Bible Study About Ephesians: Our Identity, Unity, and Strength in Christ

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be “in Christ” or how your faith fits into God’s big story?

The New Testament book of Ephesians is a treasure trove of insight into these questions. Written by the Apostle Paul to believers in Ephesus, this epistle reads like a heartfelt sermon-letter overflowing with encouragement.

It doesn’t scold a church in crisis; instead, Ephesians expands our spiritual horizons – showing us who we are in Christ, what God’s eternal purpose is, and how we’re called to live it out​.

In a mere six chapters, Paul paints the grand panorama of God’s plan and then hands us practical instructions for daily Christian living.

In this study we’ll see how Paul describes our rich spiritual blessings and identity, unpacks the wonder of God’s grace, reveals God’s secret plan to create one new united people, and urges us to “walk worthy” of our calling through love, holiness, and spiritual courage.

We’ll connect Paul’s teaching to Old Testament promises and vivid metaphors (like armor and marriage) that bring these truths to life. Along the way, we’ll define key terms (grace, mystery, unity, etc.) in plain language and consider how these truths apply to us today.

Ephesians has something to say to every believer who longs to grow in Christ. As you read, ask yourself: “What is God saying about my identity and purpose? How can I live out these truths more fully?”

Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing (Our Identity in Christ)

Paul opens Ephesians not with a list of demands, but with praise for what God has done.

In fact, Ephesians 1:3-14 is one long, flowing sentence in Greek – a cascade of blessings that God has poured out on us in Christ.

• He exuberantly writes: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3, KJV).

Did you catch that? All spiritual blessings! Paul wants us to know right from the start that if we are “in Christ” (a phrase he repeats over and over), we have an incredible wealth of spiritual riches.

What are some of these blessings and benefits of our new identity? Paul lists many in chapter 1. To make it easy, here’s a bullet-point summary of who God says you are in Christ:

Chosen and Loved:

• “He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy…” (Eph 1:4).

Before creation, God picked you to be His own. You are not an afterthought – you’re chosen in love to belong to Him. How amazing to know that even before you existed, God set His love on you!

This gives us great security and purpose​. We are holy and blameless in His sight because of Jesus.

Adopted into God’s Family:

• “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Eph 1:5).

In Christ, God didn’t just forgive you and leave you at arm’s length – He brought you into His family. Adoption means we can call God “Father” and we are beloved sons and daughters.

In Roman times, an adopted child had full rights to the father’s inheritance. Likewise, we now have a full share in God’s household. It delighted Him to do this for us!

Redeemed and Forgiven:

• “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph 1:7).

Redeemed means to be bought back out of slavery. Jesus paid with His own blood to free us from slavery to sin and the devil. Because of that, we are forgiven – every one of our sins wiped away.

Notice it’s not barely enough grace, but riches of grace! God’s grace is His undeserved favor and kindness toward us, even though we did nothing to earn it. (In fact, **“grace” can be defined as “God’s favor toward the unworthy or His benevolence on the undeserving”​.)

Through Christ’s sacrifice, God lavished grace on us, setting us free from our past.

Recipients of Wisdom and Revelation:

• “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure…” (Eph 1:9).

God didn’t leave us in the dark about His plan. He gives us wisdom and understanding of His “mystery” – a word Paul uses for a truth that was once hidden but now revealed by God. (We’ll talk more about this mystery soon!) We have insight now into God’s grand plan for the ages, centered on Christ.

Heirs of an Inheritance:

• “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance…” (Eph 1:11).

Because we’re now in God’s family, we have a future inheritance. The Bible says our inheritance in Christ is essentially the sum total of all God has promised us – eternal life with Him in heaven​.

• It’s incorruptible and unfading (1 Peter 1:4). Imagine, the richest inheritance imaginable – that’s what awaits God’s children.
• Paul prays in verse 18 that we grasp “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”

Some see this as us being God’s inheritance – His treasured possession (just as Israel was called God’s inheritance in the Old Testament). In either case, inheritance speaks of precious value and a future hope we can look forward to.

Sealed with the Holy Spirit:

• “In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance…” (Eph 1:13-14).

The moment you believed in Jesus, God “sealed” you as His own by giving the Holy Spirit to live in you. In the ancient world, a seal was a mark of ownership or authenticity (like a king’s signet).

The Holy Spirit is like God’s mark of ownership on us – proof that we belong to Him. He is also called an “earnest” (down payment) guaranteeing that the full inheritance will come.

In other words, the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is a foretaste of heaven and a promise that God will fulfill all He’s promised. We’re secure in Christ because the Spirit Himself is our living guarantee.

And that’s not even an exhaustive list!

• Paul also says we are accepted in the Beloved (v.6), meaning God welcomes us as He does His own Son.
• We have God’s grace “abounding toward us” (v.8).

No wonder Paul bursts into praise – these truths are glorious!

All of these blessings come “in Christ.”

That phrase (or “in Him”) appears repeatedly in Ephesians 1. It emphasizes that our new identity and every blessing is a result of our relationship with Jesus.

Think of it this way: when we trust in Christ, we become spiritually united to Him, like a branch grafted into a vine.

• Being “in Christ” means what is true of Him in God’s eyes becomes true of us.
• He is the Chosen One – and in Him, we are chosen.
• He is the Son of God – in Him, we become God’s children.
• He is perfectly righteous – in Him, we are counted righteous, and so on.

This is a profound mystery and a source of great joy. It’s why the Christian life is all about knowing Jesus – because the more we understand our union with Him, the more we realize how fully blessed we are.

Paul knows that simply hearing we have these blessings isn’t enough – we need to experience them.

So in Ephesians 1:15-23, he prays for the believers’ spiritual eyes to be opened. He asks God to give them (and us) wisdom and revelation to know Him better, and to grasp “what is the hope of His calling” and “the riches of the glory of His inheritance” and “the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe” (Eph 1:18-19).

It’s a beautiful prayer that shows Paul’s pastor heart: he longs for us to not just intellectually know we’re blessed, but to live in the good of it. We can echo this prayer for ourselves and others – “Lord, help us see who we are in You and the incredible hope and power we have!”

Before we move on, consider this personal question: Do you define yourself by these truths? It’s easy to let our job, failures, or others’ opinions define our identity.

But God says you are His beloved child, redeemed, and richly blessed. Next time you feel insecure or defeated, come back to Ephesians 1. Soak in your God-given identity. It’s the solid rock that can’t be shaken by life’s storms.

(Side note: Paul mentions these blessings are in “heavenly places” (Eph 1:3). This phrase “heavenly places” or “heavenly realms” appears multiple times in Ephesians (1:3, 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12). It indicates the spiritual dimension of reality. We have a dual existence – physically on earth, but spiritually we are seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. This means our true life, value, and power come from our connection to heaven, where Christ reigns​. Even though we live out our faith on earth, we draw our life from above. Keep this in mind as we discuss spiritual warfare later!)

Saved by Grace: From Death to Life (The Gift and Purpose of Salvation)

After reveling in the heights of our spiritual blessings, Paul next reminds us how we got here – purely by God’s grace.

Ephesians 2:1-10 is one of the most important gospel summaries in Scripture. It’s the classic “bad news, then good news” presentation of salvation. Paul wants us to feel the full contrast between our old life without Christ and our new life with Him.

