Walking Worthy of the Calling of God-Ephesians Chapter Four
Central Theme: The Unity of the Spirit, the Maturity of the Body of Christ, and the Transformation of
the New Man
Key Scripture — Ephesians 4:1 (KJV)
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.Introduction: From Our Position in Christ to Our Walk in Christ
Ephesians chapter 4 marks a significant transition in the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus. In the first three chapters, Paul reveals the spiritual riches that believers have received through Jesus Christ: redemption, reconciliation, adoption, salvation by grace, and the mystery of Jews and Gentiles being brought together into one body.
Now, beginning in chapter 4, Paul turns his attention to how believers must live because of what God has accomplished in them.
The first three chapters reveal what God has done for us in Christ. The remaining chapters teach how we ought to walk because we belong to Christ.
Paul is not teaching that righteous living earns salvation. Rather, he is declaring that those who have been made alive in Christ must demonstrate that new life through their conduct.
There is a divine order in Paul's teaching:
Grace precedes obedience.
Redemption precedes transformation.
Calling precedes the worthy walk.
Spiritual unity must be preserved through humility and love.
The old manner of life must give way to the new man created in righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4 reveals that the Christian life is not merely a confession of faith. It is a continual transformation of the inward man that becomes visible through outward conduct.
1. Ephesians 4:1–3 — Walking Worthy of Our Calling
Ephesians 4:1–3 (KJV)
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Spiritual Exposition
Paul identifies himself as the prisoner of the Lord. Although he was physically imprisoned, he understood his circumstances in relation to his calling and service to Jesus Christ.
The word vocation refers to a calling. It is not limited to an occupation, ministry title, or ecclesiastical position. Paul is addressing the divine calling that believers have received in Christ.
To walk worthy means to conduct one's life in a manner consistent with that calling.
The Greek word translated worthy, axiōs, conveys the idea of something fitting or corresponding appropriately to something else.
Therefore, Paul is saying that our conduct must correspond to the calling we have received.
Notice that Paul begins with inward spiritual qualities rather than outward religious performances.
Lowliness: A humble disposition that does not exalt itself above others. Humility recognizes dependence upon God and refuses self-glorification.
Meekness: Strength under spiritual discipline. Meekness is not weakness but a willingness to submit one's conduct to the will of God rather than respond through pride or uncontrolled anger.
Longsuffering: The ability to endure offenses, difficulties, and the weaknesses of others without quickly surrendering to resentment.
Forbearing one another in love: Exercising patience with fellow believers, recognizing that spiritual growth and maturity do not occur at the same rate in everyone.
The Unity of the Spirit
Paul says believers must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit.
He does not command the church to manufacture spiritual unity. Through Christ, God has already established the basis of that unity.
Believers are responsible for preserving it through their conduct.
This distinction is important.
Unity does not mean that every believer possesses identical knowledge, gifts, responsibilities, or levels of maturity. Neither does unity require abandoning biblical truth.
Rather, spiritual unity means that believers share one Lord, one Spirit, and one divine calling.
Spiritual Insight: A person may possess considerable knowledge of Scripture and yet undermine the unity of the body through pride, contention, and an unwillingness to exercise love. Paul teaches that spiritual maturity must be demonstrated not only through knowledge but also through character.
Consider Philippians 2:3–5 and Colossians 3:12–15.
2. Ephesians 4:4–6 — One Body, One Spirit, One Lord, One Faith
Ephesians 4:4–6 (KJV)
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
The Sevenfold Declaration of Unity
Paul establishes seven foundational realities that unite the church.
One Body: The body of Christ consists of those who belong to Jesus Christ. Believers from different nations and backgrounds are joined together through Him.
Ephesians 2:16 declares that Christ reconciles both Jews and Gentiles unto God in one body through the cross.
One Spirit: The Holy Spirit gives spiritual life and joins believers together in Christ. There are not separate Holy Spirits assigned to different groups of Christians.
One Hope: The believer's calling includes the hope of eternal life, resurrection, and the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ.
One Lord: Jesus Christ is the sovereign Head of the church. No earthly leader can replace His authority.
One Faith: This points to the common Christian faith centered upon Jesus Christ and the truth revealed through Him.
