8. Ephesians 4:1-3 How To Maintain Unity + PDF Teacher's Notes

Ephesians 4:1-6 is about unity. Paul urges unity based on the reality of there being one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God. This is a clear example of one’s belief determining one’s behavior. The unity application is draw from the doctrine of there being one God.

This unity is not mechanical or externally imposed. (It is common to see uniformity with unity.) Rather it is organic; it comes from within and is supernaturally wrought by the Holy Spirit. And yet, maintaining this unity require effort on our part.

This passage marks the transition from doctrine to duty in the letter to the Ephesians. It is easy enough to erect various doctrinal positions, but we must also venture out of our fortifications into the world of life change and application. Ephesians 4:1-6 is a tough passage of application for every Christian.