Chapter 4

4:1-6 Paul stresses here the unity we are to have of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Paul then goes into all of the “ones” we have in Christ. We have one:

• Body
• Spirit
• Hope
• Lord
• Faith
• Baptism
• God and Father

Paul emphasizes all of the unity we have with each other because we are not divided on all these things but we are unified through all these things. 

4:7-13 God has given each one of us grace. He also gave us important responsibilities and they come in all different ways. They were all given to prepare God’s people for service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we have reached the unity previously mentioned. When we reach this unity of faith and knowledge, we will attain the fullness of Christ. 

4:14-16 Once this fullness has been attained, we will no longer be “infants” and insecure. We will be anchored and rooted and grow in Christ. We will then build up in love as we do the work to which we have been called. This is a local and universal principle of unity. 

4:17-28 Paul’s warning to live no longer as Gentiles do who do not know Christ. They were taught to put away the old self which is being corrupted and put on the new self which included a new “attitude of the mind”. Verses 25-28 discuss ways that put into action this idea of putting off the old self and putting on the new self. 

4:29-32 More ways that we can put away the old self. The Spirit is within us to help us, so we must be careful not to grieve it.