One Baptism: Paul identifies baptism as part of the shared Christian confession and identity. Christians have differed over whether this expression emphasizes water baptism, Spirit baptism, or their relationship, but Paul's immediate concern is the oneness of believers in Christ.
One God and Father: The Father is the ultimate source of the church's life and calling. Paul's declaration that He is above all, through all, and in all emphasizes His sovereign relationship to His people.
A Deeper Spiritual Understanding
Paul is revealing that the unity of the church is grounded in the work of God, not in human organization.
The church is not one body because its members attend the same building, belong to the same denomination, or follow the same earthly teacher.
The church is one body because its members belong to the same Lord.
This is why division rooted in pride, jealousy, rivalry, and self-exaltation contradicts the spiritual identity of the church.
Compare 1 Corinthians 12:12–13 and John 17:20–23.
3. Ephesians 4:7–10 — Christ Ascended and Gave Gifts Unto Men
Ephesians 4:7–8 (KJV)
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Grace According to the Gift of Christ
Having established the unity of the body, Paul now explains the diversity of gifts within that body.
Every believer receives grace according to Christ's gracious provision.
This grace is not presented merely as forgiveness of sins. In this context, it also concerns divine enablement for service within the church.
The gifts differ, but the giver is the same.
No believer should exalt himself because of a gift, for a gift is something received rather than something independently produced.
He Led Captivity Captive
Paul draws upon Psalm 68:18, which celebrates God's victorious ascent and triumph.
He applies the language of victory to the exalted Christ.
The expression led captivity captive portrays triumph over captivity and hostile powers. Interpretations differ concerning the precise identity of the captives, but the emphasis of Paul's argument is that the victorious, ascended Christ has authority to distribute gifts to His people.
Colossians 2:15 similarly speaks of Christ triumphing over principalities and powers.
He Descended and Ascended
Ephesians 4:9–10 speaks of Christ descending into the lower parts of the earth and ascending far above all heavens.
There are two principal interpretations of the descent:
It refers to Christ's coming down from heaven to the earth in His incarnation.
It refers to His descent into the realm of the dead, associated with His death and victory.
The wording has been understood differently throughout Christian history. Paul does not provide a detailed description of events in the unseen realm here.
His central point is unmistakable: the One who descended is the same One who ascended and is exalted over all things.
Christ's authority to give gifts rests upon His victory and exaltation.
4. Ephesians 4:11–13 — The Five Ministries and the Perfecting of the Saints
Ephesians 4:11–13 (KJV)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
Christ Gave People to Equip His Church
These ministries were given for the spiritual development and strengthening of the body of Christ.
The emphasis is not on religious titles but on the purpose for which Christ gives these ministries.
Apostles: The term means those who are sent. The apostles of Christ held a foundational role in establishing the church and bearing authoritative witness to the risen Lord. Ephesians 2:20 describes the church as built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
Prophets: Those through whom God communicated His message. In the early church, prophetic ministry served to reveal, exhort, encourage, and strengthen believers. All prophetic claims must be tested according to apostolic teaching and the truth of Scripture (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21).
Evangelists: Those who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, calling people to repentance and faith. Their ministry emphasizes the announcement of the good news.
Pastors: Shepherds entrusted with the care, nourishment, guidance, and protection of God's flock.
Teachers: Those who explain and communicate the Word of God so believers may grow in understanding, discernment, and obedience.
The Greek construction closely connects pastors and teachers, and many interpreters understand them as overlapping ministries rather than necessarily two completely separate offices.
What Does Perfecting the Saints Mean?
The Greek word translated perfecting is katartismos, conveying the idea of equipping or preparing people for their proper function.
The purpose of ministry is not to make believers dependent upon a human leader.
It is to equip them for the work God has called them to do.
The church is strengthened when believers are taught to understand Scripture, exercise discernment, serve faithfully, and grow into spiritual maturity.
Unto a Perfect Man
The expression perfect man does not mean that believers attain sinless perfection during their earthly lives.
The word translated perfect, teleios, carries the sense of maturity or completeness.
Paul is describing the goal of the body of Christ growing into mature spiritual unity, measured by the fullness of Christ.
Spiritual Insight: The measure of a mature church is not merely the number of people gathered, the prominence of its leaders, or the manifestation of spiritual gifts. Its maturity is demonstrated through increasing conformity to Jesus Christ in truth, holiness, unity, and love.
