Ephesians 4:2-3 – “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”

God is a God Peace

One of God’s name’s in the bible is Jehovah-Shalom which means “Yahweh is peace.”  The Hebrew word “Shalom: means “peace” or “absence from strife.” It means wholeness in all of life, completeness, welfare, safety. God is the source of all these blessings. We all want peace, but there is no peace apart from God.

Isaiah 48:22 reminds us “There is no peace…for the wicked”

God is committed to restoring peace in his world, in his kingdom, which right now, is in our hearts and in the church. (Luke 2:14, Luke 17:21) One day it will include all the earth.

We are mandated here in Ephesians 4:3 to maintain, to preserve, to protect and keep this precious peace and unity that Jesus Christ Himself has purchased for us. God is a God of peace and order and this is why divisions within the church, Christ’s body, are so grievous to God.

If we would learn to walk worthy of the calling to which we are called, then we must learn how to be become peacemakers, reconcilers who are called sons of God.

Matt 5:9 – Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God”

2 Cor 5:18-20 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

If we want to maintain unity, the bond of peace in the church then we must intentionally practice and nurture 4 virtues in particular, that can be seen as the pillars which uphold unity. Each pillar is critical.

• Humility
• Meekness
• Patience
• Forbearance

Each virtue is progressive and builds on the previous, meekness requires the practice of humility. Patience requires the practice of both humility and meekness and forbearance requires all three, humility, meekness and patience.

Ephesians 4:2  calls for an embodiment of humility, meekness, patience, and forbearance, not in portions, but in their entirety. ”  Don’t miss the small adjective “all”.  In the Greek (pas) means “all without exception“. This modifies both humility and gentleness. Think about this. It’s one thing to have a little bit of humility and gentleness, but Paul calls us to “holiness” or “wholiness”. We are to be completely humble and gentle. It should not only be predominant, it should be in totality. We do need the Holy Spirit to work this in us as we strive to work it out.  In a world teeming with half-hearted commitments and superficial displays of virtue, Ephesians 4:2 challenges us as believers to a higher standard – a standard of “holiness” or “wholeness” in our pursuit of these virtues. We do not want any fractures to weaken our pillars upholding the unity of the church.  In the broader context of Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, this verse is part of a larger discourse on unity in the body of Christ. Paul, writing to a diverse group of believers, emphasizes that these virtues are foundational for maintaining the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.

“God alone is the centre of true unity, and where men are broke off from God, they will be found at the bottom broke off from one another, as altogether selfish, and having their unruly passions unmortified, which make them uneasy both to themselves and others. And hence faith in Christ is the early restorer of true peace and love among men. That peace and love that is between companions in sin, will without peradventure break out in rage and hatred.” – Thomas Boston, Works —

A Closer Look at the Four Pillar Virtues of Unity

All Humility: In biblical terms, humility is not about self-deprecation; it’s about recognizing one’s position in relation to God and others. It’s a posture of the heart that values others above oneself.  It’s about having a right understanding of oneself in relation to God and others. This involves acknowledging our limitations and sinfulness, leading to a dependence on God’s grace. It also involves valuing others and putting their needs above our own, following the example of Christ’s humility and service. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves but is really not thinking of ourselves at all.

Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

In the Roman/Greek culture of Paul’s day, lowliness or humility would not have been considered a virtue. Instead it was greatly despised in this ancient world being seen as weakness or cowardness. The predominant values were often honor, glory, and excellence. The Greek term for humility was used in literature but always in a derogatory context. Social status played a significant role in ancient Greek society. Humility was often expected from those of lower social status as a recognition of their place in the social hierarchy, rather than a universally admired trait. The Greeks highly valued the pursuit of excellence in all areas of life, including warfare, athletics, politics, and the arts. This pursuit often involved striving for personal glory and honor, which is somewhat contrary to the idea of lowliness or humility. Even in our day, self-esteem and self-glorification are prevalent and a major emphasis. Humility is critical because Paul knows that humility promotes unity but that pride promotes disunity.

Dwight Edwards (descendant of Jonathan Edwards) observed that “True humility is not putting ourselves down but rather lifting up others. If we concentrate on lifting up others, putting down ourselves will take care of itself. As we go through life exalting Christ and others, then genuine humility will be inevitable. If we exalt ourselves then God will take care of our humiliation for He promises to humble the proud. It is much less painful to do it the first way.”

All Meekness: The Greek word for meekness is prautēs /praotēs means gentleness and mildness.  In ancient Greek, “prautēs” referred to a virtue that combines elements of gentleness, humility, and self-control. It was often used to describe the ideal state of balance between too much and too little anger; a person with “prautēs” was someone who could be angry when appropriate, but who mostly chose a gentle response in difficult situations It does not imply weakness or passivity, but rather strength under control. A gentle person is one whose emotions are under control.

Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, meekness in the biblical sense is strength under control. It is the power to endure injustices and insults with patience and without retaliation. Jesus described himself as “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29), and he demonstrated his own meekness as the ultimate example:

he could have called ten thousand angels,
to destroy the world, and set Him free;
He could have called ten thousand angels,
But He died alone for you and me.

