Galatians 4
Ephesians 4 is a section in which Paul emphasizes unity and maturity in the church for the Ephesian church and its believers, and urges them regarding a new way of living. While chapters 1–3 mainly discuss God’s grace and the mystery of salvation, starting from chapter 4 it explains, in practical terms, what form that life worthy of the salvation should take. Broadly, it can be divided into four sections: the church’s oneness (verses 1–6), the diversity of gifts and their purpose (verses 7–16), living as the new self (verses 17–24), specific practices of the new self (verses 25–32)—and you can consider it in those four parts.
1verseBut I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all,
2versebut is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father.
3verseSo we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world.
4verseBut when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law,
5versethat he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as children.
6verseAnd because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!”
7verseSo you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8verseHowever at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.
9verseBut now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?
10verseYou observe days, months, seasons, and years.
11verseI am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.
12verseI beg you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong,
13versebut you know that because of weakness in the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time.
14verseThat which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn’t despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15verseWhat was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
16verseSo then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17verseThey zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them.
18verseBut it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.
19verseMy little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you—
20versebut I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
21verseTell me, you that desire to be under the law, don’t you listen to the law?
22verseFor it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant, and one by the free woman.
23verseHowever, the son by the servant was born according to the flesh, but the son by the free woman was born through promise.
24verseThese things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar.
25verseFor this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for she is in bondage with her children.
26verseBut the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27verseFor it is written, “Rejoice, you barren who don’t bear. Break out and shout, you who don’t travail. For the desolate women have more children than her who has a husband.”
28verseNow we, brothers, as Isaac was, are children of promise.
29verseBut as then, he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.
30verseHowever, what does the Scripture say? “Throw out the servant and her son, for the son of the servant will not inherit with the son of the free woman.”
31verseSo then, brothers, we are not children of a servant, but of the free woman.
The Church’s Oneness and Maturity
Paul emphasizes the posture of Christians, such as humility, gentleness, and patience, and especially urges them to diligently keep “the unity the Spirit has brought about” within the faith community (verses 1–6). Then he says that although the gifts Christ gives to each person are different, that diversity is ultimately used to be of service for the growth and benefit of the whole church (verses 7–16). Through these different roles and missions, he shows that the church can grow into a complete form, and that when each member performs their part, they can reach true maturity.
Put Off the Old Self and Put On the New Self
Beginning with verse 17, he urges that we must live by turning away from the way we used to live (the old self) and instead live in a changed way (the new self). He stresses that life must actually change because of faith, and that new standards must be set not only for thoughts and deeds but also for words and relationships (verses 17–24). More than a simple improvement in ethics, he repeatedly highlights and emphasizes the identity of the “new self” that is fitting for the gospel.
Practical Practices of the New Self
In the final section (verses 25–32), we find concrete and practical instructions, such as getting rid of falsehood and speaking the truth, not even letting anger go so far that it becomes sin, doing good instead of stealing, and speaking words that build up virtue instead of filthy talk. It also urges believers to be kind and compassionate toward one another and to forgive each other. These actions become the real, everyday way believers build one another up within the faith community.
Meditation Points
- In the community to which I belong, am I making practical efforts for oneness?
- What gifts has God given me, and how am I using them for the church and for my neighbors?
- You can reflect on whether you are living a life consistent with the identity of the new self, moving away from old habits and thoughts.
Try Applying It to Me
- Let’s decide on one small action we will put into practice today—how we will treat our neighbors with humility and gentleness, for unity and peace.
- Let’s check whether my words and actions are beneficial to the community, and I will practice words that build others up.
- Even in my everyday life, let’s choose continually the way of the “new self,” and reflect today as well on whether my life is evidence of the gospel.
As part of Coupang Partners activities, this post may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