• He begins bluntly: “And you hath He quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1).

Talk about an attention-grabber! Outside of Christ, we weren’t just “doing okay” or slightly misguided – we were spiritually dead. That’s the bad news.

• Paul says we all (Jew and Gentile alike) used to live in sin, “fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind”, essentially following the crowd and the influence of Satan (whom he calls “the prince of the power of the air”) (Eph 2:2-3).

By nature, we were “children of wrath” – meaning we rightly deserved God’s judgment because of sin. It’s a bleak picture of life without Jesus: dead, trapped in disobedience, and under wrath.

If that’s where the story ended, none of the blessings of chapter 1 would be ours.

• But here comes the good news – and it’s all because of God’s character, not ours: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Eph 2:4-5).

Those two words “But God” are among the most hopeful in the Bible. We were helpless, but God intervened. Why? Because He is rich in mercy and has great love for us. Mercy means not getting the punishment we deserve; love seeks the good of the beloved. Even at our worst, God loved us.

So what did He do?

He made us alive with Christ. This is the core of being “saved” – we who were spiritually dead are given new life. Just as Jesus was physically raised from the dead, we are spiritually raised from death to life when we unite with Him.

• Paul even says God “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6).

There’s that “heavenly places” idea again: spiritually, we’re resurrected and seated with Christ in His place of victory and honor! It’s a done deal from God’s perspective.

Why would God do all this for sinners?

• Verse 7 gives a hint: “That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

In other words, we are meant to be eternal trophies of God’s grace. Forever and ever, our very existence will display how unbelievably kind and gracious God is.

• Paul then emphasizes grace in the most famous salvation formula: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9).

If you haven’t memorized these verses, they are worth hiding in your heart! They capture the essence of the gospel. Let’s break it down:

• By grace: As we defined earlier, grace is undeserved favor. Our salvation is entirely due to God’s gracious gift. We didn’t initiate it or earn it. Think of a rescue: if a lifeguard saves a drowning person, it’s not because the drowning person earned it – it’s the rescuer’s mercy and skill. Likewise, God’s grace is the reason we are saved.
• Through faith: God’s grace is received through faith. Faith is simply trusting in God – relying on Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. It’s like an empty hand receiving a gift. Even the faith itself is not a point of pride; it’s ultimately enabled by God’s grace as well ( “and that not of yourselves” can imply even our faith is God’s gracious gift).
• Not from yourselves… not by works: Paul makes it crystal clear – our salvation does not originate in our own efforts or good deeds. We can never be “good enough” to earn heaven. All the religious works in the world can’t raise a dead soul to life. Only God can. This levels the playing field: no one can boast that they contributed to their salvation. All boasting goes to God alone.
• It is the gift of God: Salvation is a free gift. Think about gifts – you don’t pay for your birthday present or brag about how you earned your Christmas gift. You simply receive it with gratitude. Similarly, God’s salvation is a generous gift we accept by trusting Him. This truth is so freeing: we don’t have to strive anxiously hoping we’ve done enough to be saved. We can rest in the sufficiency of Jesus’s sacrifice. We obey God out of love because we’re saved, not to achieve salvation.

Many religions teach some form of earning your way to God; Christianity boldly stands apart in declaring salvation is by grace alone. As one resource puts it, “Grace can be variously defined as ‘God’s favor toward the unworthy’ or ‘God’s benevolence on the undeserving’.

In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us abundantly, in spite of the fact that we don’t deserve to be treated so well”​. Isn’t that incredible? This should fill us with humble gratitude and joy. When we sing “Amazing Grace,” it’s because it truly is amazing.

However, grace doesn’t mean our lives post-salvation will be passive or purposeless. Quite the opposite!

• Paul adds one more verse to clarify the purpose of this gracious salvation: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10).

This means we are God’s workmanship (the Greek word poiēma, sometimes translated “masterpiece” or “handiwork”). God is like an artist who has skillfully crafted us anew in Christ, and He has good works ready for us to do.

We’re not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works.

In other words, God saved us on purpose for a purpose. He calls us to “walk” (live) in a new way that reflects His goodness. It’s mind-blowing to realize that the Almighty not only rescues us but invites us to participate in His mission by doing good in the world that He prepared specifically for each of us.

This balances grace and action in the Christian life. We don’t do good to get saved; we do good because we are saved. It’s the response of love and the product of God working in us.

So if you’ve received God’s grace, ask: What “good works” might God have prepared for me? It could be as simple as showing kindness to a neighbor, serving in your church, or raising your children to know Jesus. Every act done in Christ’s name is part of His beautiful plan.

To sum up this section: never lose the wonder of God’s grace. When you feel discouraged by your failures, remember “it is by grace you have been saved.”

When pride creeps in, remember “not of works, lest anyone should boast.” When you feel useless or aimless, remember you are God’s workmanship, created for meaningful work He’s planned.

Grace brought you into this Christian life, and grace will lead you home. It’s all from Him, and all for His glory.

One New Humanity in Christ: God’s Mystery Revealed (Unity and Reconciliation)

Having celebrated individual salvation, Paul zooms out to show the bigger picture of what God is doing in the world through Christ.

It’s more than saving isolated individuals; God is creating a whole new community of believers – a united family out of previously divided groups.

This was a “mystery” hidden for ages but now revealed through the gospel​. In Ephesians 2:11-22 and chapter 3, Paul explains this beautiful mystery: through Jesus, Gentiles (non-Jews) can now fully share in the promises of God alongside Jews, united as one people.

This was groundbreaking news in the first century!

Let’s unpack the context: In the Old Testament, God chose Israel (the descendants of Abraham) as His covenant people. He gave them His Law and lived among them (in the Tabernacle/Temple).

Gentiles (the other nations) by and large did not know the true God. There was a literal and figurative wall of separation – the Jews had dietary laws, circumcision, and temple rules that kept them separate from Gentiles.

In fact, in the Jerusalem Temple, a physical wall (the “soreg”) warned Gentiles not to go further in, on pain of death.

• Paul references this cultural divide by reminding Gentile believers that before Christ, they were “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12).

Basically, they were outsiders to God’s family and His promises. But then comes another glorious “But now in Christ…” – indicating a huge change:

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13).

Praise God – those who were far away have been brought near! How? Through the blood of Christ. At the cross, Jesus not only reconciled individuals to God; He also reconciled groups to each other.

Ephesians 2:14-15 says, “For He (Jesus) is our peace, who hath made both (Jew and Gentile) one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain (two) one new man, so making peace.”

Jesus is called our peace because He is the agent of unity. By fulfilling the Law’s demands and sacrificing Himself, He broke the power of that Law to exclude Gentiles. It’s as if His death tore down the dividing wall that kept people apart.

The result is astonishing: Jesus created “one new man” out of the two groups. This phrase means He formed a single new humanity – a new kind of people – out of formerly divided peoples​.

That new humanity is the Church (with a capital C) – not a building, but the collective body of all who believe in Christ.

Unity is a major theme of Ephesians. God’s plan was always to have a huge family unified in Christ​. Now, in the church, that unity is a reality: “so making peace.”

Think about the depth of this reconciliation. It’s not just Jews and Gentiles tolerating each other; it’s true unity.

