The Grace to Grow in Unity

A Study of Ephesians 4:1-16

Divisions, discrimination, and distancing are signs of disintegration in a society, community, and family. The God of the Bible has created one human being, placed him on earth, and blessed him (Adam & Eve) to multiply and replenish the whole earth. However, we read from the Holy Bible that the entrance of sin (Genesis Chapter 3) has disrupted God’s plan, and instead of prosperity in progress, division and distance came in and has infected the human race. But thanks be to God Whose grace has made a way for man to be united with God and fellow human beings.

Let us discover the following beauty of grace that enables us to be united with the plan and purpose of God:

1. The Garments of Grace (Ephesians 4:1-3). The essence of the teaching and exhortation of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians Chapter 4:1-16 is maintaining unity and promoting the progress of Christian unity and growth. In order to grow in grace and reflect and maintain unity, one must put on the garments of grace. Paul mentions about seven of them in verses 1-3. They are lowliness, gentleness, long-suffering, bearing with one another, love, endeavoring to keep the unity, and in the bond of peace. These are spiritual qualities lived out by Christians who have put on the nature of Jesus Christ, when they are born-again and led by the Holy Spirit. When a person cannot reflect these and other Christ-like characters in his/her life, it is an indication that the flesh has got a grip on him/her. Do we have these garments that are to be put on as followers of Christ?
2. The Groups in Grace (Ephesians 4:4-6). Paul goes on with the theme of unity in the essentials and highlights seven important facts that are foundational in a believer’s life. The oneness is emphasized in these: One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father- seven important factors that unite the family of God. These are non-negotiable virtues ordained by God for the Body of Christ to function and be fruitful. There is no room for different opinions, additions, or alterations since God is the author and the establisher of the fundamentals for all believers of all time. The concept of ONE discards all others and keeps the unity among the people of God.
3. The Gifts of Grace (Ephesians 4:7-12). Gifts are endowments, donated, given freely to whomever God chooses. It is free but not without a cost. The Church as a Body of Christ has been blessed with the gifts of grace that unifies the members and drives out the differences and divisions. The grace gifts are different in nature but one in purpose and goal. Paul wrote, “…..some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers..”  The diverse gifts are given to the Church for the perfecting of the saints, the equipping of the body of Christ for the work of ministry. God offered a diversity of gifts through His grace to achieve unified goals.
4. The Growth in Grace (Ephesians 4:13-16).The Church is an organism that grows and is not an organisation that is static. The ground of growth and maturity is possible only in the rich soil of grace. God has bestowed His grace in each believer to grow and become mature and fruit-bearing that brings glory to His name. The growth in the body is balanced and progressive. Each part does its work and that contributes to the common good and unified growth. The individual gifts are not only for personal growth and development but for the congregational and community growth that is productive and fro the common good. One member’s growth in grace would challenge and inspire another member to grow and develop and become mature in Christ.

May we grow differently to make a difference in our family, neighborhood, church, and the community? Let us put on the garments of grace daily in our walk with Christ.

God bless you.

Pastor Joe Kurian