Jesus had the power of the universe at His command, yet instead of being vindicated in that moment, he held his strength under control and redeemed the lost with meekness and humility.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). “Meekness” is a fruit of the Holy Spirit mention in Galatians 5:23.  It’s a grace-filled quality that reflects a strong and disciplined character, one that trusts in God’s sovereignty and responds with gentleness and humility, even in difficult situations. It is an uncomplaining disposition of mind that allows us to bear without irritation or resentment the faults or injuries of others. It is an important quality for us to cultivate as Christians.

All Patience:  The Greek word “makrothumia”  is translated into English as “patience” or “longsuffering.” Another “fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5:22-23.   This word combines two elements: “makros” (long) and “thumos” (temper, or more broadly, passion or emotion). It means to be long-tempered in contrast to being short-tempered and irritable. It is the prolonged holding back of anger or the ability to endure discomfort without retaliation or negative reaction.

“Makrothumia” is often used to describe God’s slow-to-anger, patient nature, especially in the face of human sin and failure. It reflects His steadfast grace and mercy toward us who give him every reason to be irritable and impatient every moment of every day.

Longsuffering is about maintaining a steady and patient attitude in the face of provocation, injustice, or hardship, without giving way to anger or frustration. It’s a refusal to retaliate or seek revenge. This patience is not a passive resignation but an active, disciplined choice to hope and trust in God’s timing and providence.

All Forbearance: The Greek word for forbearing is “anechomai.” It is often translated as “bearing with” or “forbearing”. It has various meanings depending on context. It can be translated as “to bear,” “to endure,” “to forbear,” or “to suffer.” It implies the idea of enduring something with patience or tolerance, often in the face of difficulties or adversities or tolerating certain conditions or behaviors for the sake of peace and unity within the Christian church especially when facing misunderstandings, problems, and conflicts.

In Ephesians 4:2, “anechomai” is associated with the idea of showing tolerance and patience towards fellow believers. These last two virtues, longsuffering and putting up with one another, is a reminder and a warning that we are going to have to deal with difficult relationships within the church body itself. We are going to need to be humble and meek in our response to keep the unity and the peace of the church body which is our mandate and is required if we are to walk worthy of the calling to which we are called to by God.

“In love” – describes the spirit in which such forbearance was to be exercised, because to forbear without love could result in resentment. This mutual forbearance must not be affected coolness or simple courtesy; it must have its origin, sphere, and nutriment “in love”. Remember how Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17 that we “may be ‘rooted and grounded in love’ .

Our call to forbearance with all love is about genuinely loving and sacrificing for one another, not just enduring challenges while harboring internal resentment. True bearing with is rooted in love. Imperfection is a common human trait, necessitating the need to ‘bear with’ each other. Without such love and patience, unity breaks down, which can significantly impede God’s work. History is full of churches torn apart by such divisions. Churches that split over the color of new roof shingles, color of new carpets, paint, worship music style.  Small trivial matters can disrupt unity and worship. Small disputes escalates to further division as congregants chose sides based on shingle preference and carpet color. Whether it’s a church-wide disagreement over a minor issue or a personal disagreement between individuals, the answer lies in bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2 is not just a call to individual virtue but a divine mandate for unity. It reminds us that our spiritual walk is not in isolation but in unison with others, bound by love and peace. By fully practicing these virtues, we not only grow closer to God, become more like Christ  but we also forge stronger bonds with our fellow believers strengthening unity. Our pursuit of holiness is not just for ourselves but for the edification of the entire body of Christ.

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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 – Eph 4:1

What does it mean to “walk worthy of our calling to which we have been called?” 

The Puritans would often differentiates between two specific types of callings: the general and the specific. The general calling is universal to all believers – a call to embrace Christianity and live according to biblical truth. William Perkins, a Puritan theologian, explains this concept in his work  “A Treatise of Vocations” by emphasizing duties that all Christians are called to without exception:

• calling on the Lord’s name,
• contributing to the welfare of the church
• exhibiting love towards fellow believers
• walking in a worthy manner.

A specific calling, however, is more personal and unique. It refers to the individual roles, gifts, and responsibilities God bestows upon each person. Ephesians 4:7 and 4:11 highlight this, showing how different individuals are called to various roles like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Specific callings are not limited to the church only but extend to all lawful professions; when done in love for the common good do glorify God.

The Puritans placed a high value on the idea that every believer has a particular role to play in the world, which is a calling from God. They believed that through diligent work in their specific callings, individuals could glorify God and contribute to the common good. This view was revolutionary at the time, as it elevated ordinary work to a status of spiritual significance, countering the prevailing notion that only religious vocations were truly valuable.

William Perkins also believed that through our vocations, individuals could not only provide for themselves and their families but also contribute to the common good, gain the ability to generously give to others in need,  and use their gifts in practical ways. He taught that a specific calling should meet 3 criteria: it should be lawful according to Scripture, suited to the individual’s abilities and situation, and should serve the common good. 