• Ephesians 2:16 adds that Christ reconciled both to God “in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.”

So through the Cross, both groups are reconciled to God (we all come to Him the same way) and reconciled to each other (since we’re all in one body now). The hostility is put to death.

• Furthermore, verse 18: “For through Him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

Jews and Gentiles now pray to the same Father, by the same Holy Spirit’s power – truly one family.

Paul uses metaphors to illustrate this new unity.

• In Ephesians 2:19, he says, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

We believers, regardless of background, are fellow citizens of God’s kingdom and members of God’s household. In other words, we share a heavenly citizenship and we live under the same roof as siblings!

• He then compares this household to a holy temple: “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Eph 2:20-21).

This is powerful imagery, especially for people familiar with the Jerusalem Temple. In the Old Testament, the temple was where God’s presence dwelt.

Now, Paul says, God is building a new temple – not made of stones, but made of people. Jesus is the cornerstone (the most important stone aligning the structure), and the teachings of the apostles and prophets are the foundation.

• We believers are like the individual stones “fitly framed together,” and God’s Spirit lives in us collectively: “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Eph 2:22).

This means the Church is now the dwelling place of God’s presence on earth. It’s an incredible honor and responsibility. (This also fulfills patterns from the Old Testament: for example, God promised in the New Covenant to put His Spirit within His people – Ezekiel 36:27. Now each of us is a mini-temple of the Holy Spirit, and together we form a large temple for His glory.)

For Paul, a Jewish rabbi turned Christian, the inclusion of Gentiles as equals in God’s family was a marvel. In fact, he calls it the “mystery” of Christ.

• In Ephesians 3:3-6, he explains that God revealed this mystery to him: “that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel” (Eph 3:6).

A “mystery” in biblical terms isn’t something spooky or unsolvable; it’s a truth that was hidden in ages past but now made known by God​.

The idea that Gentiles would be full partners in salvation was hinted in the Old Testament (for example, God told Abraham “in you all families of the earth will be blessed” in Genesis 12:3, and prophets like Isaiah spoke of Gentiles coming to worship God).

But it wasn’t clear how that would happen. The puzzle became clear in Christ: by His death and resurrection, Jesus threw open the door for the nations to join God’s people. No law-keeping or ethnic lineage required – just faith in Christ.

This was the secret God had planned all along, now revealed through Paul and the other apostles​. As one commentary puts it, “The mystery was that Jews and Gentiles could receive salvation equally through Jesus Christ”​.

Paul was charged with the mission of spreading this good news far and wide. He humbly describes himself as the least of all saints, yet graced to preach to the Gentiles “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8).

And beyond just preaching, Paul says God made him a minister to “make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery” – basically to enlighten everyone about how this plan works (Eph 3:9).

Why was God bringing Jews and Gentiles together in one body? Ephesians 3:10 gives a stunning purpose: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.”

In simpler terms, God is using the Church to display His brilliantly multifaceted wisdom to the spiritual realms!​

Even angels and demons are watching God’s plan unfold through the unity of the Church, and they’re seeing God’s genius. The word “manifold” here means many-sided or richly diverse.

Think of a dazzling diamond with many faces – God’s wisdom has countless facets, and through the creation of this united, multi-ethnic, loving community of believers, He’s showcasing a facet of His wisdom that was previously a “hidden gem.”

One writer noted that “manifold” can evoke the image of an embroidered pattern or a tapestry​ – the church is like a tapestry woven of many different threads (different people groups, backgrounds, gifts) into one beautiful work of art, causing even the heavenly beings to marvel at what God has done​.

How amazing that we – the community of ordinary believers – are central to God’s eternal “show-and-tell” of His glory!

If that doesn’t make you value the church, nothing will. The church (universal) isn’t just a human organization or social club; it’s God’s masterpiece and His chosen instrument to demonstrate His glory.

Yes, the church on earth is imperfect and messy at times, but in God’s eyes it is dearly loved – Christ’s own Bride – and it has a cosmic mission.

Our unity, love, and faithfulness as the church matter, not just to us and the world, but even in the spiritual realm. Paul wants us to catch that grand vision.

After unloading these deep truths, Paul can’t help but pray again in Ephesians 3:14-21. This second prayer is a heartfelt plea that believers would personally experience Christ’s love and power.

He prays that God would strengthen us with might by His Spirit in our inner being, that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith (meaning Christ at home ruling in us), and that we “being rooted and grounded in love” would be able to comprehend the vast dimensions of the love of Christ – its breadth, length, depth, and height – and “to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge” (Eph 3:17-19).

What a paradox: to know something that surpasses knowledge! In truth, we will spend eternity growing in our understanding of Christ’s love, but we can start now.

Paul knows that understanding God’s love is the key to fullness: he ends with “that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God”. In other words, as we grasp Christ’s immense love for us, we become spiritually mature and filled up with God’s character and presence.

This prayer reminds us: Christianity is ultimately a relationship of love. It’s not just head knowledge of mystery and doctrine, but heart experience of Jesus.

Paul prays for power – not power to perform miracles or gain status, but power to understand how loved we are and to let that love transform us. Perhaps you need this prayer today.

You might know intellectually that “Jesus loves me” since childhood, but do you feel it deep down? Ask God for strength to comprehend it more.

Being “rooted and grounded” in His love gives us stability – like a tree with deep roots or a building on a solid foundation. Life’s trials can’t easily topple someone who is secure in Christ’s love.

Paul closes the first half of Ephesians with a burst of praise known as a doxology: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Eph 3:20-21).

It’s like he’s saying: after all these huge truths – God’s eternal plan, our identity, the mystery of the church, Christ’s immense love – let’s just praise God, because He is able to do far more than we can even imagine.

And notice where God is glorified: “in the church” and in Christ Jesus. God’s glory is displayed in Christ and in His people, forever and ever. We get to be part of glorifying God for eternity by being His church. Hallelujah!

Real-Life Application:

The unity described here has practical implications. In the early church, it meant Jewish and Gentile believers had to break down their prejudices and embrace each other as family.

Today, the principle remains: Christ has broken down every dividing wall – not only between Jew and Gentile, but also between races, social classes, and genders (see Galatians 3:28).

The ground is level at the foot of the cross. So, is there any group of Christians you subconsciously view as second-class or “other”? Perhaps those from a different culture, denomination, or background?

Ephesians challenges us to see all true believers as “fellow citizens” and family members. It also challenges us to actively maintain unity (something Paul will emphasize in the next chapter).

Unity is not uniformity – we can have diversity and different roles – but it means having a heart of love, acceptance, and humility toward one another, centered on our common Savior. Jesus died to unite us; we must not rebuild walls He tore down.

Moreover, this section encourages us that we belong. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in or you’re an outsider, remember that in Christ you are fully accepted and “brought near.”

You have a place in God’s household and a role in His temple. Church is not just an event on Sundays; it’s an identity. We are the church, the family of God.

So even if people have let you down, don’t give up on Christ’s church – He hasn’t. We’re all under construction “fitly framed” for God’s dwelling. Keep seeking to love and be loved in the community of faith.

Lastly, think about the global and eternal perspective Paul gives. God’s plan spans all nations and ages. We’re part of something much bigger than ourselves. This can comfort us when our local situation seems hard.

