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“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV)

How are believers in Christ to walk, or live, in a manner worthy of the calling of God to which each believer has been called? In other words, what is consisted in a praise worthy life that is lived for the glory of God?

Please realize that such a life does not earn one a place in heaven. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 1:1-2:10). However, the believer’s justification is foundational and complementary to their corresponding sanctification. God’s call unto justification is proven and substantiated by one’s obedience unto sanctification.

The Apostle Paul provides a brief list of characteristics of the believer’s new life in Christ. Remember, these qualities display a pattern for living the Christian life and not how to enter into the Christian life.

The first quality of a worthy walk is humility. The next quality is gentleness. The third quality is patience. This is followed by the active behavior of bearing with one another in love.

Bearing with (ἀνέχομαι; anechomai) means to endure, and persevere (Matt. 17:17; Mark 9:19; Luke 9:41; 1 Cor. 4:12; 2 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13; 2 Thess. 1:4). This personal behavior not only pertains to patience, but also to gentleness and humility.

To whom are we, as believers in Christ, to demonstrate these qualities? The text says one another. We are to first and foremost demonstrate these qualities to fellow believers in Christ.

The attitude we are to have in doing so is love (ἀγάπη; agape), which is a self-sacrificing love of the will. Therefore, our behavior is not based upon our emotions but rather upon a resolution of our wills.

Dr. Don Carson writes, “Royal princes are treated by their educators not with the stick, but with an appeal to their rank and standing’. Perhaps, but the appeal here is not to the aristocratic qualities of imperious resolve, tenacity and authority. It is a call, rather, to the corporate humility, gentleness and patient, forgiving love that exemplifies reconciliation” (cf. Col. 3:12–13).

Pray today that the Lord will reveal to you how to demonstrate humility, gentleness and patience to fellow Christians. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV)

How are believers in Christ to walk, or live, in a manner worthy of the calling of God to which each believer has been called? In other words, what is consisted in a praise worthy life that is lived for the glory of God?

Please realize that such a life does not earn one a place in heaven. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 1:1-2:10). However, the believer’s justification is foundational and complementary to their corresponding sanctification. God’s call unto justification is proven and substantiated by one’s obedience unto sanctification.

The Apostle Paul provides a brief list of characteristics of the believer’s new life in Christ. Remember, these qualities display a pattern for living the Christian life and not how to enter into the Christian life.

The first quality of a worthy walk is humility. The next quality is gentleness. The third quality is patience.

Patience (μακροθυμία; makrothymias) refers to the believer in Christ possessing forbearance, and a calm personality (Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 2 Cor. 6:6; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 4:2; Col.1:11; 1 Tim. 1:16; Heb.6:12; James 5:10; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:15). Patience is a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and being so without complaint or irritation.  

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Patience is the spirit which never gives up for it endures to the end even in times of adversity (James 5:10). It is the self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate a wrong (cf. Gal. 5:22; Col. 1:11; 3:12; 2 Tim. 4:2).”

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV)

How are believers in Christ to walk, or live, in a manner worthy of the calling of God to which each believer has been called? In other words, what is consisted in a praise worthy life that is lived for the glory of God?

Please realize that such a life does not earn one a place in heaven. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 1:1-2:10). However, the believer’s justification is foundational and complementary to their corresponding sanctification. God’s call unto justification is proven and substantiated by one’s obedience unto sanctification.

The Apostle Paul provides a brief list of characteristics of the believer’s new life in Christ. Remember, these qualities display a pattern for living the Christian life and not how to enter into the Christian life.

The first quality of a worthy walk is humility. The next quality is gentleness.

Gentleness (πραΰτης; prautes) may be translated as either mildness or meekness (1Cor. 4:21; 2 Cor. 10:1; Gal. 5:23; 6:1; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; 2 Tim. 2:25; Titus 3:2; James 1:21; 3:13; 1 Peter 3:16).

