Ephesians: A Worthy Walk
Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3.
Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically.
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Ephesians 1-6 Focus Passage - Ephesians 4:1
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,
Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 38-39, 1 Corinthians 14:26–40, Psalm 106:1–5, Proverbs 22:25–27
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: A Worthy Walk
The whole book of Ephesians turns on verse 1 of chapter 4, where Paul tells the Ephesians to walk worthy of the calling they have received. The calling to which he refers is the great salvation God provided by grace through faith, Because of this great salvation, we are to walk in a way that properly reflects what Christ has done for us. We must walk worthy.
It is crucial to remember that Paul did not say, "I urge you to be worthy..." That would be an eternal death sentence. We have fallen short of God's glory and can never be worthy of what Christ has done for us. We cannot be worthy, but we can walk worthy.
One Sunday evening many years ago, a couple in our previous church invited us to their home after the worship service. We had a desert and at the end of a pleasant time of fellowship, they gave us a small box. In that box were the keys to a brand new minivan. We were floored at their generosity. I was so grateful to them, but I remember wondering how I could adequately say thank you to people who gave us a gift that expensive. Words seemed cheap.
How do we say thank you to God for sending his Son to die for us? How do we thank Christ for laying down his life? Ephesians 4:1 tells us what our response is supposed to be - a worthy walk.
The remainder of the book describes a worthy walk. Paul begins by advocating unity and love within the church, then speaks of purity and forgiveness, the Spirit-filled life and relationships that flow from that. We must put on the full armor of God. There are treasure troves of guidance for those of us who have been saved, guiding us in walking worthy of our calling.
Remember chapter 2? Paul told us that we are saved by grace through faith and our salvation is not by works, but then he went on in verse 10 to say that we have become Christ's workmanship to accomplish good works by the power within. We do not earn salvation with our works, but God's salvation empowers our good works. Having been saved by grace we now walk a worthy walk in response to that grace.
If you have time today, read chapters 4-6 and see some of what goes into a worthy walk.
Father, help me to walk worthy of the calling I have received when Christ reached me with his grace.
Think and Pray:
Is your life a fitting representation of Christ?
Are you walking worthy of Christ?
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