The church may struggle at times, but ultimately it will succeed in God’s purpose.

Ephesians assures us that God’s wisdom will be displayed through the church to all creation – that’s how committed God is to finishing the good work He started. We can trust Him and find our purpose by being aligned with His grand plan.

Walking Worthy of Our Calling: Unity, Purity, and Love in Action

Up to this point (chapters 1-3), Paul has been laying a theological foundation – revealing profound truths about our position in Christ and His work.

Now, in the second half of the letter (chapters 4-6), a big “therefore” shifts the focus: how should we live in light of all this? Paul moves from doctrine to duty, from exposition to exhortation.

Ephesians 4:1 opens with, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”

In simpler terms, “Because of everything God has done (and because I’m literally in prison for this gospel), I’m urging you to live in a way that’s worthy of your calling.”

Our calling is essentially all the blessings and identity we’ve been given – being children of God, part of Christ’s body, recipients of grace.

To “walk worthy” doesn’t mean deserve those blessings (we can’t), but rather to live in a manner fitting for someone so richly blessed and called. It’s like saying: live up to what you already are. Be who God made you to be.

What does a worthy walk look like? Paul gets very practical, and interestingly, the first thing he emphasizes is unity and humility in the church community.

• He says to walk with “all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Eph 4:2).

Why start here? Because maintaining the unity Christ achieved requires character: humility (lowliness), gentleness (meekness), patience (longsuffering), and loving forbearance (putting up with each other’s quirks in love).

• Unity takes effort – which is why Paul continues, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3).

We don’t create unity (the Spirit already made us one); but we must keep or preserve it. It’s like a precious gift we guard. Whenever pride, impatience, or anger creep in, unity is threatened. So Paul urges us: be eager to maintain oneness through the peace Christ gave.

He then gives a beautiful series of “ones” to remind us of the truths that unite all Christians: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Eph 4:4-6). Seven “ones”!

• We are one body (the universal Church)
• energized by one Holy Spirit
• assured by one hope (our eternal life and glory with Christ).
• We have one Lord (Jesus)
• one faith (the core gospel truth we believe)
• one baptism (the outward sign of entry into Christ, symbolizing we all equally died and rose with Him)
• and one God and Father who is over all of us.

That’s a lot of unity​. Essentially, Paul is saying, remember what you share in common. These fundamental unities are far greater than any differences. Whenever you’re tempted to divide from a fellow believer, recall that you have the same Father, follow the same Lord, and are part of the same body.

Unity, however, is not the same as uniformity.

We’re not clones. In fact, Paul immediately talks about how Christ has given different gifts to each member of His body so that we can help each other and grow.

• He references Psalm 68:18 when he says: “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” (Eph 4:7-8).

This Old Testament quote originally described a victorious king returning with spoils and distributing gifts. Paul applies it to Christ: after Jesus ascended as victor over sin and death, He poured out gifts (through the Holy Spirit) on His people.

• These gifts include various roles in the church: “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (4:11).

These were leadership and equipping roles in the early church (apostles and prophets laid the foundation, pastors/teachers and evangelists continue to build up).

Why did Christ give these gifts?

Paul explains: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (4:12).

• In other words, to equip all believers (“the saints”) to serve (do ministry) so that the whole body is built up. The end goal is maturity: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and…unto a perfect (mature) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (4:13).

There’s that idea of the “one new man” again – now seen as a mature man, measuring up to Christ’s fullness.

The picture is of the church growing up together into Christ, who is the Head (4:15). Paul describes it like a body where every part does its share and is connected, with Christ as the head, causing growth in love (4:15-16).

So, each of us has a part to play in the church’s health.

If you’re gifted in teaching, teach; if in service, serve; if in encouragement, encourage (cf. Romans 12:6-8). When each member functions, the body of Christ grows stronger and more unified.

No part is unnecessary or unrelated – we actually need each other. This mutual dependence is by God’s design. Christianity is a team sport, not a solo hike.

So a worthy walk involves using your gifts and appreciating others’ gifts, all aimed at unity and maturity. It’s such a joy when believers operate this way – it’s like a well-coordinated dance or a functioning human body, rather than disjointed chaos.

From verse 17 of chapter 4 onward, Paul shifts from the unity of the church to the purity of the individual (though still in community context).

He tells them they must no longer walk as the Gentiles (pagans) do in the futility of their minds (4:17). Basically: don’t live like the ungodly world anymore. You’re a new people, so you need a new lifestyle.

He reminds them that the unsaved live in spiritual darkness and ignorance, indulging in impurity and greed (4:18-19).

• “But ye have not so learned Christ” (4:20) – you’re different now. He describes a process like changing clothes: “Put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) the old man, which is corrupt… and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and… put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (4:22-24).

This “old self / new self” metaphor is key. The old self is our pre-Christian way of life, dominated by sin. The new self is our new nature in Christ, created to be godly.

Paul says, in essence, take off the dirty clothes of your old life, and put on the clean outfit of the new life. Of course, this is not a literal change of clothes but a change of behavior and thinking.

The renewal of the mind (v.23) suggests that transforming our life starts with changing how we think – aligning our thoughts with God’s truth (similar to Romans 12:2). We continuously choose to put on the character of Christ which we now have in us.

Paul gives concrete examples of what “putting off” and “putting on” look like in daily behavior​:

• Instead of lying, speak the truth to your neighbor (4:25). Honesty replaces deception because we are members of one another.
• Instead of letting anger lead to sin or long grudges, deal with anger promptly and righteously (4:26). “Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” That means it’s okay to feel anger at wrong sometimes, but don’t let it fester into sin or give the devil a foothold (4:27). Forgiveness and self-control should replace simmering rage.
• Instead of stealing, work and give: “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands…that he may have to give to him that needeth” (4:28). What a transformation – from a taker to a giver.
• Instead of corrupt (foul or abusive) talk, speak edifying words: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…” (4:29). Imagine if everything we said was aimed to build others up, give grace, and fit the need of the moment. Gossip, harsh criticism, and vulgar jokes have no place in the new life. Words are powerful; as Christians, ours should bring light, not darkness.
• Instead of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice (he lists a bunch of negative attitudes in 4:31), cultivate kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (4:32). Why? “Even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” God forgave us when we didn’t deserve it; that sets the pattern for how we treat others. A worthy walk is characterized by a forgiving spirit.

All these contrasts show the practical difference Jesus makes. Christianity isn’t just about going to heaven; it’s about a transformed life now.

And note, it’s not by our own strength – earlier Paul prayed for inner strength through the Spirit, and here he mentions “grieve not the Holy Spirit of God” (4:30) who has sealed us.

The Spirit within us is helping us live this new life, so we should cooperate with Him and not cause Him sorrow by reverting to old ways.

• Moving into chapter 5, Paul continues the exhortation to holy living, rooted in love: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath given Himself for us…” (Eph 5:1-2).

This is beautiful – we imitate God like beloved children mimic a loving father. And specifically, we walk in love, with Jesus’s self-sacrifice as the model.

To “walk in love” means our lifestyle is characterized by love – seeking others’ good, putting others first. Christ’s love was costly (He gave Himself up for us). Our love should also be self-giving.

