Ephesians 4 reminds me of lifestyle improvement videos. Diet and exercise can change how we look and feel. We can watch the steady improvement over time from “before” to “after”. Today’s lesson is about becoming fit for service. Like any great trainer, Paul begins with motivation: “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Since we have been made righteous through the precious blood of Christ, there should be a noticeable difference in our actions and attitude. He describes a few primary principles: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Recall where we began our journey, knowing that everyone needs encouragement to overcome their past. Paul says we are to maintain the “unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”. When we disagree, we must have an arbiter of truth. We are unified in peace only when we submit to the same authority. Paul declares: “There is one body and one Spirit… one hope… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father”. Peace with God is achieved through the completed work of Christ. He adds: “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” That means He gives a full measure of forgiveness to all who ask.
How do we track our progress? Paul says that “Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Christianity is a team sport. All of this is given to add stability to our lives. With a firm foundation we are less prone to irresponsible fads: “no longer be infants… blown here and there by every wind of teaching… cunning and craftiness… deceitful scheming.” Every influencer should be tested against the written Word of scripture to guard against deception. Sin separates us from God and nothing on earth can change that. Paul says that maturity is found in “knowledge of the Son of God… From Him the whole body, joined and held together”. Christ is at the center, not me. Our fitness is demonstrated by “speaking the truth in love” to those that are hurting.
As our heart changes, our actions follow. Paul holds up a mirror of reality: “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” Nihilism reigns in the world today. Despair, depression, fear, and division are the result of rejecting Christ. Paul says that the Gentiles are: “darkened in their understanding… separated from the life of God… due to the hardening of their hearts.” Hard hearts will try anything to escape the malevolence. Without hope: “they… indulge in every kind of impurity.” Hurting people hurt others, and themselves. Christian maturity clings to God’s unfailing grace. God’s Holy Spirit can soften the hardest heart. We cannot see ourselves properly until we perceive His sinless perfection. Paul describes the moment of revelation: “When you heard about Christ and were taught… to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” His righteousness exposes our true condition. Paul lists some routines that can point the seeker to our Savior. “In your anger do not sin.” Humility does not seek to retaliate. “Steal no longer, but… work… to share with those in need.” Generosity has a cost and should be very personal. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” Words are powerful; they can wound, or they can sooth. We are to build up others “according to their needs”, Each of us have our own starting point. Finally, Paul says: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander… malice.” Yes, even toward those who oppose you. Paul shows us a final picture of the spiritually fit, mature believer: “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Friend, are you fit for service yet?