5. Ephesians 4:14–16 — No More Children Tossed To and Fro
Ephesians 4:14 (KJV)
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
The Danger of Spiritual Immaturity
Paul compares spiritually immature believers to children who are easily influenced and unsettled.
The imagery of being tossed to and fro resembles a vessel driven by changing winds.
The winds represent teachings that can carry an undiscerning believer away from the truth.
Paul identifies several dangers.
Every wind of doctrine: Teachings that change direction and lead people away from sound biblical instruction.
The sleight of men: The Greek expression suggests manipulation or trickery, comparable to deceptive practices designed to mislead others.
Cunning craftiness: Deliberate methods of deception that may appear persuasive or spiritually impressive.
A believer who lacks a sound understanding of Scripture may accept teachings merely because they are delivered confidently, accompanied by dramatic experiences, or promoted by influential personalities.
Paul does not teach believers to reject every unfamiliar teaching automatically. He teaches that believers must mature so they can discern truth from error.
Speaking the Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
Truth and love must operate together.
Truth without love can become harsh and destructive. Love without truth can become sentimental and permissive.
Paul joins them because both are essential to spiritual maturity.
Christ is the Head, and every member of His body receives life and direction through Him.
Verse 16 continues this teaching by describing the body as joined and held together, with each part contributing to its growth.
The deeper revelation is that spiritual maturity is both personal and corporate. Each believer must grow in Christ, but that growth is also intended to strengthen the entire body.
6. Ephesians 4:17–19 — Walking No Longer as the Gentiles Walk
Ephesians 4:17–18 (KJV)
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.
The Vanity of the Mind
Paul now addresses the transformation that must occur in the believer's thinking.
The word translated vanity conveys emptiness, futility, and purposelessness.
Paul is describing a manner of life directed by thinking that has become separated from the truth and life of God.
He is not declaring that every Gentile is intellectually deficient. Paul himself ministers to Gentile believers who have received Christ. His contrast is between their former pagan way of life and the new life they have received in the Lord.
The Progression of Spiritual Darkness
Paul reveals a relationship between the inward condition of the heart and the outward conduct of a person.
Hardness of Heart
Ignorance and Darkened Understanding
Alienation from the Life of God
Moral Insensitivity and Impure Conduct
Paul's language demonstrates that sin involves more than outward actions.
It affects the mind, the understanding, the conscience, and the desires of the heart.
Verse 19 describes people who have become past feeling, giving themselves over to uncleanness and greediness.
This is a serious spiritual condition because repeated resistance to truth can produce increasing moral insensitivity.
Compare Romans 1:21–28 and Hebrews 3:12–13.
Spiritual Insight
A darkened understanding does not necessarily mean the absence of intelligence, education, or religious knowledge.
A person may possess extensive intellectual knowledge and yet remain spiritually resistant to God's truth.
The transformation Paul describes must therefore reach deeper than the acquisition of information.
It must reach the heart.
7. Ephesians 4:20–24 — Putting Off the Old Man and Putting On the New Man
Ephesians 4:20–24 (KJV)
But ye have not so learned Christ;
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Ye Have Not So Learned Christ
Paul makes a remarkable statement.
He does not simply say that the believers have learned religious commandments or theological doctrines.
He says they have learned Christ.
To learn Christ means more than becoming familiar with information about Him.
It involves receiving His truth and being shaped by His teaching and character.
The Christian life is not merely a system of moral improvement. It is life transformed through relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Old Man
The old man represents the believer's former identity and manner of life under the dominion of sin.
The word conversation in the King James Version refers to conduct or manner of life.
Paul describes the old man as corrupt according to deceitful lusts.
The desires are deceitful because they promise satisfaction, freedom, or fulfillment while leading toward corruption and spiritual bondage.
The old man is associated with the former life, not the identity believers are called to live out in Christ.
Romans 6:6 declares:
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Be Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind
This is one of the most important declarations in the chapter.
Paul places the renewal of the mind between putting off the old man and putting on the new man.
The mind is where thoughts are considered, judgments are formed, and desires are interpreted.
When a person continues to think according to the values of the former life, those patterns can influence behavior even after the person has professed faith in Christ.
