How can we "walk in a manner worthy" of our Christian calling today? Setting the Stage “As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1) Paul writes from confinement yet speaks of liberty in Christ. His plea is not academic—it’s urgent, practical, and Spirit-empowered. What Our Calling Is • Called out of darkness into marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9) • Adopted as sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:5) • Set apart to display Christ’s glory (2 Thessalonians 1:11–12) To “walk worthy” simply means our everyday conduct should fit, or match, this high identity. Four Heart Postures That Mark the Walk In the very next verse Paul lists attitudes that shape worthy living: • Humility — “with all humility” (Ephesians 4:2). Remember Who rescued us (James 4:6). • Gentleness — Power under control, reflecting Jesus who is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). • Patience — Slow to retaliate, quick to endure (Colossians 3:12). • Bearing with one another in love — A long-suffering commitment to the family of God (1 Corinthians 13:7). Guarding the Unity We Already Have “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) • One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father (vv. 4-6). • Worthy walking means refusing gossip, divisions, or anything that fractures Christ’s body (Romans 14:19). Serving with Our Gifts “But to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7) • Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers equip the saints (vv. 11-12). • Every believer contributes; none are spectators (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Goal: “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (v. 13) Growing Up—No Longer Children • Reject spiritual immaturity and shifting doctrines (v. 14). • Speak the truth in love so the body “grows and builds itself up in love” (v. 15-16). Living Holy, Not Like the Nations • “You must no longer walk as the Gentiles do” (v. 17). • Put off the old self, renewed in mind, put on the new self “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (vv. 22-24) Other echoes: – Romans 12:1-2 — Present bodies as living sacrifices, minds transformed. – 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “Be holy in all you do.” Everyday Practices That Keep the Walk Steady • Feed on Scripture daily (Psalm 119:105). • Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Fellowship faithfully—small groups, corporate worship, mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Serve with joy, looking for ways to bless (Galatians 5:13). • Keep eyes on the eternal prize (Philippians 3:14). The Outcome Colossians 1:10 captures the result: “so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” When our steps reflect our calling, the world sees Jesus, the church is strengthened, and the glory goes to God alone. |
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