Then Paul contrasts this love-walk with the counterfeit “loves” of the world: sexual immorality and greed.

• He says sexual immorality, impurity, or covetousness “let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (5:3).

In other words, those things are totally unfitting for God’s holy people. The pagan culture of Ephesus was full of sexual promiscuity and idol worship (often linked with immorality), but Christians must be different.

• Even our speech should be pure: “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient (proper): but rather giving of thanks” (5:4).

Crude jokes and dirty talk are out of place; thankfulness is the better use of our tongue. Paul gives a sober warning that persistently immoral, impure, or greedy people (idolaters) have no inheritance in God’s kingdom (5:5).

This doesn’t mean a true Christian who struggles is automatically out, but it does mean those whose lives are characterized by such sins (showing they haven’t truly been changed by Christ) are not part of God’s saved people.

So Paul says, don’t be deceived by empty words minimizing sin (5:6); those things bring God’s wrath on the disobedient. We’re children of God, so we leave those dark behaviors behind.

• He then uses the metaphor of light vs. darkness: “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (5:8).

Before Jesus, we were darkness (note: not just in darkness, but we were darkness – it was our identity). Now we are light in the Lord (Jesus said we are the light of the world in Him). So we need to live like children of light.

Light is associated with truth, purity, and what is pleasing to God. Paul says the fruit of the Spirit (or light) is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth (5:9), and we should discern what pleases the Lord (5:10).

• Conversely, “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (5:11).

That means we don’t participate in sinful deeds, instead we expose them by our light (likely through living righteously and, when appropriate, lovingly correcting or bringing truth to situations).

Verse 13 says when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible – light has a way of revealing reality. That’s what Christians are to do in a dark world: by living openly for Christ, we shine a light that makes sin stand out and the way of salvation evident.

• Paul poetically writes, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (5:14).

This may be an early Christian hymn or just a creative call to those spiritually asleep to wake up and receive Christ’s light. It fits the theme: don’t slumber in moral laziness; be alert and shining for Jesus.

Walking in light also implies wisdom.

• Paul urges, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (5:15-16).

Circumspectly means carefully, looking around, being mindful. We should live wisely, making the most of every opportunity (“redeeming the time” – buying it back) since we live in evil days.

In other words, time is short and precious; don’t waste it on foolish or sinful living. Instead, “understand what the will of the Lord is” (5:17) – seek God’s will in how you conduct yourself daily.

• One specific command stands out in 5:18: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

Instead of being controlled by alcohol (leading to debauchery), a believer should be controlled by the Holy Spirit. In fact, “be filled” in Greek is a continuous imperative: keep on being filled with the Spirit.

This means continually yield yourself to the Holy Spirit’s influence and power. When we do, certain results flow out (Paul lists them in 5:19-21): speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs; singing and making melody in our heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things; and submitting to one another in the fear of God.

These are signs of a Spirit-filled community: joyful worship, constant gratitude, and mutual submission/service​.

It’s interesting that Spirit-filling leads to very down-to-earth relational attitudes – it makes us worshipful, thankful, and humble with each other. So being “spiritual” is not about flashy experiences; it’s about character and how we treat others.

The Transforming Power of Christ in Relationships (Marriage, Family, Work)

Paul now zooms in on various relationships, showing how being filled with the Spirit and submitting to one another works in specific contexts: marriage, parenting, and even servant-master (workplace) relationships (5:22–6:9).

This section shows that the gospel applies to every aspect of life – even the household. In the first-century Greco-Roman world, households were structured in a hierarchy, and Paul speaks into that culture, transforming it with Christ-like principles of love and respect.

Marriage: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it” (Eph 5:22-25).

These verses have stirred much discussion, but let’s see them through the lens of mutual love and submission in Christ. Paul calls wives to willingly respect and yield to their husbands’ leadership as an act of service to Christ.

This is not because husbands are superior (elsewhere men and women are equal in Christ, Gal 3:28), but because in God’s design for order, He calls the husband to a role of loving headship (5:23).

Meanwhile, husbands are given an even higher call: to love their wives with the self-sacrificing love of Christ.

Jesus gave everything, even His life, for the church – that’s the model for husbands.

Paul spells it out: “love your wives as your own bodies… nourish and cherish” them (5:28-29).

The emphasis is on sacrificial care. In fact, if a husband truly loves like Christ, the wife’s submission isn’t oppressive – it’s a joyful response to godly love.

Paul is essentially prescribing a Christ-centered dance of love and respect in marriage, very counter-cultural to the domineering or manipulative unions of the world.

• Then Paul reveals a profound mystery here: “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh… This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph 5:31-32, quoting Genesis 2:24).

Wait, what? Marriage refers to Christ and the church? Yes!

Paul is saying that the one-flesh union of marriage – established way back in Genesis with Adam and Eve – was actually pointing to something greater: the relationship between Jesus and His people​. In other words, marriage is a God-given metaphor, a living illustration, of the gospel.

The husband’s loving leadership represents Christ’s love for the Church, and the wife’s willing respect represents the Church’s love for Christ​. “Paul says that this kind of marriage is a reenactment of the Gospel story”. How beautiful is that?

It means every Christian marriage, however imperfect, has the potential to display the love of Jesus. It also shows how sacred marriage is to God – He designed it to mirror His Son’s union with believers.

So if you’re married, take this to heart: your marriage is meant to preach the gospel in how you love each other.

And if you’re single, don’t worry – marriage is just one picture; the reality is Christ’s love for you, which is perfect and ultimate. Earthly marriages will fade, but our relationship with Christ is forever.

After summarizing with “let each husband love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (5:33), Paul then addresses children and parents (Eph 6:1-4). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor thy father and mother’… that it may be well with thee…” (6:1-3).

He quotes the commandment about honoring parents, noting it’s the first command with a promise of blessing. So kids in a Christian household are to obey and honor their parents (assuming the parents aren’t asking them to do wrong) as part of their obedience to the Lord. It pleases God.

Parents, on the other hand, especially fathers (who were the primary authority in that culture), are told: “provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (6:4).

This means don’t exasperate or mistreat your kids (with harshness, unreasonable demands, or neglect). Instead, gently nurture them, discipline and instruct them in the ways of Jesus.

In a Christ-shaped family, parents don’t abuse authority, and children aren’t rebels; rather, there’s love and respect flowing both ways, centered on the Lord.

Finally, Paul speaks to servants and masters (Eph 6:5-9).

In that era, many households included bond-servants (slaves). While the Bible does not outright abolish slavery here, it sows seeds for its demise by humanizing relationships.

• Paul tells servants to obey their earthly masters with sincerity as they would obey Christ – “not with eyeservice as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ” (6:6).

Basically, work diligently and honestly, knowing that ultimately you’re serving the Lord, and He will reward you (6:7-8).

And masters are told to treat their servants the same way (with respect and sincerity), “forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him” (6:9).

A radical idea: masters have a Master in heaven, and He doesn’t play favorites based on social status. Both servant and master are equal before God. The implication: treat each other like brothers in Christ.

In a modern context, these principles apply to our workplaces or any authority relationships. Employees should work with integrity and give their best as if Jesus is their boss (because ultimately, He is!).

Employers or managers should lead kindly and fairly, remembering they will answer to God for how they treat those under them.

