God has given us the gift of life, redemption through Jesus Christ and by this has called us to be His sons and daughters. Jesus gave us the example of how we are to live in the world and Paul says in Ephesians 4:1b-3 (LEB) “live in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, 3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. And we need to put up with one another because we are not yet perfect, but the Holy Spirit is now our teacher and we are to in Ephesians 4:23–24 (LEB) “be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth”. We do this by laying aside the old natural way of living and in Ephesians 5:1–2 (LEB) “Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell”.
Worthy of the Calling
Ephesians 4:1–6
We who have believed the gospel of Jesus Christ have not only entered into a new life, eternal life with God but into a calling for this natural life while we remain on the earth. Most Christians understand their individual place in Christ but here, Paul describes something that is challenging for us as he says in
Ephesians 4:2–3 (LEB) “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, 3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”
The life God has for us is not a solitary one, but one where we are united in spirit with Him as Lord, united in faith with one purpose, and united effort with one baptism where we have put our body under in
Ephesians 4:4–6 (LEB) “one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling), 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all”
The Fullness of Christ
Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind
Ephesians 4:17–24
There is a natural, worldly way of living that is described as “in the futility of their mind” in Ephesians 4:17. In this natural way of living, there is no knowledge of God, not because hasn’t presented himself, but because “the hardness of their heart” prevents them from accepting who God is in
Ephesians 4:18 (LEB) “being darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart”
For those of us that have believed the gospel, we heard, and have been taught in
Ephesians 4:21 (LEB) “if indeed you have heard about him, and you were taught by him (just as truth is in Jesus)”
and we know there is a new way of living where we are led by the Spirit of God and have a new way of thinking in
Ephesians 4:23–24 (LEB) “be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth”.
Speak Truth Each One of You
Become Imitators of God
Ephesians 5:1–6
In the natural way of living there were things that satisfy or amuse or entertain the senses, the things Paul names here in
Ephesians 5:3–4 (LEB) “But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints), 4 and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper), but rather thanksgiving”
We though, who have believed the gospel of Jesus Christ are not to be shaped by our response to our senses and instead are to in
Ephesians 5:1–2 (LEB) “Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell”
As Jesus taught in
Matthew 7:20–21 (LEB) “As a result, you will recognize them by their fruits. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
So, also Paul here says those that “live in love” in Ephesians 5:2 will behave differently so pay attention to actions and not empty words, because in
Ephesians 5:6 (LEB) “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.”
Learn What is Well-Pleasing to the Lord
Ephesians 5:7–16
Study Verses
- Ephesians 4:1–6 Worthy of the Calling
- Ephesians 4:17–24 Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind
- Ephesians 5:1–6 Become Imitators of God
Today’s Reading
- Ephesians 4:1-32
- Ephesians 5:1-16
