Ephesians 4:1-3 Here we find five important behaviors that all Christians should cultivate in their lives: humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, and seeking unity. Each of these takes intentionality and sustained effort. Unity, in particular, requires serious effort. In fact, Jesus himself prayed for our unity (John 17:20-23).

Ephesians 4:4-6 The basis of our unity is what we hold in common with each other: one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God over all. The Moravian motto said it well: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love.”

Ephesians 4:7-10 When he died and was buried, Jesus descended into the grave. When God raised him from the dead and brought him up to heaven, he ascended. His death, resurrection, and ascension together defeated spiritual evil in high places with the result that he led captivity captive. Additionally, his victory brought into reality new structures both in heaven

Ephesians 4:11-13 The various positions in the local church exist to equip the saints for the work of ministry with the goal of developing maturity in individuals and as a group. Christ is our forerunner and prototype. We want to grow into his full stature over time.

Ephesians 4:14-16 As you develop in your faith, you should not be easily deceived by the many winds of doctrine blowing in our time, especially through social media. Rather, the goal is to grow and mature such that we not only remain connected to the body but also build it up in love.