This blog is based on a message by Pastor Todd Cosenza.
God calls every follower to more than religion or routine. Ephesians pushes us to live a life worthy of the calling we’ve received (Ephesians 4:1). When we do—our inner life, our communal life, and the supernatural gifts God gives—real spiritual power shows up in a place.
The Calling: Everyone Is Called
Paul’s opening challenge is simple and direct: “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). This is not aimed at a select few. It’s for every believer. In practical terms that calling includes three things we all share:
- Intimacy with the Father—a deep, ongoing relationship with God.
- Participation in a local church—a place to serve, receive ministry, and grow together.
- Being gifted by the Holy Spirit—unique grace gifts given so we can bless others and advance God’s kingdom.
Start Inside: The Inner Culture (Ephesians 4:2)
Before the supernatural can flow freely, the Spirit needs room to move in our hearts. Paul lays out the inner culture that makes that possible: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Think of culture as a way of life that spreads. If you live in a default culture of complaint or self-pity, that pattern grows. If you choose humility, patience, gentleness, and love, those qualities deepen and open the way for the Holy Spirit to work. That inner transformation matters as much as any ministry strategy.
Get Together: The Outer Culture of Unity (Ephesians 4:3–4)
Individual transformation must ripple outward. Paul commands, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Then he reminds the church that there is “one body and one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4).
What’s inside will show up outside. If people cultivate humility and love individually, the corporate culture becomes marked by unity and peace. If bitterness and division dominate privately, the church will mirror that. The Spirit’s power prefers a unified, peace-filled environment.
The Full Gospel: Freedom Plus Empowerment (Ephesians 4:7–10)
The gospel is more than forgiveness. Yes, Jesus freed us from sin, but He also empowers us. Paul reminds us that “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7) and that when Christ ascended he “gave gifts to his people” (Ephesians 4:8).
This is the full gospel: rescue from captivity and a release into mission. Jesus redeems, then equips. That means spiritual gifts are not optional add-ons but an integral part of what God gives his people so they can represent heaven on earth.
The Five-Fold: Roles That Equip the Church (Ephesians 4:11–13)
Paul lists five ministry offices that equip the body: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Each plays a role in shaping the church into maturity:
- Apostles — often the visionaries and initiators, they are the eyes of heaven. They see opportunities, pioneer new works, and start communities.
- Prophets — the ears of heaven; they hear and bring revelation, encouragement, correction, and warning.
- Evangelists — the feet of heaven; gifted at taking the message beyond familiar circles and calling people to Christ.
- Pastors — the heart of heaven; shepherds who care, protect, and carry God’s love to the flock.
- Teachers — the mind of heaven; they clarify biblical truth so people can live it out.
The purpose of these gifts is not to raise an elite class. They exist to equip every believer “for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” until we attain “the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12–13).
From Inner Culture to Supernatural Culture
There are three cultures to pursue:
- Inner culture (Ephesians 4:2) — humble, gentle, patient, loving hearts.
- Outer culture (Ephesians 4:3-4) — unified, peaceful community life.
- Supernatural culture (Ephesians 4:11-13) — the visible presence and gifting of Jesus among people so that other people are among us, they encounter Him.
When those three align, the church stops being merely a meeting and becomes a place where Jesus is tangibly present—healing, freeing, teaching, and empowering through his people.
Practical Steps to Walk in Spiritual Power
- Guard your inner life. Practice humility, gentleness, patience, and love daily.
- Pursue unity. Make every effort to sustain peace within your local church family.
- Be hungry for spiritual gifts. Expect God to give grace gifts and allow leaders to equip you for service (Ephesians 4:7, 11–12).
- Serve where you live. Share Jesus in your circle—then be willing to step beyond that circle like an evangelist would.
Closing Encouragement
There is no disqualification—no one is outside the reach of God’s mercy and gifting. We all fall short, and we all receive grace. As we posture our hearts, pursue unity, and serve one another, the Spirit will move. The goal is not novelty but Jesus: his love, his presence, his power. When that happens, people don’t just attend a service; they encounter the Lord.
Application Questions
- Which part of your inner culture needs attention right now—humility, gentleness, patience, or love? What practical step will you take this week to grow there?
- Where can you pursue unity in your local church community? Is there a relationship to restore or a step of forgiveness to take?
- Have you asked God about the gifts he wants to give you? How can you begin to serve and be equipped for works of service?
- Who in your circle needs to meet Jesus this year, and what small, faithful step can you take to share the gospel with them?
May we be a people whose inner lives are prepared, whose community is united, and whose doors open to the supernatural movement of the Holy Spirit—so that others meet Jesus and the whole measure of his fullness is seen among us.
