As we continue on in the second half of the book of Ephesians, we are faced with the challenge of taking the rich doctrinal truths we’ve explored in chapters 1-3 and applying them to our lives. The question arises: Where do we begin with the application of this profound theology? Lets explore the starting point for our daily practical walk through Ephesians 4-6.
It might surprise some that when the Apostle Paul shifts from doctrine to application in Ephesians, he doesn’t immediately dive into a list of do’s and don’ts of the ten commandments, or take a legalistic approach. Instead, Paul begins with a focus on unity and maturity within the body of Christ. Why? Because these two aspects are foundational to the Christian life.
Paul recognizes that unity is at the core of Christian community. It involves communication, love, and the harmonious dwelling together of believers. The teachings in Ephesians are rooted in the idea of maintaining unity. When we fail in our relationships, we disrupt the unity within the church and the community. Often, when we think of ethics and morality, we don’t immediately consider concepts like unity and spiritual maturity. However, these are central themes in the New Testament. The entire Christian life revolves around living together in community within the body of Christ, emphasizing strong relationships and love for one another.
Consider the Ten Commandments, which encapsulate loving God and loving others. Every sin mentioned in these commandments relate to the failure to love God and others. As we draw closer to God, we should naturally become more loving towards others, we should become more relationship driven, less self-focused and more others-focused as we strive to count others more significant then ourselves and outdo one another in giving honor. (Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:10) Sin at its very core, is our failure to love God and to love others. When we fail to demonstrate love for others, we fail to demonstrate our love for God, for God has called us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. (Mark 12:31) Our love for God and spiritual maturity can be directly measured by our love for others. In 1 John 4:7-8 Paul writes, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. “
“Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays.” – Andrew Murray
Paul emphasizes that the closer we come to God, the closer we come to each other. In a sense, it’s like a triangle – as one person draws closer to God, and the other does the same, they inevitably come closer to each other. This principle applies not only to individual relationships but also to the church and the broader Christian community. The closer we come to God, the closer we come to one another.
Let us pray with Paul:
1Thess. 12-13 (ESV) – “and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints”
May His Word guide your steps, His love fill your heart, and His presence be your daily comfort.
