Paul really highlights chapter 4 as a transition in the book of Ephesians. This can be clearly seen from the start in verses 1-3, where he writes, "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord beseech (appeal, urge, implore) you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
I, therefore, beseech you. I, in light of all that I just said in the last 3 chapters, in light of the glorious inheritance that is yours in Christ, in light of the fact that he made you alive - he seated you in Christ in the heavenly places, in light of the fact that you are His workmanship; that you were brought near to the Father by Christ's blood, urge you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. What a radical call to holiness! This is where the mysteries touch the reality of day to day life: in the walk.
Paul urges us to walk worthy, which means we need to walk lowly, gentle, and with longsuffering, living life together in unity, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Paul is saying, "This is what you have, and this is who you are in Christ, now walk worthy of your calling. Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking; and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. And also, speak the truth in love, so that you may grow up in all things into Him who is the head."
What do I see in all this? I see radical lovers of Jesus. I see the words FAMILY in every verse. I see relationships that are genuine and deep; that go beyond the carnal into a deep spiritual bond between brothers and sisters in Christ. I see a radical, fire-filled bride changing society.
So let's walk worthy of our calling, not only as sons but also as siblings. Let's take this family thing seriously and live it out, so that we may see Jesus formed in each of us, and the body of Christ grow to maturity.
I, therefore, beseech you. I, in light of all that I just said in the last 3 chapters, in light of the glorious inheritance that is yours in Christ, in light of the fact that he made you alive - he seated you in Christ in the heavenly places, in light of the fact that you are His workmanship; that you were brought near to the Father by Christ's blood, urge you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. What a radical call to holiness! This is where the mysteries touch the reality of day to day life: in the walk.
Paul urges us to walk worthy, which means we need to walk lowly, gentle, and with longsuffering, living life together in unity, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Paul is saying, "This is what you have, and this is who you are in Christ, now walk worthy of your calling. Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking; and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. And also, speak the truth in love, so that you may grow up in all things into Him who is the head."
What do I see in all this? I see radical lovers of Jesus. I see the words FAMILY in every verse. I see relationships that are genuine and deep; that go beyond the carnal into a deep spiritual bond between brothers and sisters in Christ. I see a radical, fire-filled bride changing society.
So let's walk worthy of our calling, not only as sons but also as siblings. Let's take this family thing seriously and live it out, so that we may see Jesus formed in each of us, and the body of Christ grow to maturity.
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