one’s personal relationship with Jesus, we often miss the necessary nature of discipleship being worked out in community with other believers. We can’t seek to walk worthily if we are unwilling to do so togetherly.
As the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to a beloved church while he was in prison, he encouraged them to live a particular manner of life. As was a common practice of his, he formatted this epistle to introduce certain theological concepts in the first half, and he then described critical practical applications in the second half.
“After the first three chapters describing the essential beliefs of the Christian, he then uses the last three chapters to identify crucial behaviors of the Christian. The “therefore” in verse one is the hinge point. Now that we know we are blessed (Eph. 1), saved (Eph. 2), and empowered (Eph. 3), what are we supposed to do?”After the first three chapters describing the essential beliefs of the Christian, he then uses the last three chapters to identify crucial behaviors of the Christian. The “therefore” in verse one is the hinge point. Now that we know we are blessed (Eph. 1), saved (Eph. 2), and empowered (Eph. 3), what are we supposed to do?
4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. 7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Ephesians 4:1-7
We are to walk worthily (Eph. 4:1), and we cannot do that apart from one another.
All the traits he encourages require another person to whom application can be expressed. A church maintains its unity (Eph. 4:3) by how we interact with one another gently (Eph. 4:2).
Unity does not mean uniformity, however. We are called to align but not be alike.
We have unity in Christ (Eph. 4:4-6), but we are different from one another (Eph. 4:7). And as each of us does our part, the whole thoroughly benefits.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
