Walking in Unity: Living Out the Gift of Grace
January 26, 2025
The Call to Walk in Christ
What an incredible time of worship and fellowship we’ve had, and I’m so thankful for what God is doing in our lives. As we continue in our journey through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we find ourselves at a critical transition. The first three chapters of Ephesians focus on doctrine, understanding, and learning—building a solid foundation in faith. But beginning in chapter 4, Paul shifts his language from doctrine to duty, from learning to living.
This is where the rubber meets the road. It’s one thing to know God’s Word; it’s another thing to live it out.
Paul’s challenge in Ephesians 4:1 is clear:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”
That word walk is powerful. It appears repeatedly in the second half of Ephesians as Paul moves from belief to behavior. What we believe must shape how we behave.
Faith That Walks, Not Just Talks
Many Christians today have plenty of head knowledge but struggle with putting it into action. It’s not enough to say we believe in Christ; our lives must reflect that belief. James 2:19 reminds us that even demons believe—but they don’t follow Jesus. True faith isn’t just knowing Christ—it’s walking in a way that reflects Him.
This means submitting our lives to Christ—not just acknowledging Him, but actually surrendering to His lordship. It’s one thing to say we love Jesus, but do we live like it?
Paul emphasizes that unity is not just a good idea—it’s God’s design for the church. A church anchored in the gospel will stand strong, but if we allow division, our unity will crumble.
Reaching a Changing World
We’re living in a time where younger generations—Gen Z and Gen Alpha—are leaving the church in droves because they don’t see its relevance in their lives. They don’t want a manufactured faith; they want something real. And if we want to reach them, we have to be willing to meet them where they are without compromising the truth of the gospel.
That doesn’t mean changing the message—but it does mean changing our methods. Jesus met people in their context, whether they were fishermen, tax collectors, or outcasts. He used parables and illustrations that resonated with them. If we want to reach the next generation, we must show them the authentic Jesus—not just religious traditions.
We cannot be so locked into “the way we’ve always done things” that we lose sight of our mission: to bring people to Christ. Some churches are closing their doors because they refuse to adapt without compromising the truth. Let’s not be one of them.
The Gift of Grace—Given to Each One of Us
Paul makes something abundantly clear in Ephesians 4:7:
“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”
Did you catch that? Each one of us.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are a gifted child of God.
Say it out loud: “I am a gifted child of God.”
You don’t need to feel special. You are special. You have been given a gift from God. If we don’t believe that, then we are calling God a liar—and we know that’s not true!
Why Your Gift Matters
Too many Christians walk through life thinking, “I don’t have anything to offer.” But that is not what God says.
Paul tells us that grace was given to each one. That means you have a unique purpose in the body of Christ. Your gift isn’t just for your benefit—it’s meant to build up others.
Let’s be real—church isn’t just about showing up on Sundays. Christianity is not a spectator sport. It’s an action sport.
God didn’t save us to sit, soak, and sour—He saved us to serve.
We are called to be active participants in God’s kingdom, not just attendees.
Unwrapping the Gift
Imagine being given a beautifully wrapped gift, but instead of opening it, you leave it on a shelf. You admire it, acknowledge that it’s there, but you never actually open it.
That’s what many of us do with the spiritual gifts God has given us.
We know we have purpose—but we let doubt, fear, or complacency keep us from actually walking in it.
Some of us look at our gifts and think:
- What if I don’t like my gift?
- What if I’m not good at it?
- What if I fail?
But here’s the truth: God doesn’t give bad gifts.
If He gave it to you, He will equip you to use it.
The Power of Unity in the Church
When we all walk in our God-given gifts, the church flourishes.
Paul describes the beauty of unity in Ephesians 4:16:
“From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
The church is strongest when each person plays their role.
- Some are called to preach.
- Some are called to teach.
- Some are called to encourage.
- Some are called to serve behind the scenes.
Every role is essential.
When we refuse to walk in our gifts, we rob the church of what God has uniquely placed in us to contribute.
A Challenge for You Today
- If you haven’t accepted the greatest gift—salvation through Jesus—today is the day. Surrender your life to Him, confess your sins, and walk in His grace.
- If you’re a believer but you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, it’s time to step up. Ask God: “What is my gift? How can I use it for Your glory?”
- If you already know your gift—are you using it? Are you walking in it daily to strengthen the body of Christ?
Final Thought: We All Win When We Walk As One
Paul’s message is clear:
➡️ We were saved to serve.
➡️ We were gifted to build up others.
➡️ When we walk in unity, we walk in victory.
Let’s not just talk the talk—let’s walk the walk.
And as we walk in unity, we will see God do amazing things in our lives, in our church, and in our world.
So here’s the question: Are you ready to open the gift?