We now come to the second half of the Ephesian letter. Chapters l – 3 are doctrinal, and they emphasize our standing “in Christ”; chapters 4 – 6 are practical, and they emphasize our state down here in the world. What we are “in Christ” must be related to what we are in the world. Chapter 4 describes both the unity of believers and the new hope which Christians have in Jesus. The first part of the chapter begins with Paul’s mention of his imprisonment and his focus on Christian unity (4:1–16). The second part develops the concept of the new life believers have in Jesus (4:17–32).
Ephesians 4:1: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called”
- Grammatical Usage: “to walk” in the Greek is “peripateó” meaning, “conduct”; “worthy” meaning, “suitable; fitting; reflection”; “calling” or “klésis” meaning, “divine embrace”.
- Literal Interpretation: As God’s prisoner, then, I beg you to live lives suitable, reflecting of your divine embrace.
- Contextual/Comparison: God keeps His Word, God continually uses His Word. Notice in 1 how the apostle commences this second half of the letter: the first mark of a saved person is that each person’s life is different. It used to be like Ephesians 2:2-3 and 4:17-19, but now – what a change has taken place!
- The CONSTRAINT of a Worthy Life.
What is it that constrains us to live a worthy life? We are constrained by a tender, loving appeal per v. 1. Paul had led these Ephesians to Christ, and now from the prison in which he languishes he writes to his spiritual children and says, “As God’s prisoner, then, I beg you to live lives suitable, reflecting of your divine embrace”; that is, that your conduct corresponds with your high calling in Christ Jesus. Behind this written appeal from Paul we hear the voice of our loving Lord beseeching us to “live worthily”. Are we going to respond to His appeal? – or are we going to live a life which is dishonoring to Christ? The choice is left with us. He has loved us and given Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). Does His love compel us to do as He commands and to live a life which pleases Him? (2 Corinthians 5:14).
- The CHARACTERISTICS of a Worthy Life.
We read of Enoch (Genesis 5:22-24); of Abraham (Genesis 24:40); and in the Old Testament we find many other references to those who “walked with God.” In the New Testament the same idea is conveyed in the words “behave decently” (Romans 13:13); “live” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:15; Colossians 2:6); and “walk” (1 John 1:7; 3 John 3). All these references tell us of the marks or characteristics of the worthy life; but if we confine ourselves to the verses in our portion we see that:
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- A Worthy Life is a HEAVENLY Life ( 1). “…the calling you have received.” Our calling is a heavenly calling (Hebrews 3:1); a high calling (Philippians 3:14) and a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:9). We are a heavenly people living upon the earth, and to live worthily means just that – to live the heavenly life on earth!
- A Worthy Life is a HUMBLE Life ( 2) The word “humble” means to be selfless, utterly lacking in self-assertiveness (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:3; Titus 3:2; James 1:21). The root meaning of the word is “a spirit that never takes offence” – that is, humility. Therefore: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6).
- A Worthy Life is a HELPFUL Life ( 2). The word “patient” means “to endure with an unruffled temper”; yes, to do that instead of being intolerant, impatient and critical! The word “bearing” is explained in Colossians 3:13, and it means “lovingly putting up with what we don’t like in other people!” And, for all this, “love” is the motive and power as Ephesians 5:2 makes plain.
- A Worthy Life is a HARD Life ( 3). The words “make every effort…” mean “to strive with great earnestness and unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Paul speaks here of ‘effort’, and that means toil, striving and perseverance. It can be hard work, but we must “make every effort”. God has wonderfully united all believers in the Body of Christ (vv. 4 – 6), and the Holy Spirit dwells within us to make that unity real. Our responsibility as members of the Body is to maintain that unity (Romans 12:18)!
- A Worthy Life is a HOLY Life ( 3). The word “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit who indwells us and who is very easily grieved (4:30), and with whom we are to be constantly filled (5:18). In vv. 17 – 26 we are given five injunctions which must be obeyed if we are to behave ourselves in a holy way (1 Thessalonians 2: 10):- (1) in vv. 17 – 19 we must “NO LONGER…”; (2) in v. 22 we are to “PUT OFF…”; (3) in v. 24 we are to “PUT ON…”; (4) in v. 25 we are to “PUT OFF…”; (5) in v. 26 we MUST NOT…
- The CONSUMMATION of a Worthy Life.
How long does this earthly life go on, and where and how does it end? V. 13 tells us: “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.”
When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
- Conclusion: As I look at my life, how worthy is my walk?
