God’s Desire for His Church

Ephesians 4:1-16

Keith Groves

Part of New Normal

April 13, 2024

Ephesians 4:1-16 (ESV)

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:1

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,”

God desires His Church to exhibit three distinct qualities:
• spiritual unity (v. 1-6)
• spiritual diversity (v. 7-12)
• spiritual maturity (v. 13-16)

Spiritual unity

Ephesians 1:1-6

Five traits of those who walk worthy of the calling:

• Humility

“The essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less.” (Tim Keller)

• Gentleness/meekness
• Patience
• Bearing with one another in love
• Eager to maintain unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Seven areas of unity in the Body of Christ:

• One Body
• One Spirit
• One Hope
• One Lord
• One Faith
• One Baptism
• One God & Father

Ephesians 4:1-6

Spiritual diversity

Ephesians 4:7-12

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

“We can do nothing greater with our life than invest it for the glory of our Redeemer and Lord, as we serve Him and others!” (Adapted)

“Your life is much bigger than a good job, an understanding spouse, and non-delinquent kids. It is bigger that beautiful gardens, nice vacations, and fashionable clothes. In reality, you are part of something immense, something that began before you were born and will continue after you die. God is rescuing fallen humanity, transporting them into his kingdom and progressively changing them into his likeness- and he wants you to be part of it!” (Paul David Tripp)

Spiritual maturity

Ephesians 4:13-16

…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Evidence of maturity/fullness:
• You are like Jesus
• Doctrinal stability
• “Truthing” in love
• Serving/working in the Body of Christ
• Measurable growth

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

For this week’s sermon application guide, click this URL: https://storage2.snappages.site/QG8D8X/assets/files/Sermon-application-guide-4-14-24.docx