Ephesians 4:1

“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called”

“Therefore”: “This conjunction makes. transition, denoting that what follows is. logical and necessary result from what has preceded” (Boles p. 263). “In view of the grace revealed in Christ, in view of the new life imparted, in view of the union of Gentiles and Jews in the church of Christ. According to Paul, duties are always based upon doctrines and belief is expressed in life” (Erdman p. 82). “The prisoner in the Lord”: Compare with Ephesians 3:1; Galatians 6:17; and Philemon 1:9. “A prisoner in the Master's cause” (TCNT). “Here in jail for serving the Lord” (Tay). “That he is both. prisoner of Christ and. prisoner for Christ” (Stott p. 146). “If being ‘in the Lord' has resulted in his imprisonment, what will it involve for his readers?” (Boles p. 264). “Having indicated his own commitment as. ‘prisoner', Paul was in. position to beseech them to walk worthily” (Caldwell p. 153). The point is that the following verses are not unrealistic expectations for Christians. In fact, they may be considered "light duty", because after all, would you rather work on getting along with other Christians, or like Paul be physically beaten for being. Christian? See Hebrews 12:1. “Beseech you”: “Entreat” (NASV). “He has taught them, and he has prayed for them (Ephesians 1:15-23 and Ephesians 1:14-19); now he addresses to them. solemn appeal. Instruction, intercession and exhortation constitute. formidable trio of weapons in any Christian teacher's armory” (Stott p. 146). See 2 Timothy 4:2. Paul can exhort people with God's great love (Chapter s 1-3) or, if need be he will use some healthy "fear" (2 Corinthians 2:10-11). “To walk”: That is to live and conduct yourself. “It is the picture of one who is advancing step by step. It reminds us of the common round and the daily task. It assures us that every sphere of life gives one ample opportunity to serve His Lord” (Erdman p. 83). Colossians 1:10 “so that you may walk in. manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects”. “Worthily”: “Live lives worthy” (TCNT). “Live and act in. way worthy” (Tay). “Live up to your calling” (NEB).

“It should be of equal value to the claim. We must practice what we believe and preach. Our lives should be as valuable to us (weigh as much) as our belief and talk” (Caldwell p. 154). “It has the idea of equal weight. Conduct and calling are to balance in weight. More is implied than likeness between calling and conduct, namely also corresponding weight and value” (Lenski p. 506).

The importance of living the Christian life can only be seen when we realize the great price paid for such. relationship (Ephesians 1:7); the great purposes to which such people have been redeemed (Ephesians 1:12; Ephesians 2:10); the great accomplishment achieved in the one body (Ephesians 2:13-22); and the great hope that such people have (Ephesians 1:18). Stott said, “What this life is to be like can be determined only by the nature of the divine call of which it is to be worthy. What is this? The new society has two major characteristics. First, it is ‘one' people, composed equally of Jews and Gentiles, the single family of God. Secondly, it is. ‘holy' people, distinct from the secular world. Therefore, because God's people are called to be one people, they must manifest their unity. and because they are called to be. holy people, they must manifest their purity. Unity and purity are two fundamental features of. life worthy of the divine calling. The apostle discusses unity of the church in verses 1-16 and the purity of the church from Ephesians 4:17-5” (pp. 146-147).

“Of the calling”: “In. way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these” (Tay). One is called by the gospel message (2 Thessalonians 2:14). Yet this is no ordinary invitation. It is. call that comes from heaven (Hebrews 3:1). It is an invitation to accept and receive all the benefits of Christ's sacrifice. It is an invitation to receive eternal life, and an invitation to join God in heaven. Such. "high" calling must have "high" expectations for those who accept it (Romans 16:2; 1 Peter 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 3 John 1:6). When. choose to become. Christian. am also choosing to live by. higher standard and expectations (Ephesians 5:2).. have decided to reject the "low" standards of the world (Ephesians 4:17).. have decided to walk with God (Genesis 5:24; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 6:12; Genesis 17:1). Bruce said, “As members of. reputable family will have the family's good name in mind as they order their public conduct, so members of the Christian society will have in mind not only the society's reputation in the world but the character of Him who called into being and the purpose for which He so called it” (p. 334).

“All of the high hopes, aspirations, and ideals for God's holy church upon this earth, however, must finally succeed or fail in. degree determined, at least in part, by the kind of people who make up the church” (Coffman p. 181). “Now Paul turns to the character the Christian must have if the Church is to fulfill her great task” (Barclay p. 134). “Lest there be misunderstanding about what it means to walk in harmony with God's redemptive purpose, Paul lists several specifics” (Boles p. 264).

Attitudes necessary for walking worthily