Being in Step
Ephesians 4:1-16
Know – what the Word says
Main idea of the passage: Paul stresses to the Ephesian believers that authentic unity and spiritual growth cannot be separated.
Explanation: In chapter 4, Paul begins one of the most thorough treatments of church unity in Scripture by addressing the Ephesian believers’ personal walk with Christ. He recognizes that true unity does not begin in the pulpit or the committee meeting. Rather, it takes shape in the hearts of individual church members. This is why Paul urged them “to walk in a manner worthy” of their calling.
This encouragement is followed by a theological foundation for unity in verses 4-8. The “oneness” within our faith is the only hope we have for authentic unity. This unity is nurtured by the special offices within the church outlined in verse 11.
The first two offices, apostles and prophets, no longer exist but were positions the Lord used to lay the foundation of the church. The latter two, evangelists and pastor-teachers, still exist today and provide the basic spiritual harvest and leadership needed for the church to be protected and grown. The goal of authentic unity is not unity. Just being unified for unity’s sake is a nice thought, but it’s hardly what God has in mind. Rather, verses 12-16 clearly show that producing mature, Christlike, disciples is the highest calling of the church. Why? Because more disciples means more people giving more glory to God.
Live – what the Word says
Main application of the passage: Growing mature disciples and authentic unity are co-dependent. A congregation will not have one without the other.
Application: The first thing the military does in basic training is issue the same clothes, hair cut, living quarters, food, schedule, and orders to every young soldier. Why? Because individuals don’t win wars, armies do. In Hollywood, Rambo may well be able to defeat a small army alone, but in the real world this is not how battles are won. Unfortunately, there are many congregations who look more like Hollywood’s heroes than the Army’s fighting force. Through Paul, God is reminding his church that we all have a purpose and place, but our productivity is dependent on our unified front.
I once had a seminary professor make a simple but profound statement that I have come to agree with wholeheartedly. Addressing churches in conflict, he said, “Where there is no unity, there is no gospel.”
We must be unified in our faith by what we share in order to be a church where people “attain the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God.” Perhaps one of the greatest lessons Baptists need to learn is that unity is not about knowing how to always agree. Unity is about knowing how to disagree about minor issues, preferences, and opinions because of the greater and more important bond we share in Christ.
D.J. Horton– Lessons by D.J. Horton, pastor of Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church, Spartanburg, since 2004. Horton is a graduate of Auburn University and New Orleans Seminary.