Ephesians 4:1-12
"I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves . . ." This word of Paul to the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:27-28) corresponds to the two divisions in the epistle to the Ephesians. From ch. 1 to ch. 3 the apostle has just given an exposition of the marvellous counsel of God. "I beseech you therefore . . ." he goes on, showing in ch. 4-6 the behaviour which is appropriate to such a high calling (1 Thessalonians 2:12). This calling should be characterised, in the first place, by the very opposite of a spirit of superiority: lowliness with meekness, and longsuffering in love, in the bond of peace. In accordance with the hope of one calling, one Spirit alone unites the members of one body (but men have founded numerous churches, each one counting its own members). Under the authority of one Lord, one Christian faith is taught, and one baptism bestows the name and the responsibility of Christian (but men will speak to you of the baptism of their religion!) Finally, one God and Father, from whom everyone and everything proceeds, has His divine claims upon us.
The Lord, as the glorified Man, has ascended above all heavens, after having descended into death. He now distributes to His own the various gifts of His grace. Have we submitted ourselves to Him?