1. The Epistle to the Ephesians May 3, 2009 Bob Eckel 1 Walking the Walk: Ephesians 4:1-6 Having now completed Ephesians 1-3, we’re ready to conform our condition to our heavenly position: His walk to be established in us. Let’s begin and set the stage - establishing ourselves in the truth of Ephesians 3:16-21 Ephesians 4:1 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,” –therefore – we can clearly see what’s it’s ‘there for’ –Paul calls himself the prisoner – is this because he is writing from prison or does he see himself as bonded to the Lord Jesus Christ (Phlm 1:9; II Tim 1:8)?

2. The Epistle to the Ephesians May 3, 2009 Bob Eckel 2 Walking the Walk: Ephesians 4:1-6 –What is this calling or vocation? were called – aorist passive indicative –Eph 1:18; 4:4; Rom 8:28-30 The Christ nature is our vocation – Gal 2:20, Col 3:12-14 –What does it mean to walk worthy? walk - aorist active infinitive –from peri and pateo - to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability) »figurative to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion) - go, be occupied with, walk (about). Worthy –Becoming of a Godly sort –It’s a life not a work

3. The Epistle to the Ephesians May 3, 2009 Bob Eckel 3 Walking the Walk: Ephesians 4:1-6 Ephesians 4:2 “ with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,” –lowliness – humility of mind I Peter 3:15 –meekness – accepting of all that God allows to come our way II Cor 10:1 A view from above - how are you doing here? –longsuffering – forbearance, patience As He is about us –Num 14:18 - 'The LORD is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth [generation].' –bearing (enduring) one another in love Agape – I Cor 13:4,5,13

4. The Epistle to the Ephesians May 3, 2009 Bob Eckel 4 Walking the Walk: Ephesians 4:1-6 According to Gill - ‘overlooking the infirmities of one another, forgiving injuries done, sympathizing with, and assisting each other in distressed circumstances, the spring of all which should be love; by that saints should be moved, influenced, and engaged to such a conduct, and which should be so far attended to, as is consistent with love; –(Sounds to me like Christ in us!) Ephesians 4:3 “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” –endeavoring - to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), labor, study –What is the unity of the Spirit? ILG – uniting bond of peace See Eph 4:13 – relates to the knowledge of the Lord –bond of peace? John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

5. The Epistle to the Ephesians May 3, 2009 Bob Eckel 5 Walking the Walk: Ephesians 4:1-6 In context (see v. 4) this reflects the body –Col 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” –Only possible in the Holy Spirit – and what is His role? »John 16:13,14 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own [authority], but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare [it] to you.” Ephesians 4:4 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;” –Seven unities listed which begin with one body See Rom 12:5; 1Cor 12:12,13; Eph 1:23, 2:16 –One Spirit See Matt 28:19; 1Cor 12:4-11; IICor 11:4; Eph 2:18,22 JFB – ‘The Holy Spirit gives to the Church its true unity. Outward uniformity is as yet unattainable; but beginning by having one mind,

6. The Epistle to the Ephesians May 3, 2009 Bob Eckel 6 Walking the Walk: Ephesians 4:1-6 we shall hereafter end by having "one body." The true "body" of Christ (all believers of every age) is already "one, "as joined to the one Head.’ "In essentials, unity; in doubtful questions, liberty; in all things, charity." It’s not how we’re doing but recognizing who we are! –One hope of your (our) calling ILG – ‘you were called with the hope of the calling of you’ hope - from elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation or confidence –Immortality – Col 1:5, II Thess 2:16; Titus 1:2, 3:7; I Peter 1:4 Ephesians 4:5 – “one Lord, one faith, one baptism;” –One Lord – Christ, head of the church (Eph 1:10; I Cor 8:6) –One faith – relates to Christ Himself (Heb 12:2; Eph 4:13) –One baptism – in the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Rom 6:4)

7. The Epistle to the Ephesians May 3, 2009 Bob Eckel 7 Walking the Walk: Ephesians 4:1-6 Ephesians 4:6 “one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in ‘you’ all. –One God and Father of all – what more can be said? In verses 4-6 we see the Trinity, and also in this verse alone! –above all, through all and in all! I just love Dan 4:34,35 – ‘And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?’ Rom 11:35 ‘For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.’ 1 John 4:15 ‘Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.’