Scripture Text: 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,
Ephesians 4:1
Towards the three remaining chapter of the book of Ephesians, this consists entirely of apostolic exhortation(s). This is a transition from doctrine to duties, and principles to practices. Behavior rooted in light of the glorious truths that the apostle Paul previously discussed (1:1-3:21) is the major concern. The apostle Paul is showing the importance for him to discuss the conduct of life of a person truly called by the Lord as seem fit for the glorious redemption that has taken place to the life of an individual believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, the glorious calling deserves a glorious response – a life worthy for Him and what He has done to bring us our new life.
Putting the concentration now from the hope which the saints in Ephesus are called for into the life in which they are called to, the apostle Paul will begin to elaborate this life that they have been called to as mentioned previously (2:10) – a life of good works: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called (v.1)”. Notice first that this is not just an ordinary appeal, begging or urging. A prisoner, namely for Christ and His gospel is making this call to impel the believers in Ephesus (and us as well) to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which all genuine believers are called to. Walk is often used in NT language to refer to a daily living. This includes conduct seen in and by public, and a behavior hidden or concealed in and by private. The believers are pressed with eagerness to match their daily life with the unchangeable glorious blessedness [standing as a Christian] that they have been granted by God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through Him.
Dear saint, it is our responsibility to take heed of this drive that the apostle Paul have labored with so much eagerness. Our lives as the Lord’s called people to His glory by His grace, is being requested earnestly by the servant of the Lord who has seen and experience His extravagant mercies, to be spent daily in a deserving manner for its source – the sacrificial love of Christ! So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God! Make sure, dear saint that whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. As we are being urged, consider his mercies, dear saint, and present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Are you living a life worthy of the calling with which you have been called to as a believer of the Lord?
2. Do you make it your aim that your conduct as the Lord’s believer is acceptable before Him?
3. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
4. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Pray
Father in heaven, I come before You through Your Son once more, with a simple request this day and onwards – that I may have the strength, ability, and capacity to walk in a manner worthy in of the calling to which I have been called to – that I may reflect Your Son’s likeness, in all that I do. In word or deed, may I be like Him, fully pleasing before You. Grant me this grace, Father, for I ask this in my Lord’s name, Your only begotten Son. Amen.
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