Therefore, spiritual transformation involves learning to think according to the truth revealed in Jesus.
Romans 12:2 teaches:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Renewal involves rejecting falsehood, embracing God's truth, and learning obedience through the Spirit.
The New Man
The new man represents the new life and identity brought about through Christ.
Paul says the new man is created after God in righteousness and true holiness.
This recalls the language of creation and God's intention that humanity reflect His character.
The new man is not simply the old man with improved habits.
He represents the new creation in Christ.
The Old Man
Former manner of life
Deceitful desires
Corrupt conduct
Darkened understanding
Self-centered living
The New Man
New life in Christ
Renewed understanding
Righteous conduct
True holiness
Christ-centered living
Spiritual Insight: The command to put on the new man does not mean believers create a new spiritual identity through their own efforts. Rather, they are called to live consistently with the new identity God has given them through Christ.
8. Ephesians 4:25–29 — The Evidence of the Renewed Life
Paul now gives practical examples of what putting off the old man and putting on the new man looks like.
Put Away Lying — Verse 25
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Truthfulness is essential because believers belong to one another as members of Christ's body.
Lying damages trust and contradicts the character of the God of truth.
Be Angry and Sin Not — Verses 26–27
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil.
Paul does not declare that every experience of anger is automatically sinful.
Anger may arise in response to injustice, wickedness, or wrongdoing.
However, anger becomes dangerous when it develops into hatred, vengeance, bitterness, or uncontrolled behavior.
The command not to let the sun go down upon wrath stresses the urgency of dealing with anger rather than allowing it to become entrenched.
Paul immediately adds, Neither give place to the devil.
The Greek word translated place, topos, can refer to a place, opportunity, or opening.
In this context, unresolved anger can create an opportunity for destructive spiritual influence.
This does not mean every angry person is demon-possessed. It means believers must not allow anger to become an occasion for sin and the devil's schemes.
Let Him That Stole Steal No More — Verse 28
Paul commands the former thief to stop stealing and engage in honest labor.
But the transformation does not end with ceasing wrongdoing.
The person must work so that he may have something to give to those in need.
Notice the progression:
The person who formerly took from others is now instructed to become someone who contributes to others.
This is a powerful example of spiritual transformation.
The renewed life does not merely abandon evil; it actively practices good.
Let No Corrupt Communication Proceed — Verse 29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Paul teaches that the believer's speech must reflect the new life in Christ.
The word translated corrupt conveys the idea of something rotten or unwholesome.
Words can injure, divide, deceive, and corrupt relationships.
But words can also strengthen, encourage, instruct, and minister grace.
The standard is not merely whether something is factually correct.
Paul also asks whether the speech is suitable for edification and beneficial to the hearer.
Compare Proverbs 18:21, Colossians 4:6, and James 3:5–10.
9. Ephesians 4:30 — Grieve Not the Holy Spirit of God
Ephesians 4:30 (KJV)
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
What Does It Mean to Grieve the Holy Spirit?
This verse reveals the deeply personal nature of the believer's relationship with the Holy Spirit.
The word translated grieve, lypeō, means to cause sorrow or distress.
Paul teaches that the conduct of believers can grieve the Holy Spirit.
The immediate context identifies behavior such as corrupt speech, bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speaking, and malice.
Therefore, grieving the Holy Spirit should not be separated from the moral instructions Paul is giving.
The Spirit who sanctifies believers does not approve of conduct that contradicts God's holiness.
Sealed Unto the Day of Redemption
Paul declares that believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13–14 similarly identifies the Holy Spirit as the seal and earnest of the believer's inheritance.
A seal signifies ownership, identification, and authentication.
The day of redemption points forward to the consummation of redemption, including the final deliverance of believers.
Romans 8:23 speaks of believers awaiting the redemption of the body.
A Deeper Spiritual Understanding
Paul connects two truths:
God has marked His people as belonging to Him, and those same people must not grieve His Spirit through sinful conduct.
The sealing of the Spirit is not permission to continue in sin.
Rather, it establishes the seriousness of living in a manner consistent with belonging to God.
Spiritual Insight: The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer is not merely associated with spiritual gifts, supernatural manifestations, or religious experiences. His sanctifying work is also revealed through the transformation of character, speech, desires, and relationships.
