“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” (Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)
Ephesians 4 begins the application section for the epistle. This application section is contained in chapters 4-6. The Apostle Paul will throughout the second half of the letter unfold the “walk” or lifestyle of good works by followers of Christ (Ephesians 2:10).
The transition from doctrinal section to application section is indicated by the phrase I therefore. Whenever you see the word therefore in Scripture, the reader should immediately recognize that this word, or phrase, indicates a conclusion. In effect, Paul will set forth the consequences and results of being in Christ.
Paul identifies himself as a prisoner for the Lord. The apostle already indicated that he was under arrest by the Roman government (Ephesians 3:1; Acts 21-28). It was because of his union with Christ, and his preaching of the Gospel, that Paul was in a Roman prison.
In spite of his personal circumstances, Paul urges (παρακαλέω; parakaleo), or urgently requests, the Ephesian believers to walk (περιπατέω; peripateo), behave and live in a particular way. The way of life for the believer is to walk in a manner worthy (ἀξίως; axios). This means to live and behave in a proper way ((Philip. 1:27; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12; 3 John 6+).
The New Bible Dictionary, in explaining the word walk, states, “Metaphorically it denotes a studied observance of the new rule of life, and it is this sense which dominates the usage of all the forms in the Epistles, where there is a frequent contrasting of the walk which was characteristic of believers in their unregenerate days, and that to which they are called through faith in Christ.”
Living in a worthy manner is in relationship to the calling to which you have been called. The believer in Christ has entered into a new relationship with God, by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. Consequently, the life the believer now lives is to reflect and honor that new relationship.
Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “God’s call is both sovereign and gracious (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). In the ethical and relational instructions to follow, Paul will repeatedly ground his exhortations in the gospel truth already expounded in chs. 1-3.”
May each of us today resolve, anew and afresh, to live in a manner worthy of God’s call in our lives. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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