UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH—LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF OUR CALLING
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:1-3
In the previous three chapters we have been reminded of the wonder of being given new life in Christ and called the children of God.
Eph 1:3-14
Eph 2:1-10
Eph 3:1-6
Having established the wonder of new life in Christ, Paul teaches us how we should now live. And his words will challenge, rebuke, and thrill us. The teaching from this letter will not apply to a non-regenerate person. This for the church.
He commences the para with a plea of exhortation and continues to the end with a clear explanation.
PLEA OF EXHORTATION
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, Eph 4:1.
We understand the dread of bringing disgrace upon our parents and family. It comes from a heart of deep respect for those who loved us and poured their lives into us. Like Prov 22:6 says, (although salvation is not guaranteed) the training that children are given in their growing years will remain with them for the rest of their lives. That is part of why we dread bringing disgrace upon our parents.
If this be true of our earthly parents how much more it should be true of our heavenly Father. The following scriptures from this letter show how God's people ought to live.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. Eph 4:17
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph 5:1-2
Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light Eph 5:7-8
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise. Eph 5:15
So the Christian's walk is important. Away with easy believism! Our hearts are filled with dread that we might bring disgrace on His holy Name.
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Phil 3:17-18
When apostle Paul uses language like this, some say, "I love the teaching of Jesus but hate the words of Paul."
Then let us see what Jesus said.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matt 7:15
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2
. . . Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. . . John 15:5-6
Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. Rom 7:4
There is something about the way a true child of God conducts himself that the world perceives as unique and unusual. This is because believers recognise who they are and remember who they used to be, and they want to walk in a manner worthy of the calling.
This is the ambition not of some believers but of every true child of God. For if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, and all things have become new.
Believers long to emulate their Lord and Saviour and long to glorify Him in their life. Like David, their hearts are broken when they bring disgrace to His lovely name.
CLEAR EXPLANATION
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:1-3
We need to see where this begins. We find that believer in a local church. 'One another' in the passage refers to the relationship of the believer with other believers in the church. This is not to a Christian in isolation.
How can we get a clear honest assessment of someone? By asking those they live with. Anyone can put on a good front. These 16 verses in Eph 4 give us a picture of the local church and explain how it should function. We need each other, warts and all.
We see Paul writing to Timothy: If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 1Tim 3:15.
The way we are instructed in scripture to behave is the very opposite of what the world teaches.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Phil 2:3
Humility is something we chase all our lives. But to whatever extent we do this, we become a people who show something of the beauty of Jesus.
How will we walk worthy of the calling? We will do so in humility.
In this connection, we must read about our Saviour's humility.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Phil 2:5-8
We have heard of the small step for man, but here is one gigantic step for God.
How can we phantom God dying for us!
In the darkness of mid day, God took our filthy sins and laid it on Him. He suffered the wrath of God because of us. We are called to humility, and if we must understand humility, we can only learn from our Saviour.
Quoting from the hymn we sang:
- So let our lips and lives express
The holy Gospel we profess;
So let our walks and virtues shine,
To prove the doctrine all divine.
- Thus shall we best proclaim abroad
The honor of our Saviour God;
When the salvation reigns within,
And grace subdues the pow'r of sin.
- Our flesh and sense must be denied;
Passion and envy, lust and pride;
While justice, temp'rance, truth and love
Our inward piety approve.
[Isaac Watts]