So far in this letter to the Ephesian church the apostle Paul focused on doctrine. As we move into the second half of this new testament book the apostle now addresses our responsibilities as believers.
In chapters 1-3 prayed for the Gentiles in Ephesus and revealed to them the mystery that is the gift of God’s grace equal to that of the Jews upon all those who call on and believe in the Lord, and repent of their sins.
In the first half the the fourth chapter, Paul continues his epistle to the Ephesians by inviting his audience to walk in unity with one another.
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” (Ephesians 4:1)
Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesian church while in house arrest in Rome around 60 A.D. Paul mentions he is a prisoner for the Lord, a righteous justification of the chains he finds himself in while in Rome as a result of his faith in Jesus Christ.
In this verse Paul calls on his readers to “walk” according to God’s plan for our lives. Using the Greek “peripateō” Paul compares our calling to an ongoing series of actions rather than a race.
The apostle then invites us to be modest and meek as we patiently put up with one another with and through the love of Jesus Christ, from the Greek “agapē”.
“2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
Paul then calls on us to keep the unity that began with Jesus Christ. The unity, already in place in all Christians through the Holy spirit that dwell within us is ours to maintain, in peace and harmony in spite of differences.
“3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
Calling all believers to unity through one body, the body of Christ, that is the church, and through the Spirit which dwells within all believers, Paul clearly lays out the basis of the Christian faith.
“4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:4-5)
“6 One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:6)
One omnipresent, transcendent God, almighty creator of all things, together with Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the trinity, the Godhead.
Paul reminds us by grace we are born again through faith in God and His son Jesus Christ as part of God’s perfect, predestined plan.
“7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (Ephesians 4:7)
“8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)” (Ephesians 4:8-10)
Quoting Psalms 68:18 Paul describes the ascending Messiah who defeated Satan and his fallen angels. The apostle also writes about the descent of Jesus into hades where He dwelled with the saints until He rose again on the third day.
“11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Paul puts our responsibilities in perspective describing our “works of service” as the fruit that derives from the teaching of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Our duty as followers of Jesus Christ is to serve God and build up the church through Christ like love and peace that stems from the Holy Spirit that flows from within each of us. We are to do this until our cup is full and we come face to face with our divine king in heaven.
“14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Ephesians 4:14)
Paul tells us once we have reached perfection and become mature in Christ we will no longer be at the mercy of the world and all the deception and temptation in it. This serves as a warning about false teaching and blasphemy.
In the presence of Christ once Paul’s prophecy is fulfilled we will finally find ourselves in heaven, one with the head of the church which is Christ Jesus.
“15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
It is no surprise the church is held together by the bond between each of its members, what may have been news to the Ephesian church is the fact each believer plays a critical role in the growth of the church.
“16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16)
Paul calls on us to live our lives in unity with other Christians in love with humility and gentleness, to walk worthy of our calling. Does this sound like you? If the show fits by all means be blessed to wear it! If the above description is not in tune with your live maybe it’s time you do something about it… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through trials,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Fill our hearts Lord with humility, gentleness and your love,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
