4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called
Beginning in chapter 4, Paul redirects his attention from primarily doctrinal to primarily practical. This is our state currently as Christians and how to practically live out our faith.
He begins by referring to himself as a captive/prisoner of the Lord. He is sealed by the Spirit as a consequence (positive consequence) to his belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14).
His position is in the Body of Christ and his state was as a prisoner.
Paul uses other strong language when referring to his present state that carries similar connotations. An example of this is in Romans 1 when Paul refers to himself as a “servant of Jesus Christ”.
The word Paul utilizes here (doulos) can be accurately described as a “slave” or “bondman” as well. Regardless, Paul clearly indicates that he has a master and that master is Jesus Christ.
It is also worth noting once more, a difference between law and grace. The law is filled with hundreds of commandments while Paul’s teaching of grace beseeches (pleas) and states what we “ought to” do (ex. Romans 15:1, 1 Corinthians 9:10).
Paul uses the word “beseech” 23 times within his epistles
All fear is gone when abiding in Christ. Even in our failures, Christ’s imputed righteousness covers us.
This is not a reason to go on living in sin (Romans 6:1-2), though it is a reason to rejoice. We have been free from a law that no man (Except Christ) could ever keep.
Walking worthy of the vocation means to walk worthy of the calling that Christ has placed on our life.
The nature of this high (Philippians 3:14) and holy (2 Timothy 1:9) calling is a matter first dealt with by Paul in Ephesians 4.
4:2-3 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
These two verses describe how the Body of Christ is to operate and treat each other. We are to fellowship with the Body first of all in the Spirit and in truth.
Practically, this presents itself in a humble and patient love. Unity of the Spirit (fellowship) is kept strong in peace. Saying this, this should be a priority within the Body of Christ.
4:4-6 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, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Following unity, Paul presents a list of things that are unified within our faith. These three verses in themselves can have a comprehensive commentary describing the topics listed.
However, we shall simply overview these topics.
The Body is not referring to our individual bodies, but the Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:23, Romans 12:5).
The Spirit is referring to the Holy Spirit, that indwells in the heart of each believer and seals them within the Body of Christ.
The hope of our calling is the single solitary hope that we share within the Body of Christ.
The hope of glory, Christ in us (Colossians 1:27), is the only hope that can secure us (The Body of Christ) as fellow heirs (Ephesians 3:6) with Christ.
Looking ahead, the one baptism referred to a spiritual baptism into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This is a component of the mystery that Paul refers to continuously and is something that God kept hidden (Romans 16:25).
This one baptism is the component that unites all Christian into a fellowship.
It is a glorious hope and a high, holy calling.
We have one Lord, composed of the Holy Trinity, and by the Gospel of Jesus Christ our faith is solely in our Lord as salvation.
Here Paul is not referring to a generic faith; rather he is referring to The Faith (Philippians 1:27) by The Gospel.
Lastly, God has authority above all, that is manifested in all of us by the Spirit, and carried out through Christians who carry the Word with them.
Our source of Godly power is derived from His sacred Word.
4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Note the word, “But”. There is a difference from the prior few verses. There is not one grace.
This is not a shared grace, as each of us is given a measure of grace as a gift from Christ (Ex. Ephesians 3:7).
Grace is how God operates in our time and although omnipresent, deals with each of us on an individual level when we come into right relationship with Him. This is done by His grace.
Whenever God gives humanity gifts, we are called to do something with it. Whether that is to edify, preach, teach, or serve, we have power to carry out the task (Romans 12:3-5).