UNITY AND MATURITY IN THE BODY. Ephesians 4:1-16 The first three chapters of Ephesians describe the new life in Christ since we are born again into Christ's body. A completely new group of people is God’s people, made up of Jews and Gentiles who have been reconciled to God and to each other. The old social, religious, and cultural barriers have been broken down, and the “newness of life” unites us. The second half of the epistle highlights the behaviors that result from practicing the doctrines taught in the first half. This new relationship with one another demonstrates the wisdom of God.
This chapter begins and ends with love as the motivating factor that makes this unity possible and effective. The behavior of believers with this new life is introduced by the word “Therefore,” at the start of the chapter. Paul wrote this from prison, urging them to live for Christ, knowing that their actions should match their position in Christ. The Christian life is not just about what has been done for us but also about what we are doing for Christ as a united body of believers.
It is possible for us to have extensive knowledge of the word of God without actually practicing it or living according to its precepts. The opposite is also true. We can be so focused on what we do and our experiences as believers that we become unreliable because these are not based on the unchanging doctrines God has given us. Our walk and works should be guided by an awareness of our relationship with Christ. Our spiritual standards are not necessarily correct just because they seem right to us. Someone can live like a Christian and not truly be one. A child of God in the body of Christ has been called by the Gospel, has personally received Christ through faith, and lives guided by the Spirit of God in a way that properly represents our Lord.