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 4:7-10
7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 For it says:
When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.
9 But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? 10 The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.
Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah41-42, 1 Corinthians 15:35–58, Psalm 106:13–20, Proverbs 23:1–3
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Diverse Unity
I have seen it over and over again in my years as a pastor. A member of the church will get involved in a ministry, a good ministry, and want everyone in the church to join that ministry. "Everyone should be doing what I am doing." It is understandable for people to feel that way. If I love to do something and gain great joy from it, it is natural that I would want to get others involved in that ministry.
It does not, however, demonstrate an understanding of how the Body of Christ works. The elbow is meant to bend a certain way and I'm guessing it gains great joy from "elbowing." If the elbow goes to the little finger and says, "you need to join me in elbowing," the body suddenly has a problem. The finger is not meant to be an elbow and foot is not meant to be a hand. The eye is not an ear and the nose is not a mouth. The old soap commercial said we had 2000 parts to our body (not sure how that was counted) but we need each part doing its unique job, not being forced to do what everyone else is doing.
The message of this passage is similar to that of Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. God has called us to live as One Body, but that in that Body there is room for diversity of gifts, of ministries, and of the ways that God uses us. Grace (a gift given by God) is given to each of us according to the measure of Christ. We are not all alike. Some are given (according to 1 Peter 5) gifts of speaking and others gifts of serving. Romans lists 7 basic gifts and we do not know if these are exhaustive. 1 Corinthians 12 lists 9 manifestations of the Holy Spirit - ways the Spirit makes his presence known in the life of the church. The Spirit is given to each of us but the way he works is different in each of us.
We are called to unity, not to uniformity. This is hard for a lot of us. Some only want unity with those who think like them, serve like them, look like them, like what they like, vote as they vote, and minister as they minister. We must love all those Christ saves and Spirit indwells and seek to walk in unity with them.
NOTE: Verses 9-10 have been the subject of a lot of doctrinal dispute. Did Jesus go to hell after his death as these verses have been seen to imply (he descended into the lower parts)? That is not what is in view here. Jesus told the thief he would join him in paradise that day, not in hell. This passage speaks of Jesus descending into the "lower parts" - HERE, earth, the lower realms - and then ascending back into heaven. He came to earth, died, and then went to heaven.
Father, help me to understand that people do not have to be like me, think like me, or like what I like to love you!
Think and Pray:
Do you tend to only like those who are like you?
Have you grasped the principle of "Body life?"
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