Our faith should affect our work ethic and leadership style. No matter your role, you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24 echoes this).

It’s remarkable how thoroughly Paul has shown the reach of the gospel – from personal character, to church life, to home life, to work life. Nothing is untouched by Christ’s lordship.

When we “walk worthy” of our calling, it transforms everything: how we speak, how we handle anger, our sexual purity, how we treat our spouse, how we parent, how we do our jobs. And none of this is in our own strength; it’s all empowered by the Holy Spirit as we submit to Him daily.

Let’s pause and reflect: are there areas in your life where your walk is limping or doesn’t match your calling?

Maybe it’s your speech, or harboring unforgiveness, or slacking at work, or not loving your family well. Don’t get discouraged – God’s grace that saved you is the same grace that sanctifies you.

He doesn’t reveal these things to condemn us but to grow us. Bring those areas to God in prayer. Ephesians assures us the power that raised Jesus is at work in us (Eph 1:19-20) – He can change us.

Also, lean into the community (the church) for support; we help each other grow. Perhaps share with a trusted friend or mentor and pray together. Remember, the aim is that we all become more like Christ, who is our ultimate model in every role.

Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare: The Armor of God

Paul ends his letter with a final, vivid exhortation: we are in a spiritual battle, so we must stand strong in God’s armor. He likely envisioned a Roman soldier’s armor (being chained to one during his imprisonment), but he also draws from Old Testament imagery of God as a warrior.

This section, Ephesians 6:10-18, is beloved by many Christians because it dramatically portrays the Christian life as active warfare against evil, and it assures us of victory through God’s power.

• He starts: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:10).

Note, it doesn’t say “be strong in yourself” – our strength must be in the Lord. We rely on His mighty power. On our own, we’re weak against spiritual foes, but in Christ, we can be strong.

How do we access His strength? Paul instructs us to put on the whole armor of God (6:11). This implies a couple of things:

(1) The armor is God’s – meaning it comes from Him, and interestingly, it’s essentially the armor God Himself wears (as described in Isaiah) now given to us​.

(2) We need the whole armor – every piece is important for full protection.

Why armor? “That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” We have a real enemy, the devil (which means adversary). His tactics (“wiles”) include lies, temptations, fear, and any method to derail our faith or divide the church.

• Verse 12 explains the nature of the conflict: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Our fight isn’t ultimately against human opponents – it’s against evil spiritual forces (ranks of demonic powers) in the unseen realm (“high places” or heavenly places, same phrase used earlier).

This is a cosmic battle. Evil may manifest through people at times, but behind that are spiritual powers.

This perspective helps us love people (even those who oppose us) and direct our resistance toward the true enemy, Satan, and sin. It also explains why worldly methods or weapons (physical force, mere human wisdom) won’t win this fight. We need God’s spiritual resources.

• Therefore (6:13), “take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

The goal is to stand – to hold our ground, remain firm in faith and holy living, even when attacked. “The evil day” could mean any time of particular trial or even the general era of evil. God’s armor enables us to stand victorious when the dust settles.

Now Paul details the pieces of the armor (6:14-17). As we go through them, realize each piece corresponds to a spiritual truth or virtue that we “put on” and rely on.

Also, these pieces echo descriptions of the Messiah’s own armor in Isaiah 59:17 and other passages​ – meaning, we are essentially wearing the armor of our Lord! We are fighting with His weapons, not our own, which is why they’re effective​.

Belt of Truth: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth” (6:14a).

A Roman soldier would wear a belt or girdle around the waist to secure his tunic and hold weapons, basically keeping everything in place. Truth is what holds everything together for the Christian.

This includes the truth of God’s Word and living truthfully. Satan is the “father of lies,” so truth counters his schemes. When we internalize God’s truth (through Scripture) and walk in honesty and integrity, we tighten the belt that gives stability and readiness.

Ask: Am I saturating my mind with truth? Am I being truthful in my life? A commitment to truth is foundational armor.

Breastplate of Righteousness: “having on the breastplate of righteousness” (6:14b).

The breastplate covered the chest, protecting the heart and vital organs. Righteousness does the same for us spiritually. There’s a couple of layers here:

First, we stand in Christ’s righteousness (not our own) – when we trust Jesus, we are clothed in His righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). That protects us from Satan’s accusations (like a breastplate guarding our heart, we can say, “Yes, I’m a sinner, but I’m covered by Jesus’s righteousness”).

Second, it also implies practical righteousness – living in obedience to God. By making godly choices, we guard against wounds of sin and guilt. Unrighteous living leaves us open to attacks.

So we put on righteousness positionally (in Christ) and behaviorally (by His grace). It's like saying: live right, and your heart will be kept safe.

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (6:15).

Soldiers wore sturdy sandals, often with nails in the soles for grip, to stand firm and move quickly. Our footwear is the “preparation of the gospel of peace.”

This could mean being ready to share the gospel of peace (as Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”)​, or it could mean that the gospel itself gives us firm footing because we stand in God’s peace. Perhaps both.

The gospel of peace is the message that through Jesus, we have peace with God and with each other (as we saw in Ephesians). When you truly embrace the gospel, it gives you stability – you know where you stand with God. And it also makes you ready to go forward and announce the good news.

So, we stand firm and move forward by the power of the gospel. In battle, if you have slippery or flimsy shoes, you’ll stumble; but the sure grip of the gospel keeps us from falling when trials come. It reminds us of our peace in Christ even when the enemy tries to sow doubt or fear.

Shield of Faith: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (6:16).

The Roman shield was large, door-shaped, often wooden covered in leather. Enemies would shoot arrows dipped in pitch and set on fire. The shields could extinguish these fiery darts.

Our shield is faith – active trust in God and His promises. Satan will shoot “fiery darts” at us – e.g., flaming lies, blasphemous thoughts, temptations, discouraging thoughts, fear, etc. When we lift up faith, those darts fizzle out.

For example, the devil might whisper, “God doesn’t really love you,” but you hold up faith and declare, “I trust God’s Word that says I am loved and chosen (Eph 1:4-5).” Dart extinguished.

Or a temptation comes, “Just give in, it’ll be fun,” and you hold up faith: “God is better and His way leads to true joy; I trust Him.” Ssssss… the flame is doused.

Faith believes God in the face of lies and trials. It’s “above all” not meaning most important necessarily, but covering all – like an umbrella shield over us.

The key is, faith is only as good as its object, and our faith’s object is God Almighty and His Word. That’s unshakable. So keep trusting, keep believing – it’s your protective shield.

Helmet of Salvation: “And take the helmet of salvation” (6:17a).

The helmet protects the head – our mind. Salvation as a helmet means the hope and assurance of salvation guards our minds. When you know you are saved, and you have the hope of eternal life, it protects you from fatal blows of doubt or despair.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 speaks of the “hope of salvation as a helmet.” Satan loves to attack our thinking – making us doubt God, or doubt our salvation, or feel like giving up.

But when we remind ourselves, “I am saved by Christ; I belong to Him; my future is secure”, it’s like a helmet that the enemy’s blows clang harmlessly off of.

Also, a helmet gives confidence in battle – we can be bold because we know the ultimate outcome: we are on the victory side. We fight not for victory, but from the victory of Christ’s salvation.

