[Note: This is Part 7 of a 10-part series on Ephesians: Living Out Our Identity in Christ.]

Have you ever heard someone say, “That person doesn’t live up to their name”? Maybe it’s a company that promises quality but delivers junk. Or a person who talks about integrity but acts dishonestly. When what we do doesn’t match who we claim to be, people notice. It damages credibility and betrays trust.

For the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul has been unveiling our identity in Christ. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the foundation of the world, adopted as sons, redeemed by Christ’s blood, sealed with the Holy Spirit. We were dead but have been made alive. We were far off but have been brought near. We are fellow citizens, members of God’s household, part of His holy temple. We are included in the mystery hidden for ages—Gentiles and Jews united as one new man in Christ.

That’s who we are. The question now is: How should we live?

In Ephesians 4:1, Paul pivots from theology to practice, from identity to conduct. The word “therefore” signals the shift. Because of everything God has done for us, because of who we are in Christ, we must now walk in a manner worthy of our calling. The second half of Ephesians shows us what that walk looks like.

Walk Worthy of Your Calling (4:1-3)

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1-3)

Paul, a Prisoner for the Lord

Paul begins by identifying himself: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord.” He’s mentioned this before (3:1), but he repeats it here to underscore his authority and his sacrifice. Paul isn’t writing from a position of comfort or success. He’s in chains. Yet he’s not bitter or defeated. He sees his imprisonment as part of his service to the Lord.

This gives weight to what follows. Paul isn’t an armchair theologian dispensing advice from a distance. He’s a suffering servant who practices what he preaches.

Walk Worthy

“I . . . urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” The word “urge” is strong—it means to exhort, to plead, to appeal with intensity. This isn’t a casual suggestion. Paul is passionate about this.

“Walk” is Paul’s favorite metaphor for conduct or lifestyle. It’s how you live day to day, step by step. To walk “in a manner worthy” means to live in a way that matches, honors, and reflects your calling.

What is this calling? Everything Paul has described in chapters 1-3. You have been called to be holy and blameless, to be adopted as sons, to be part of God’s family, to display His wisdom to the spiritual realm. That’s your calling. Now live like it.

Notice Paul doesn’t say, “Walk worthy so that you will be called.” The calling has already happened. You already are who God says you are. Now live out of that reality, not to earn it but because you have it.

The Character of Worthy Walking

What does walking worthy look like? Paul gives four characteristics, all focused on how we relate to others.

Humility

“With all humility.” The Greek word is tapeinophrosynē, which literally means “lowliness of mind.” In the Greco-Roman world, humility was not a virtue—it was a weakness. People admired strength, power, status, self-promotion. But the gospel flips that upside down.

Humility means having an accurate assessment of yourself. It’s not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s recognizing that everything you have is a gift from God. It’s putting others’ interests above your own (Phil. 2:3-4).

Humility is listed first because it’s foundational to everything else. Without humility, you can’t have gentleness, patience, or unity. Pride destroys relationships. Humility preserves them.

Gentleness

“And gentleness.” The word can also be translated “meekness,” but not in the sense of weakness. Biblical gentleness is strength under control. It’s the opposite of harshness, abrasiveness, or domineering behavior.

A gentle person doesn’t demand their rights, doesn’t insist on their way, doesn’t bulldoze others. They’re considerate, kind, and approachable. Jesus described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). If we’re walking worthy of our calling, we’ll reflect His character.

Patience

“With patience.” The Greek word makrothymia means “long-suffering” or “long-tempered”—the opposite of short-tempered. Patience is the ability to endure difficult people and situations without losing your cool or giving up.

Patience doesn’t mean tolerating sin or error. It means bearing with people’s weaknesses, quirks, and failures without writing them off. It means giving people time to grow, space to struggle, grace to stumble.

Bearing with One Another in Love

“Bearing with one another in love.” This phrase expands on patience. To “bear with” means to put up with, to tolerate, to endure. Every believer has irritating traits, blind spots, weaknesses. We’re all works in progress. Walking worthy means accepting this reality and choosing to love anyway.

Notice: “in love.” Love is the motivation and foundation. We don’t bear with others begrudgingly or out of duty. We bear with them because we love them—the same way God bears with us.

Eager to Maintain Unity

“Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This is the goal of the previous four characteristics. Why practice humility, gentleness, patience, and love? To maintain unity.

