Ephesians (W7D1) Live Worthy of Your Calling
Week 7. Monday: Live Worthy of Your Calling
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: Ephesians 4:1-3
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
Live a Life Worthy (Greek: peripateō axiōs): to walk in a suitable manner
Paul is urging us to live daily like we belong to God.
Also see Philippians 1:27 and Colossians 1:9-14.
Calling (Greek: klēsis): the divine invitation of God
This divine calling refers to our salvation.
Our daily lives should display the evidence of this calling (2 Timothy 1:9).
Completely Humble (Greek: pas tapeinophrosynē): lowliness of mind
You cannot understand the Gospel and be prideful at the same time.
Humility is an attitude as well as a way of life (Philippians 2:3).
Gentle (Greek: praÿtēs): mildness or meekness
Patient (Greek: makrothymia): forbearance, longsuffering, perseverance
Patience first requires humility and gentleness.
Patience is choosing to restrain anger or wrath (1 Timothy 1:16).
Bearing with One Another (Greek: anechō allēlōn): to hold up, sustain each other
This phrase is the result of being humble, gentle, and patient with others.
Paul also applies this phrase to forgiveness in Colossians 3:13.
Make Every Effort (Greek: spoudazō tēreō): be diligent to persevere, strive for
Unity (Greek: henotēs): unanimity, agreement
Bond of Peace (Greek: syndesmos eirēnē): this word “syndesmos” was often used in Greek to refer to the ligaments that hold the human body together. Paul uses the phrase to say that unity and peace hold the body of Christ together. He also uses this idea in Colossians 3:12-14.
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
When God calls us to salvation, He is not merely calling us to go to heaven. God is calling us to live a life that is worthy and thankful for all He has done. If we have received this calling and been saved, the evidence will be seen in how we live and treat others.
Which of these do you struggle with; humility, gentleness, patience? Why?
Have you made every effort to grow in these areas? How can you make more effort?
PRAY: Ask God to help you live a life worthy of the calling you received.