Sword of the Spirit (Word of God): “and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (6:17b).

The only offensive weapon in the list – the sword. A Roman short sword (gladius) was a lethal weapon in trained hands, used both defensively and offensively in close combat.

Our sword is explicitly the Word of God, Scripture, and it’s wielded by the Holy Spirit.

This means the Bible is our weapon against lies and temptations. Think of Jesus when tempted by Satan in the wilderness – He quoted Scripture each time, cutting through the devil’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11).

We should do the same. The Word has inherent power; it’s “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).

But we must know it and know how to apply it. This suggests the need to memorize and meditate on Scripture, so that in the moment of battle, the Spirit can bring the right verses to mind and “swing” the sword.

For example, if you’re struggling with fear, recall “God hath not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Tim 1:7). If tempted to lust, remember “Flee youthful lusts” (2 Tim 2:22) or “I made a covenant with my eyes” (Job 31:1). If accused by guilt, wield “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

This is how we go on the offensive against Satan’s lies – with truth from God’s Word. Not with our opinions or willpower, but with “It is written.”

Also, note it’s the Spirit’s sword – the Holy Spirit empowers the Word and makes it effective. So when we read or quote Scripture, we’re not alone; God’s Spirit goes to battle with and through that Word.

Some include a seventh piece (though not a piece of armor per se) – Prayer: Right after the armor list, Paul says “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (6:18).

This is not tied to a piece of armor, but it’s clearly part of the warfare. Prayer is how we stay alert and draw on God’s strength continually.

In fact, prayer is like the atmosphere in which we put on the armor and stand. We pray “in the Spirit,” meaning guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, aligning with God’s will.

We are to pray at all times (constantly dependent), with all kinds of prayers (worship, requests, intercession, etc.), with alertness and perseverance (because the battle can be intense and prolonged), and for all the saints (we’re not just fighting for ourselves but for each other in the body).

Notice that last part – we are in this war together. Roman soldiers often stood shield-to-shield; one soldier’s shield could cover the neighbor’s side. Likewise, our prayers for one another provide covering and strength to our fellow believers.

When you pray for your friend’s faith or your missionary or your pastor, you are helping them in battle, perhaps shielding them from a “fiery dart” they’re facing. So, let’s not neglect prayer – it is arguably the deciding factor in spiritual warfare. We fight on our knees.

Now, the idea of spiritual warfare might sound scary, but Ephesians assures us of victory. Christ is far above all these powers (Eph 1:20-22) and we sit with Him (2:6).

Also, we aren’t told to defeat the devil – Jesus already did that on the cross – we are told to stand in the victory. Four times in this passage Paul says “stand” or “withstand” (6:11,13,14).

So the posture of the Christian soldier is standing firm, not yielding ground. If we put on Christ’s armor, we can resist every attack. James 4:7 echoes, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Think of the armor pieces again – they basically all describe Jesus and the gospel: He is the Truth, our Righteousness, our Peace, the object of our Faith, the source of our Salvation, the living Word of God. So, to put on the armor is really to put on Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14) and live out the gospel every day. The more we cling to Jesus and His Word, the more protected we are.

It’s also comforting to know God doesn’t leave us defenseless. Life can often feel like a battle, can’t it? We have temptations from within and pressures from outside.

But God says, “Here, take My armor. I’ll fight with you and for you.” Isaiah 59 portrayed God as a warrior putting on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation to come deliver His people​.

Now He gifts that armor to us. We fight in His strength. One writer pointed out: whose armor is it? It’s God’s. So none of it will fail. We just need to take it up. The worst thing a soldier could do is go to battle without his armor on.

Likewise, as Christians, we should daily “suit up.” A practical way is through prayer each morning: “Lord, today I buckle on the belt of Your truth; remind me of Your Word.

I put on the breastplate of righteousness – thank You I’m righteous in Christ, help me to live in obedience. I fit my feet with the gospel of peace – prepare me to share Your good news and stand firm in Your peace.

I take the shield of faith – I trust You to extinguish whatever the enemy throws at me today. I put on the helmet of salvation – guard my mind with the hope of my salvation.

And I take up the sword of the Spirit – bring to mind Your Word as I need it. Strengthen me to stand, and I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ as well. Amen.” This isn’t a ritual but a mindful way to start armed.

Lastly, Paul, even as a mighty apostle, asks for prayer (6:19-20) that he’d have boldness to proclaim the gospel while in chains. It shows that we all need God’s help, and it encourages us to pray for our spiritual leaders and missionaries to speak boldly as well.

Paul closes with a warm greeting and blessing of peace, love, faith and grace (6:21-24). Despite being a “theological” letter, it ends on a very personal, pastoral note – showing again Paul’s heart of love for the saints.

Real-Life Application:

Every day, whether we realize it or not, we face spiritual battles. Temptations at work, conflicts at home, discouraging thoughts, cultural pressures on our faith – these have spiritual components. Ephesians 6 urges us not to be passive or naive about this.

We can’t cruise on autopilot; we need to be battle-ready.

But the good news: God has given us everything we need to stand firm. Consider which piece of armor you might be “leaving on the shelf.”

Maybe you neglect the Word (your sword is getting rusty), or you entertain small dishonesty (your belt is loose), or you doubt your salvation (helmet askew).

Perhaps you’ve not been walking in righteousness (leaving your chest exposed), or you isolate yourself and don’t ask for prayer (shield wall broken). Let this passage encourage you to re-equip.

Nothing is too small – even a single unchecked habit could be an in-road for enemy influence. Conversely, even a simple prayer or verse quote can send the devil running.

Also, take heart: if you’ve felt under attack, you’re not alone. All Christians have those seasons. Use the resources here. And remember to stand together. We are stronger with fellow soldiers by our side.

Don’t fight your battles in isolation – reach out for prayer, confess struggles to a trusted friend, encourage others too. The image of an army implies camaraderie.

The church can be thought of as an army on the march (in addition to being a family and a body and a temple, etc.). We need each other to survive and thrive in warfare.

Above all, keep your eyes on Jesus, our Captain. He already won the war and promises to never leave us on the battlefield alone. As the old hymn says, “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before!” The cross has paved the way to victory; now we carry it forward.

Conclusion: Living Out the Gospel Story Every Day

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a rich tapestry of theology and practicality, belief and behavior, doctrine and devotion. We’ve seen how he takes us from the heights of heaven (our position and blessings in Christ) to the nitty-gritty of earth (our relationships and struggles), showing that the two are deeply connected.

Our heavenly calling empowers our earthly walk. What God has done for us in Christ (chapters 1-3) becomes the motivation and pattern for what God does through us as we live for Christ (chapters 4-6).

