How to walk the Christian life. Ephesians 1:2 Only in Christ Jesus It is hardly an option. Idleness makes thieves. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. Ephesians 4:11-13 Bible Study Questions, Ephesians 4:14 B) Responsibility 1. This section of Ephesians begins a series of ethical instructions firmly based on the preceding three chapters. Ephesians 4:17-32 contains instructions I also think of the board of elders that worked closely together at the church where I formerly pastored. They had all one faith, as to its object, Author, nature, and power. It follows that this commentary What then must we think of those called Christians, who grow rich by fraud, oppression, and deceitful practices! God’s favor is upon you. Pastors have left not always in good situations. © 2021 Christianity.com. Ephesians 4:2-3 Our Oneness of the Body As we unitedly humble ourselves under our one head, Christ Jesus, He begins to bring about a greater love which is greater than what we would otherwise ever experience. Ephesians 4:15a 2. This passage forms the hinge between the theological statement of Ephesians 1-3 and the exhortatory material that follows (4:17-6:20). Provoke not the holy, blessed Spirit of God to withdraw his presence and his gracious influences. We worked hard together. We must understand this calling to pursue unity is given to all the saints. The experience was fabulous. As if on the pinnacle of a mountain, in the last few verses, … Men ought to be industrious, that they may do some good, and that they may be kept from temptation. Ephesians 3:6-7 The Glory of the Gospel The truth of Christ appears in its beauty and power, when it appears as in Jesus. He implored them to learn the Word, to live the Word, and to press away the polluting influences of the sinful world to which they were formally emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual slaves. Paul was clear in all of his writings that he had his own struggles and thus anticipated the same in the … Instead we find the evil one coming among God’s people and stealing hope and peace from His people. Heinrich Meyer's Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament Ephesians 4:1. No longer flatter or deceive others. The corrupt nature is called a man; like the human body, it is of divers parts, supporting and strengthening one another. In short, never be content with less than the great, wonderful and glorious harmony between God and other believers including your spouse! Mark how God's forgiveness causes us to forgive. The term walk is found in Ephesians 4:1. As I look back upon these experiences, I typically find some ways that the Lord was not very comfortable with my own Christian walk. Ephesians 4:6 Parallel Verses [ See commentary ]Ephesians 4:6, NIV: "one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. I recently visited one area of America where the church is strong. Was it always like this? Seven times in verses four through six the numeral “one” (heis) is found. Speaking the truth in love (17-24) And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen. We didn’t mind serving long hours because we could serve together before the Lord. But it is not enough to shake off corrupt principles; we must have gracious ones. Next=>. Ephesians 3:8-10 The Calling of the Gospel I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, Ephesians 6:1-4 Exploring the Passage Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union. Ephesians 2:2 B) Man's World The word ‘entreat’ shows that it was heavy on Paul’s mind. Ephesians 4:1-6 The part we have to play is to walk worthy of our calling, and as the apostle goes on to say, our calling is to be one: one body, one spirit, one faith, one baptism, one hope, just as we have one Lord and one Father. By lowliness, understand humility, which is opposed to pride. Ephesians 3:20-21 Unlimited Power Ephesians 6:1-3 Obedience to Parents Ephesians 3:14-21 The Fullness of God's Love, Ephesians 3:20-21 God's Unlimited Power Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, the name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are” (John 17:11). Ephesians 1:3 Every Spiritual Blessing It provides a theological rationale for the behavior that is required of the church. I personally do not agree with how some live out their Christian lives, but I must remember that I am not their Lord. A calling is a special instruction of the Lord that because of its origin commands great shaping of our lives. Ephesians 5:31-32 Redemptive Analogy & Marriage God's children are growing, as long as they are in this world; and the Christian's growth tends to the glory of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-16 Live lives worthy of your calling, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit. Before moving on and discussing how we can seek this peace, we need to take a moment to reflect on our present situation. Eadie sums it up writing "All these elements of oneness enumerated in verses 4, 5, and 6, are really inducements for Christians to be forward to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 2 Devotional Questions – Ephesians 4:1-16, Answers to Questions See Dr Ruckman’s commentary The Books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians pp 68, 265-281, 380-384, 553-556 and the Ruckman Reference Bible pp 1556-1557, 1568 for detailed Ephesians 5:31-33 Building a Great Marriage Not one genuine Christian is pardoned. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. In chapters 1-3, Paul outlined the blessings associated with being a child of God. We represented every different denomination and Christian tradition. Open up your heart and life before God, like a flower before the sun. Here … Do not allow present or past brokenness keep you from claiming what is yours. Sinful desires are deceitful lusts; they promise men happiness, but render them more miserable; and bring them to destruction, if not subdued and mortified. In the next verses, Paul outlines what kind of spirit we need to properly carry out this calling. Filthy words proceed from corruption in the speaker, and they corrupt the minds and manners of those who hear them: Christians should beware of all such discourse. These therefore must be put off, as an old garment, a filthy garment; they must be subdued and mortified. “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” The calling is from the Lord. Ephesians 4:15b 3. 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