The word “eager” means to make every effort, to be diligent, to work hard at it. Unity doesn’t happen automatically. It requires intentionality. You have to pursue it, protect it, fight for it.

Notice Paul says “maintain” the unity, not “create” it. The Holy Spirit has already created unity among believers. We’re one body in Christ. Our job is to maintain what already exists—to live out the reality of our union.

And this unity is preserved “in the bond of peace.” Peace is the glue that holds unity together. Where there’s conflict, bitterness, or division, unity falls apart. Peace creates the environment where unity can flourish.

The Foundation of Unity (4:4-6)

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:4-6)

Paul now provides the theological foundation for unity. Notice the repetition of “one.” Seven times Paul uses this word, emphasizing the singularity that unites all believers.

One Body and One Spirit

“There is one body and one Spirit.” The body is the church—all believers united to Christ. Though we meet in different buildings, in different denominations, in different countries, there is only one body. We’re not many bodies that cooperate; we’re one body with many members.

And there is one Spirit—the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer. The same Spirit who lives in you lives in every other Christian. This Spirit creates and sustains the unity of the body.

One Hope

“Just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call.” All believers share the same hope—the confident expectation of eternal life, resurrection, glorification, and being with Christ forever. We’re not hoping for different things. We all have the same future, the same destiny, the same ultimate reality waiting for us.

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Here’s the core of what unites us:

• One Lord — Jesus Christ is Lord of all believers. We don’t serve different masters. We all bow to the same King, submit to the same authority, follow the same Savior.
• One faith — Not faith as personal trust (though all believers have that), but faith as the body of truth we believe. There is one gospel, one message of salvation, one set of core doctrines that define Christianity.
• One baptism — Baptism signifies our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Every believer has been baptized (in some form) into Christ. This shared initiation rite marks us as part of the one body.

One God and Father

“One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” This is the ultimate foundation of unity. We have one God who is the Father of all believers. He is:

• Over all — sovereign, ruling, supreme
• Through all — working in and among His people
• In all — dwelling in each believer by His Spirit

Everything comes back to the Triune God—one Spirit, one Lord (Christ), one Father. The unity of the Godhead is the pattern and foundation for the unity of the church.

Grace and Gifts for the Body (4:7-11)

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 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. (Eph. 4:7-11)

Grace Given to Each One

Paul now shifts from unity to diversity. “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” While we’re one body with one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, we’re not identical. Each believer has received grace—a specific gift, a particular measure of Christ’s grace—suited to their role in the body.

This grace isn’t just God’s favor in general. It’s the enabling power to function in the body. It’s the spiritual gift or gifts God gives to equip you for service.

Christ’s Ascension and Giving

Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 (loosely): “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” This psalm celebrated God’s victory and His distribution of plunder to His people. Paul applies it to Christ’s ascension after His resurrection.

Paul clarifies: “In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?” Before Christ ascended, He descended—He came to earth in the incarnation, humbled Himself, died on the cross. The one who descended is the same one who “ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.”

Christ’s descent and ascent qualified Him to give gifts. He conquered sin, death, and Satan. He rose victoriously. He ascended to the Father’s right hand. And from that position of supreme authority, He distributes gifts to His church.

The Gifts Christ Gave

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers.” Notice these are not spiritual gifts like teaching or prophecy. These are gifted people—individuals whom Christ gave to the church for specific purposes.

• Apostles — The original apostles (the Twelve plus Paul) had a unique, unrepeatable role in establishing the church and writing Scripture. In a broader sense, apostles are sent-out ones, missionaries who plant churches and pioneer gospel work in new areas.
• Prophets — Those who spoke God’s direct revelation. In the early church, before the New Testament was complete, prophets provided guidance and teaching. Today, some see the prophetic role continuing in those who proclaim God’s Word with clarity and power.
• Evangelists — Those who proclaim the gospel and call people to faith. Every Christian should evangelize, but evangelists have a special gifting and focus on reaching the lost.
• Shepherds and teachers — This is likely one office, not two (the Greek construction suggests this). Pastors shepherd the flock and teach God’s Word. They guide, protect, and instruct believers.

These roles are Christ’s gifts to the church. When a church has faithful pastors, gifted evangelists, and wise teachers, that’s Christ caring for His body.

The Purpose of the Gifts (4:12-16)

. . . to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 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. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 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. (Eph. 4:12-16)

To Equip the Saints

Why did Christ give these leaders to the church? “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” The purpose is equipping, not doing all the ministry themselves.