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “A believer is to be gentle or “meek” (prautētos; cf. the adverb of this word in Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:25 and the noun in Gal. 5:23; Col. 3:12; 1 Peter 3:16). This is the opposite of self-assertion, rudeness, and harshness. It suggests having one’s emotions under control. But it does not suggest weakness. It is the mean between one who is angry all the time and one who is never angry. One who is controlled by God is angry at the right time but never angry at the wrong time. Moses was known as the meekest of all men (Num. 12:3, kjv). Yet he got angry when Israel sinned against God (Ex. 32). Christ was meek and humble in heart (Matt. 11:29). Yet He became angry because some Jews were using the temple as a place for thieves (Matt. 21:12–13).”

What a delicate balance is required as we seek to be gentle people of God. May the Lord gives each of us the discernment to be angry at the right time and not to be angry at the wrong time. Have a God honoring day.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Fourteen: Of Saving Faith.

1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls,^a is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts,^b and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word;^c by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.^d

a. Heb 10:39. • b. Eph 1:17-19; 2:8; 2 Cor 4:13. • c. Rom 10:14, 17. • d. Luke 17:5; Acts 20:32; Rom 1:16-17; 4:11; 1 Pet 2:2.

2. By this faith a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein;^a and acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains; yielding obedience to the commands,^b trembling at the threatenings,^c and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.^d But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.^e

a. John 4:42; Acts 24:14; 1 Thes 2:13; 1 John 5:10. • b. Rom 16:26. • c. Isa 66:2. • d. 1 Tim 4:8; Heb 11:13. • e. John 1:12; Acts 15:11; 16:31; Gal 2:20.

3. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong;^a may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory;^b growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,^c who is both the author and finisher of our faith.^d

a. Mat 6:30; 8:10; Rom 4:19-20; Heb 5:13-14. • b. Luke 22:31-32; Eph 6:16; 1 John 5:4-5. • c. Col 2:2; Heb 6:11-12; 10:22. • d. Heb 12:2.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV)

How are believers in Christ to walk, or live, in a manner worthy of the calling of God to which each believer has been called? In other words, what is consisted in a praise worthy life that is lived for the glory of God?

Please realize that such a life does not earn one a place in heaven. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 1:1-2:10). However, the believer’s justification is foundational and complementary to their corresponding sanctification. God’s call unto justification is proven and substantiated by one’s obedience unto sanctification.

The Apostle Paul provides a brief list of characteristics of the believer’s new life in Christ. Remember, these qualities display a pattern for living the Christian life and not how to enter into the Christian life.

The first quality of a worthy walk is humility. Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη; tapeinophrosyne) means to live in modesty (Acts 20:19; Eph. 4:2; Php. 2:3; Col. 2:18, 23; 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5). It is the disciplined practice of esteeming other people as being better than yourself. It is not thinking of yourself more highly than you should (Romans 12:3).

One commentator explains humility as, “a grateful and spontaneous awareness that life is a gift, and it is manifested as an ungrudging and un-hypocritical acknowledgment of absolute dependence upon God.”

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Humility” is a term not found in the Latin or Greek vocabularies of Paul’s day. The Greek word apparently was coined by Christians, perhaps even by Paul himself, to describe a quality for which no other word was available. Humility, the most foundational Christian virtue (James 4:6), is the quality of character commanded in the first beatitude (Matt. 5:3), and describes the noble grace of Christ (Phil. 2:7–8).

Dr. John Walvoord states that, “Paul listed virtues that are to enhance a believer’s walk. The first of these is humility. In Greek culture, humility was thought of as a vice, to be practiced only by slaves. But Paul stated that saints should be completely humble in their daily walks. This is the opposite of pride. On the other hand Christians should not promote false humility, but should recognize who they are in God’s program (cf. John 3:30; Rom. 12:3). This virtue is listed first because of Paul’s emphasis on unity (pride promotes disunity; humility promotes unity) and to counteract their past pride, so as to facilitate obedience to and dependence on God. Christ was the supreme example of humility (Phil. 2:6–8).”

May the Lord give each believer in Christ today the strength to be humble in character and behavior. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!  

“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!

