Ephesians 4:1-16
Friday, 05 January 2024
“… I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” -Ephesians 4:1
In the first three chapters of the Book of Ephesians, Paul clearly defines Christian doctrine and the next three focuses on Christian living. Today’s reading draws our attention on how to live as believers and disciples of Jesus in the present world. A building up in our own lives is required before we can build others. A life of example that reflects Christ in us is possible when we understand the “call” on us— this word is repeatedly used by Paul in the first 4 verses.
From our reading today we will look into how God’s call on the believer will impact him and those around him:
· The call to humility (V.2): Humility is on the decline in our day. Instead we see an undue absorption of the self in people, an increase in self-love, be it in the family, church or the world at large; it’s all about ‘My rights.’ But this attitude changes when we come to Christ who teaches us to learn from Him to be gentle and humble (Matt.11:28 & 29). The believer who learns to walk yoked with Christ, begins to reflect His nature. Just as He humbled himself (Phil.2:5-11) so He could save us, we too will learn to exhibit His nature of loving difficult people with patience and forbearance thus leading them to Christ. Can this be said of us today?
· The call to unity (Vs. 4-6): Disunity is so prevalent in churches and even in Christian families. What’s the reason? We fail to really understand the meaning of the word ‘Unity.’ Unity is not uniformity! Our unity is based on Christ and His teaching. Since this is our call, we need to make every effort to keep the unity as one body in Christ (Rom.15:5). So, how often do we take the initiative to keep the unity in our churches or in our homes by remembering our oneness with Christ? Well, obeying His word becomes our key response to unity.
· The call to ministry (Vs.11-16): Believers may be many, but we are one body in Christ Jesus doing varied tasks for His glory and for the extension of His Kingdom. Paul tells us of the five-fold ministry that is given to the church for its building up. You may be thinking none of them fits your calling. Maybe some of these offices may not be for all of us. But the call to be an evangelist is an unchangeable call for every believer. The word evangelist means – bearer of good news. A Christian leader once said: “Evangelism, is one beggar telling another beggar where to find food.” In Isaiah 55:1 & Rev.22:17 we hear God calling to Him, all who are hungry and thirsty to be filled. Today if you are satisfied in Him, it’s because you responded to that call. But what about the many out there who are still hungry? Are you willing to tell the ”Good News” of where to find spiritual food?
Later down the chapter, Paul reminds the Ephesian Christians that they have to put off their former way of life and “put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph.4:24). This should be a constant reminder for all of us which helps us to strive to live up to the expectations of the call. May we continue to be built up in Christ and build others too.
A Reminder: So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. (2 Peter 1:10 NLT)
Listen: 'Speak O LORD'