A Journey Through Ephesians…4:1-6

If you are just now tuning in… we are scribing our way through the book of Ephesians. I invite you to grab a pen and write out the scriptures. Reflect on every word, letter, meaning, phrase. What jumps off the page to you? Otherwise, you can just read along!

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united with Peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. 4:1-6

You are about to feel a shift in Paul’s letter. The last two verses of chapter 3 served as a doxology to wrap up the first half – Paul explaining our unity as The Body of Christ and God’s love for us. And now the second half – equipping us with practical wisdom for spiritual maturity, tools for daily life and participation in ministry. It’s good stuff. You will love it.

The verses for today have been marked in my Bible for years. Certain words underlined for emphasis. My handwriting: “Prayer for my boys”

Who knows what might have provoked my writing this in .7 Sharpie one morning. Maybe a rough patch of arguments and breaking up fights. Maybe a fear they’d forever be hormonal teenagers wanting to spend life playing Fortnight and eating Smartfood on our sectional. Or maybe the genuine cry of a mother’s heart, much like Paul’s, urging these young believers to take hold of their faith, see a bigger Kingdom picture, and realize they have a role to play having “been called to one glorious hope for the future.”

I’m betting a mix.

But regardless, as you write the passage today, or just read it, consider it a prayer.

Beginning with yourself. And then praying for others.

Verse 4:1 is Paul’s plea to us all…begging us to lead a life worthy of our calling. For we have been called by God.

Yes, you.

When I researched the Greek definition of the word called, I said “whoa.” Out loud.

Called:(vocation) is used of one whom God declares worthy of the calling which he has commanded to be given him, and therefore fit to obtain the blessings promised in the call. An invitation.

Soooo. You may have never thought of yourself as in vocational ministry. But you should.

God has extended all of us an invitation. And friend you are FIT to obtain the blessings promised in this calling. You are fit for the job.

But again, it’s an invitation. Oh, I pray you’d say “yes.”

I pray I would, too. And my boys. Everyday.

So let’s just stop for now and make space to pray. First for ourselves and next for others.

Friend, God declares you WORTHY.

Worthy of this calling. And yes he know all about us. This is not His first oversight. He is spot on.

I hope you see it, too.

For yourself: God give me grace to lead a life worthy of your calling, for I have been called by You. Give me strength to always be humble and gentle. Help me be patient with others, making allowances for their faults because of Your love. Help me make every effort to remain united with Peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, and I believe I have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. In Jesus Name, Amen.

For others: God give ______________ grace to lead a life worthy of your calling, for _________ has been called by You. Give __________ strength to always be humble and gentle. Help __________ be patient with others, making allowances for other’s faults because of Your love. Help __________ make every effort to remain united with Peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, and they have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. In Jesus Name, Amen.