²⁰ “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV)

Ephesians 3:20-21 brings the reader of this epistle to the conclusion of the letter’s first half. Chapters 4-6 will begin the application section being more practical in nature and content.

It should not be surprising that the Apostle Paul concludes the doctrinal section, much as he did in the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 11:33-36), with a doxology. A doxology is a verbal expression of praise and glorification to, and of, God.

The Apostle Paul begins his doxology with these words from Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Paul then concludes his doxology with these words: “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Paul’s focus is completely upon the Lord. God alone is the subject of these two doxological verses.

To Him be glory. The subject remains the Lord. Glory (δόξα; doxa) means that which is praiseworthy, honorable and has amazing might.

The Scriptures speak of praise to His glorious name (Neh. 9:5), and describe Him as the glorious Father (Eph. 1:17) and the King of glory (Ps. 24). God is also exalted above the heavens, and His glory is over all the earth (Ps. 57:5, 11; 108:5; 113:4). He is the God of glory who appeared to the patriarchs of the OT (Acts 7:2). He is jealous to maintain his glory and unwilling that it be given to another (Is. 42:8). He acts to bring glory to himself (Ps. 79:9; Is. 48:11).

Additionally, the glory of God is proclaimed by the Creation (Ps. 19:1; 97:6; Rom. 1:20). God’s glory is also revealed by His mighty acts of salvation and deliverance (1 Chr. 16:24; Ps. 72:18–19; 96:3; 145:10–12; John 11:4, 40). His glory is the theme of the people’s praise (1 Chr. 16:24–29; Ps. 29:1–2, 9; 66:1–2; 96:7–8; 115:1; Is. 42:12; Rom. 4:20; Phil. 2:9–11).

The source of this praise to God is to be in the church as it has eternally been in Jesus Christ. This discipline of doxological praise is to be eternally continued throughout all generations. The addition of the word Amen means to emphasize the truth of all which the apostle has said.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “In this letter, Paul uses a variety of images to describe the mutual relationship between the church and Christ: the body and the head (1:22-23), the reconciled and the reconciler (2:14-18; 4:1), and the bride and her groom (5:22, 33).”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above the Heavenly host.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen,

Soli deo Gloria!

²⁰ “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV)

Ephesians 3:20-21 brings the reader of this epistle to the conclusion of the letter’s first half. Chapters 4-6 will begin the application section being more practical in nature and content.

It should not be surprising that the Apostle Paul concludes the doctrinal section, much as he did in the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 11:33-36), with a doxology. The word doxology, from the Medieval Latin doxologia, originally comes from the Greek term doxa, meaning opinion or glory, and the suffix -logia, which refers to an oral or written expression. Therefore, a doxology is a verbal expression of praise and glorification to, and of, God. The Gloria in Excelsis and the Gloria Patri are two of the best-known and most often sung doxologies in contemporary Christianity.

The Apostle Paul begins his doxology with these words from Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Paul’s focus is completely upon the Lord. God alone is the subject of these two doxological verses.

Why does the apostle give God alone praise? It is because God is able to do something. What the Lord is able (δύναμαι; dynamai) or powerful to do, within the preceding immediate context, is to give each believer in Christ what Paul prayed for in Ephesians 3:14-19. God has the ability to give His people a comprehension of His love for them through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Paul explains that the Lord is able to do so far more abundantly (ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ; hyperekperissou), which means He is able to answer the apostle’s prayer to an extreme degree. This abundance is not only for the apostle’s prayer, but also our own. God has the ability to do far more than we either ask or think from Him.

This ability of God is because of His almighty power. Rather than an obscure doctrinal truth, Paul wants believers in Christ to understand that this power of, and from, God resides within each Christian. It is a power at work within each of us.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “This power is the Spirit of the risen Christ. The first half of the letter climaxes as Paul considers the overwhelming power of God, who carries out His gracious (2:7) and all –wise (3:10) plan for the reconciliation of human beings.”