To recap some major themes:

• Identity in Christ: You are chosen, loved, redeemed, and made alive in Jesus. You have a secure identity as God’s child and part of His family. Let this drive out any inferiority or insecurity. Embrace who God says you are, not what the world or your past says.
• Grace: It’s by grace you have been saved – an unearned gift of God’s love and mercy. Stand in that grace. It’s the source of your salvation and also your strength to live differently. Be gracious to others as God was to you.
• Unity: God’s eternal plan was to create one new humanity under Christ, uniting people from all backgrounds. Guard the unity of the Spirit. Celebrate the diversity of gifts and people in the church, but strive to be of one heart and one mind in the gospel. Forgive one another, bear with one another. We’re in this together, and our unity is a witness to the world (see John 13:35, John 17:21).
• Mystery Revealed: We are privileged to live in a time when God’s mystery – the inclusion of the Gentiles and the wonder of the church – is revealed. We’re part of something cosmic and grand. Our ordinary church gatherings are actually displaying God’s wisdom to the heavenlies! So take church seriously (not legalistically, but valuing it highly). Also, remain in awe that we know God’s plan – many in past ages longed to see what we see. That should fuel our passion for God’s Word and for sharing the gospel with those who haven’t heard.
• Love: Love flows through Ephesians like a golden thread – God’s love for us (1:4-5, 2:4, 3:17-19), Christ’s love displayed on the cross (5:2, 5:25), and the love we should have for each other (4:2, 4:32, 5:2). Love is the fulfillment of our calling. Let everything you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). That includes speaking truth (Eph 4:15 says “truth in love”), serving, correcting, etc. Ask God to deepen your comprehension of Christ’s love and to channel that love through you.
• Holiness: We’re called to live differently from the world – to put off the old self and put on the new. This means our morality, our speech, our work ethic, our family life should all reflect Christ’s character. Not in a pretentious or self-righteous way, but as a genuine overflow of being made new. Holiness isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about embodying the goodness of God in everyday life. It truly is “Christlikeness.” And when we fail, we repent and rely on His grace to move forward. Remember, you are light in the Lord – shine, don’t hide it.
• Spiritual Warfare: Don’t forget there’s an enemy who hates all the above truths and will attack them. But fear not – God has given you His own armor. Use it daily. Stand firm in prayer, Word, faith, and righteousness. Know that victory is secure in Christ. When battles come (and they will), see them with spiritual eyes and respond with spiritual weapons.

Ephesians also highlighted some symbols and metaphors: we are the Body of Christ (each member important, Christ as the Head guiding us), the Temple of God (the Spirit indwells us collectively), the Bride of Christ (loved and to be presented spotless to Him), and an Army of God (armed and standing against evil).

Each image gives us insight and encouragement. For instance, as Christ’s body, we have His resurrection life flowing in us; as His bride, we are cherished and can look forward to a glorious wedding feast (see Revelation 19:7); as His temple, we are holy and carry His presence to the world; as His army, we have honorable service and the assurance of His leadership.

Ultimately, Ephesians calls us to live out the Gospel story in our own life story. The death and resurrection of Christ isn’t just past history; we died to sin with Him and are raised to new life with Him (a reality Paul described in chapter 2).

The unity He forged through the cross should be evident in how we reconcile and relate. The victory He won over Satan should give us confidence as we resist the devil today. The way Christ loved us is how we should love others. Our lives are meant to echo Jesus’s life.

In a personal, practical sense, that might look like this: Because Jesus has forgiven me, I choose to forgive my friend who hurt me. Because Jesus broke down walls, I will step across a cultural comfort zone to befriend that person who’s different from me, or mend a broken relationship.

Because Jesus served us humbly, I won’t seek status but will serve in my church or community quietly. Because Jesus is truth, I will stand for truth even when lies are popular.

Because Jesus is pure, I’ll turn my eyes from that temptation and pursue purity. Because Jesus faced spiritual battles (and triumphed), I won’t be surprised when I face them, and I’ll rely on His name. And because Jesus never ceases to love me, I will keep loving others, even difficult people.

Ephesians can be summed up by two key phrases Paul uses: “in Christ” and “walk”. We are in Christ – that’s the source of everything. And we must walk (live) it out – that’s our response. Sit in the truth of being in Christ, then walk it out in daily life.

Someone once outlined Ephesians as “Sit, Walk, Stand” (sit with Christ in heavenly places, walk worthy on earth, stand against the devil)​. It’s a simple but effective summary.

As we conclude, I encourage you to read Ephesians for yourself (in the KJV or any translation you prefer) and let the Holy Spirit highlight verses for you. Maybe even journal through each chapter or discuss it with friends. It’s a short book but one you can return to again and again and still find new depths.

Martin Lloyd-Jones, a famous preacher, once wrote an entire multi-volume commentary on Ephesians, preaching through it over years – that’s how rich it is! But you don’t need to be a scholar to benefit; even a new believer can grasp its core message of salvation and unity.

Let the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3 be our prayer for each other: that we would be strengthened by God’s Spirit, know the limitless love of Christ deeply, and be filled with all the fullness of God. Amen!

And let’s receive Paul’s closing blessing (paraphrased): Peace be to you, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity (Eph 6:23-24).

Go forward encouraged – you are chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and empowered by the Spirit. The riches of Christ are yours to explore, now and forever. Live boldly and joyfully as a loved child of God, part of His radiant church, and shine His light in your world. The Lord Jesus is worthy, so let’s walk worthy of Him!

In Christ, we have immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine – now, therefore… live it out.

God bless you as you continue to study and apply Ephesians.

Citations

1. BibleProject, “The Book of Ephesians” – Overview of Ephesians’ themes and structure​bibleproject.com​bibleproject.com.
2. NIV Study Bible (via BibleStudyTools.com), “Summary of the Book of Ephesians” – Theological message and outline of Ephesians, highlighting grace, the “mystery” of the church, unity, and spiritual warfare​biblestudytools.com​biblestudytools.com.
3. BibleRef, “What does Ephesians 3:9 mean?” – Explanation of the “mystery” that Gentiles are included equally in salvation through Christ​bibleref.com.
4. GotQuestions.org, “What is the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10)?” – Definition of “manifold” (multi-faceted) wisdom as God’s diverse and beautiful plan revealed through the church​gotquestions.org​gotquestions.org.
5. GotQuestions.org, “What is the definition of grace?” – Defines grace as God’s favor toward the unworthy and His benevolence on the undeserving​gotquestions.org.
6. GotQuestions.org, “What is our inheritance in Christ?” – Describes the believer’s inheritance as the sum of all God’s promises, essentially heaven and eternal life​gotquestions.org.
7. TemporaryVisitors Blog, “Isaiah and the Armor of God” – Connects Ephesians 6 armor imagery to Old Testament passages (Isaiah 59:17, Isaiah 52:7) where God dons armor, showing that Christians wear God’s own armor in spiritual battle​temporaryvisitors.wordpress.com​temporaryvisitors.wordpress.com.
8. BibleProject, “Ephesians 4-6 (Living in Unity as the New Humanity)” – Commentary on living out unity, the metaphor of the church as a body/temple, and the armor of God referencing Isaiah’s descriptions of the Messiah​bibleproject.com​bibleproject.com.
9. David Worcester, “10 Identity Shaping Truths in Ephesians 1” – Blog post summarizing key identity statements from Ephesians 1 (blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, etc.)​davidworcester.net​davidworcester.net.
10. John Stott (referenced conceptually via Lloyd-Jones), ‘Sit, Walk, Stand’ principle – An outline of the believer’s position and behavior in Ephesians: seated with Christ (chapters 1-3), walking worthy (4-5), standing firm (6)​bibleproject.com​bibleproject.com. (Concept echoed by Watchman Nee’s book Sit, Walk, Stand on Ephesians.)