Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastor Leonard Rola begins the study of Ephesians chapter 4 by focusing on verses 1–6. He explains Paul’s exhortation for believers to walk in a way worthy of their divine calling by recognizing their position in Christ. The message highlights how unity, love, humility, and awareness of our seated position in the heavenly realm shape our walk. Pastor Rola also discusses the importance of gathering as a body and guarding the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit. The core message centers on identity, oneness, and living from the reality of our heavenly calling.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 4:1- “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”
Ephesians 4:2- “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:3- “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:4- “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.”
Ephesians 4:5- “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
Ephesians 4:6- “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
Ephesians 2:5-6- “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:26-27- “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
2 Corinthians 1:20-22- “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
Acts 17:28- “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”
Galatians 2:20- “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Ephesians 2:10- “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Grateful Greeting
- Walking Worthy From Your Seated Position
- Paul’s Imprisonment and His Appeal
- Verse-by-Verse Breakdown: Ephesians 4:1–6
- The Power of Gathering and Unity
- One Body, One Spirit, One Faith
- Baptized Into Christ: Immersion and Identity
- Clothed With Christ and Living From Within
- Closing Reflection: He Lives in Us All
Introduction: A Grateful Greeting
Pastor Leonard opens the message by welcoming both in-person and online attendees. He expresses deep gratitude for those who support the ministry through encouraging words and financial offerings. He reminds everyone that the goal is not personal recognition but advancing the kingdom of God. The focus is on Jesus and His finished work.
Walking Worthy From Your Seated Position
The message begins by reading from Ephesians 4:1-“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”
Pastor Leonard notes that Paul, though imprisoned, urges believers to walk holy—worthy of their high rank and divine calling. This calling is not earned but inherited through Christ. He reminds listeners that believers are seated with Christ, referring to Ephesians 2:5-6-“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s Imprisonment and His Appeal
Pastor Leonard explains that Paul wrote this epistle while under house arrest in Rome—a time of relative freedom compared to harsher imprisonments. Paul preached the gospel freely and wrote several key letters, including Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Eventually, Paul was executed by beheading during Nero’s persecution, as he was a Roman citizen.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown: Ephesians 4:1–6
Ephesians 4:2-“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” Paul exhorts believers to live from their heavenly position and show love and patience, especially toward those who try their patience.
Ephesians 4:3-“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Pastor Leonard emphasizes the word “guard” from the original Greek “tero,” meaning to protect as a fortress. Unity among believers is essential, and gathering together fosters spiritual strength.
Ephesians 4:4-“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.”
Paul stresses that we are one body, and separation weakens the church. Pastor Leonard urges listeners to avoid isolating themselves when struggling.
Ephesians 4:5-“One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”
The one faith is faith in Jesus Christ for righteousness, not in law or works. The baptism Paul refers to is immersion into Christ. He cites Galatians 3:26-27
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Ephesians 4:6-“One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
This echoes Acts 17:28-“For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”
And Galatians 2:20-“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”
And also Ephesians 2:10-“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The Power of Gathering and Unity
Pastor Leonard shares personal experiences about early morning prayer time and the irreplaceable joy of personal communion with God. However, he stresses that nothing replaces the power of corporate worship and gathering with other believers. Fellowship guards the harmony of the Spirit and strengthens believers.
One Body, One Spirit, One Faith
Unity is not optional. Each believer plays a vital part in the body. Just as no one wants to live without a limb or an eye, we should not want to be without the fellowship of other believers.
Baptized Into Christ: Immersion and Identity
Baptism means immersion—being fully submerged and made clean in Christ. Pastor Leonard explains this further using 2 Corinthians 1:20-22- “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Clothed With Christ and Living From Within
We are clothed in Christ as if wearing a comforting garment. When we know we are wearing Christ, others see Christ in us. This concept is reflected in “putting on Christ” and is key to understanding how to walk holy.
Closing Reflection: He Lives in Us All
Pastor Leonard concludes with Ephesians 4:6-“One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
He reminds us that God lives in each believer. Because Christ lives in us, we are empowered to walk holy, not by striving, but by walking from the reality of our heavenly position.
We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with someone who needs encouragement in their walk with Christ. Stay tuned for the continuation of our Ephesians study next week. Thank you again for supporting the ministry of Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola at New Life Church.