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁷ “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17–19 (ESV)

Ephesians 3:17-19 contains the purpose for the Apostle’s Paul prayer on behalf of the Ephesian believers, within the immediate and historical context, and on behalf of all believers in Christ at all times, within the overall context. The prayer’s ultimate purpose is based upon the apostle’s previous statements contained in Ephesians 3:14-16: “¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,…”  

What was the ultimate purpose for Paul’s prayer? Examining Ephesians 3:17-19 separately will contribute to our understanding. Today, we examine the final portion of vs. 19.

The reason for the Apostle Paul’s prayer was that Christ would be at home in all believers’ hearts; in other words their thinking, feelings and decisions. Additionally, he desired all believers to continue to be firmly rooted and grounded in the self-sacrificial love of God. This love is to be expressed not only in our love for the Lord, but also in our love for one another. Paul also wanted each believer to have a comprehensive understanding of this love. Finally, Paul’s last request was two-fold in content.

In the beginning portion of 3:19, he desired that all believers know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. To know means not only to acknowledge but also to have understanding of the love of Christ. This knowledge and understanding comes from God’s Word.

Secondly, the Apostle Paul also wanted all believers to be filled with all the fullness of God. To be filled (πληρόω; pleroo) is a satisfaction which comes from outside of us. It is a gratfification which comes from God and of which believers are the recipients. To be filled is to be full to a complete degree. What believers in Christ are to be full of is all the fullness of God.

Dr. John MacArthur writes that to be filled means, “To be so strong spiritually, so compelled by divine love, that one is totally dominated by the Lord with nothing left of self. Human comprehension of the fullness of God is impossible, because even the most spiritual and wise believer cannot completely grasp the full extent of God’s attributes and characteristics—his power, majesty, wisdom, love, mercy, patience, kindness, and everything he is and does. But believers can experience the greatness of God in their lives as a result of total devotion to him. Note the fullness of God here; the fullness of Christ in Eph. 4:13; and the fullness of the Spirit in Eph. 5:18. Paul prayed for believers to become as Godlike as possible (Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet. 1:15–16).”

May this fullness of God, of Christ and of the Holy Spirit be our spiritual and lifelong quest. Have a God-honoring day.  

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁷ “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17–19 (ESV)

Ephesians 3:17-19 contains the purpose for the Apostle’s Paul prayer on behalf of the Ephesian believers, within the immediate and historical context, and on behalf of all believers in Christ at all times, within the overall context. The prayer’s ultimate purpose is based upon the apostle’s previous statements contained in Ephesians 3:14-16: “¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,…”  

What was the ultimate purpose for Paul’s prayer? Examining Ephesians 3:17-19 separately will contribute to our understanding. Today, we examine the first portion of vs. 19.

The reason for the Apostle Paul’s prayer was that Christ would be at home in all believers’ hearts; in other words their thinking, feelings and decisions. Additionally, he desired all believers to continue to be firmly rooted and grounded in the self-sacrificial love of God. This love is to be expressed not only in our love for the Lord, but also in our love for one another. Paul also wanted each believer to have a comprehensive understanding of this love. Finally, Paul’s last request was two-fold in content.

First, he desired that all believers know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. To know (γινώσκω; ginosko) means not only to acknowledge but also to have understanding. In this context, it means to not only acknowledge but also to understand the love of Christ.

Once again, love (ἀγάπη; agape) is a self-sacrificial love of the will. It is a love which is spoken of here as being sourced and originating solely in Jesus Christ. It is also a love which surpasses knowledge. Surpasses (ὑπερβάλλω; hyperballo) means to go beyond, to be extreme, and to surpass the ordinary. The word, in this particular context, is a present active participle. This love of Christ is to be known and understood by all believers. However, it is a love which is continually supreme and surpass all our knowledge and capabilities of understanding. In other words, believers in Christ never achieve full and complete understanding of God’s love during this life.

Understanding that believers in Christ never, so to speak, arrive in their understanding of God’s love should prompt each of us to pursue our comprehension of this love in all areas of our lives.  This quest begins in a daily diet of reading, studying and meditating upon God’s Word.

Soli deo Gloria!