The word “equip” means to prepare, to make fit, to mend or restore. Leaders are called to prepare God’s people for service. Every believer is a minister. Leaders equip them to do the work.

This is crucial. Ministry is not the job of the clergy while the laity watches. Ministry is the job of every believer. Leaders train, teach, and empower the saints to do the work of the ministry.

And the goal? “Building up the body of Christ.” Everything is oriented toward the health, strength, and growth of the church.

The Goal: Maturity

“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.”

This is the destination. We’re moving toward:

• Unity of the faith — Not uniformity in every belief, but unity around core gospel truth and experiential knowledge of Christ.
• Knowledge of the Son of God — Deep, personal, experiential knowledge of Christ. Not just knowing about Him but knowing Him intimately.
• Mature manhood — Full spiritual adulthood, not remaining in spiritual infancy.
• The measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ — Christlikeness. The goal is to grow until we reflect Christ fully (which won’t be complete until glorification, but we’re moving toward it now).

So We Won’t Be Children

Why is maturity important? “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.”

Immature believers are unstable. They’re swayed by every new teaching, deceived by clever arguments, blown about by doctrinal fads. They lack discernment and conviction.

Paul uses vivid imagery: waves tossing a small boat, wind blowing it off course. Immature Christians are vulnerable to false teaching because they haven’t been grounded in truth. They chase novelty, fall for manipulation, get taken in by smooth talkers.

Speaking Truth in Love

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” The antidote to instability is growth toward Christ, and that growth happens through “speaking the truth in love.” This doesn’t just mean verbal communication. It means living truthfully in the context of loving relationships.

Truth without love is harsh and destructive. Love without truth is sentimental and spineless. But truth spoken in love—conveyed with care, gentleness, and genuine concern—produces growth.

As we do this, “we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” We’re growing toward Christ, becoming more like Him, maturing into His image. Christ is the head—the source of life, the direction-giver, the one to whom the body is connected.

The Body Building Itself Up

“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.” This is a picture of a healthy body. Every part is connected. Every joint functions. Every member does its work. And when that happens, the body grows and builds itself up in love.

The growth doesn’t come from the head alone (though Christ is the source). It comes from the whole body working together. When each believer uses their gifts, serves others, and speaks truth in love, the body grows.

And notice the end: “builds itself up in love.” Love is both the means and the goal. We grow through love, and we grow into love.

Application Points

Make unity a priority

Don’t take unity for granted or assume it will maintain itself. Make every effort to preserve it. That means choosing humility over pride, patience over irritation, love over selfishness. When conflict arises, pursue reconciliation. When differences emerge, focus on what unites you—one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith. Unity is worth fighting for.

Use your gifts to build up the body

Christ has given you grace—specific gifts, abilities, strengths—to serve the body. Don’t hoard them. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Find your place in the church and use what God has given you to strengthen others. You’re not optional. The body needs you to function properly.

Pursue spiritual maturity

Don’t settle for spiritual infancy. Grow up in Christ. That means digging into God’s Word, learning sound doctrine, developing discernment, building conviction. It means not being swayed by every new teaching that comes along. Maturity isn’t automatic—it requires intentionality and effort.

Speak truth in love

When you see error, address it with truth. When you see someone struggling, offer help with love. Don’t sacrifice truth for the sake of niceness, and don’t wield truth like a weapon. Truth spoken in love builds up. Truth spoken harshly tears down. Love that ignores truth is not love at all.

Remember you’re part of something bigger

You’re not a lone ranger Christian. You’re a member of Christ’s body. When one part suffers, the whole body feels it. When one part thrives, the whole body benefits. Your growth matters to others. Others’ growth matters to you. Live with awareness that you’re connected to other believers and that your health impacts theirs.

Reflection

• Are you making every effort to maintain unity in your church, or do you contribute to division through gossip, criticism, or unwillingness to reconcile?
• How are you using your gifts to build up the body, or are you merely consuming what others provide?
• Are you growing in spiritual maturity, or are you still being tossed around by every new teaching that sounds appealing?
• What does it mean for you to speak truth in love this week?

In the next post, we’ll look at what it means to put off the old self and put on the new self. Paul will get intensely practical, showing us how our identity in Christ transforms everything from our speech to our work to our relationships. The worthy walk continues.