10. Ephesians 4:31–32 — Putting Away Bitterness and Walking in Forgiveness
Ephesians 4:31–32 (KJV)
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
The Things That Must Be Put Away
Paul concludes the chapter by identifying attitudes and behaviors that must not govern the Christian life.
Bitterness: Resentment that is harbored and allowed to shape one's disposition toward others.
Wrath: Intense anger that may erupt into hostile actions.
Anger: A disposition of hostility or indignation that can become sinful when uncontrolled or unjustly directed.
Clamour: Loud, disruptive outbursts, often associated with quarrels and contentious behavior.
Evil Speaking: Speech that slanders, defames, or maliciously injures another person.
Malice: The desire or intention to harm another.
These attitudes are incompatible with the character of the new man.
Be Ye Kind One to Another
Paul does not stop with the removal of sinful behavior.
He commands believers to replace it with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
The new man is not merely identified by the absence of wickedness but by the presence of Christlike virtues.
Forgiving One Another
Paul establishes the basis of Christian forgiveness:
Even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
God's forgiveness in Christ becomes the model for how believers should extend forgiveness to others.
This does not mean wrongdoing must be ignored, that justice becomes unnecessary, or that trust must be restored without repentance and change.
Forgiveness involves releasing personal vengeance and responding in a manner consistent with God's mercy.
Reconciliation, where possible, may also require truth, repentance, accountability, and the restoration of trust.
The central principle is that those who have received mercy must not allow bitterness and vengeance to govern their hearts.
11. The Spiritual Connection Between Ephesians Chapters 2, 3, and 4
Paul's teaching becomes even more powerful when these chapters are studied together.
In Ephesians 2, God makes believers alive together with Christ and creates one new humanity through Him.
In Ephesians 3, Paul reveals the mystery of Christ and prays that believers may be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man.
In Ephesians 4, Paul explains how that inward spiritual reality must become visible in the believer's daily life.
The progression is:
Ephesians 2 — Made Alive in Christ
From death in sins to new life through grace.
Ephesians 3 — Strengthened in the Inner Man
Established in love and filled toward the fullness of God.
Ephesians 4 — Walking in the New Life
Putting off the old manner of life and walking in holiness, unity, and love.
The spiritual transformation described in Ephesians 4 is the practical expression of the saving grace and inward strengthening described in the preceding chapters.
12. The Central Spiritual Revelation of Ephesians Chapter 4
The central revelation of Ephesians 4 is that the believer's outward walk must agree with the inward work of God.
Paul begins by commanding believers to walk worthy of their calling and ends by commanding them to forgive one another as God has forgiven them in Christ.
Between these instructions, he reveals the essential characteristics of spiritual maturity: unity, sound doctrine, renewed thinking, righteous conduct, edifying speech, holiness, and love.
A believer cannot measure spiritual maturity solely by the ability to quote Scripture, exercise spiritual gifts, or hold a position in ministry.
According to Ephesians 4, spiritual maturity is demonstrated when the life of Christ increasingly governs the person's thoughts, words, relationships, and actions.
There is also an important distinction between being made new in Christ and learning to walk according to that new life.
The new identity comes through God's grace. The believer is then called to live in accordance with that identity through the renewing work of the Spirit.
Paul's instruction is therefore not simply, Stop doing wrong.
It is a call to live as the person God has made you in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion — From the Old Man to the Fullness of Christ
Ephesians chapter 4 reveals that salvation brings believers into a new relationship with God and into a new manner of life.
The old man is associated with corruption, deception, spiritual darkness, and sinful desires. The new man is created after God in righteousness and true holiness.
Christ has given gifts to His church so that the saints may be equipped, the body may be edified, and believers may grow into spiritual maturity.
The Holy Spirit works within believers, and they are called to preserve unity, reject deception, put away corrupt conduct, and walk in love.
The ultimate standard of spiritual growth is not comparison with other believers.
The standard is Jesus Christ Himself.
As Paul declares in Ephesians 4:13:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
The goal is that the body of Christ should grow into the maturity, truth, holiness, and love that reflect its Head.
And this is the profound message of Ephesians chapter 4: Those who have been called into Christ must learn to walk in Christ, putting away the former life and revealing the character of the new creation.
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