William Gurnall another Puritan writer, also emphasized the importance of ones calling in his classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour.”  Like William Perkins, Gurnall believes that first and foremost key indicator for understanding one’s calling is that it should never go against the Bible. Secondly, one should earnestly seek God’s direction and be open to His leading through much prayer and much Godly counsel with mature believers. Personal abilities and gifts, opportunities and circumstances should all be taken into consideration along with inner conviction and peace that always accompanies a true calling despite its challenges. 

Knowing what one is called to, provides directions and boundaries on knowing what one is not called to; for it is just as dangerous to do what we are not called to do as to neglect or leave undone the duty of our place. Many souls are ruined at this door for failure to mind their own business as they attempt to mind the business of others instead.  Gurnall reminds us that God does not hold us accountable for another man’s work and that we often suffer needlessly when we bear burdens God never intended us to carry.

The concept of “walking worthy of our calling” in Ephesians 4:2 is about recognizing and responding to the both to the specific and general calls God places on our lives, living out our faith in practical ways, and contributing to the welfare and unity of the Christian community. 

However, before we can walk in a manner worthy of this calling, there has to be first an acknowledgement of having been called by God. Earlier in his letter, in Ephesians 1:18, Paul prayed the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened to know the hope of His calling. 

God’s Calling

God’s calling is a calling that awakens us from spiritual death to life, enabling us to perceive and embrace the gospel truth.

John 6:44 – No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.

The term ‘calling’ or ‘klesis’ in Greek means more than just an invitation, it signifies a powerful and personal summons from God. This divine call beckons us not only to accept salvation but to embody its truths in our lives. Unlike a mere invitation to an event, God’s calling is a transformative calling that reshapes our identity and purpose.

The call of God in our lives is often marked by moments of decision and crisis. God’s voice may reach us through various means – a human voice, written word, or the internal prompting of conscience. Responding to this call involves recognizing its weight and authority and obeying it through faith. It’s about hearing God’s voice and following Him, which marks us as one of ‘the called of Jesus Christ.’

Paul’s Calling

The Apostle Paul, in several of his New Testament letters, begins by referring to himself as “called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.” This self-identification is not a boast but a recognition of the divine origin of his mission, his call. Paul’s calling was distinct – he was chosen by Christ to spread the Gospel. His life, post-conversion, was a testament to the transformative power of responding to God’s call. He went from persecuting Christians to becoming a staunch advocate for Christ, dedicating his life to preaching and teaching the good news. His epistles reflect the depth of his commitment and the seriousness with which he approached his calling.

Gentiles Calling

In the broader context of the book of Ephesians, Paul addresses the calling of the Gentiles, including the Ephesian believers and us today. The call to the Ephesians is by extension to all believers, it is a call to live out our faith in daily life, aligning their actions with Christ’s teachings.

Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:1 is a reminder that our calling as Christians is not merely a theoretical or doctrinal concept but a practical, day-to-day reality that we are to walk according to.  It effects every aspect of our lives and behavior and is not just for Sundays.  Instead, our calling is in the way we go about our life.

To be a Christian is to answer a calling in life that is worthy of great sacrifice, great honor and has great reward. It is a calling that should be held in high regard and deeply valued  and as such Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of this calling. Walk in a way that is consistent that reflects that we really do value His high calling. We are about to see that only when we are practicing humility, meekness, patience and forbearance, are walking in a manner worthy of our calling as a Christian. 

May His Word guide your steps, His love fill your heart, and His presence be your daily comfort.

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Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know Him!”

What is an experimental knowledge of Christ? In his sermon “Experimental Knowledge of Christ” Thomas Boston defines an experimental knowledge of Christ as an inner spiritual feeling that comes from hearing and believing about Christ and his truths. It leaves a mark on our souls when we taste and see that the Lord is good for ourselves ( Psalm 34:8),  just like the Samaritans’ did when they told the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, but because we have heard for ourselves that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

The gospel tells a good new story about Jesus Christ. Faith believes it and accepts him for what the word says he is. Then the person who believes does come and see. The Bible paints a beautiful picture of how perfect Christ is, and faith believes that he really is what it says he is. Then, that picture starts to be painted again in a Christian’s life, and it keeps getting clearer until he comes back to glory.  Thomas Boston illustrates this experiencing Christ for ourselves to being the same as a famous doctor giving a friend medicines for all the illnesses he might get and then telling the friend that one medicine will help with that illness, another will help with that illness, etc. He knows them all, but then he gets sick. He takes the medicine that is right for him, and it works. Now the man has tried the cure and knows it works, whereas before he had only heard about it. That is why Christ is given as everything to a Christian, and that is how they use Christ for their own case. This is what it means to have our own experimental knowledge of Christ.

An Experiential Knowledge of Christ is knowing Peace with God

In John 14:6, the Bible says of Christ, “He is the way to the Father.” Now, the person who has tried many ways to get to God and be in relationship with him but has been turned away or couldn’t find a way to do so finally finds a way through Jesus Christ. He gives up everything else and relies only on his merit and prayers, and he is able to enter into relationship with God. This burning sword is no longer there, and the person who was still in front of a fire now feels like the sun is warming his soul. This is how we know about Christ through experience. Rome 5:1-2 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” who gives us faith to enter this grace in which we stand and joy in the hope of God’s glory.

An Experiential Knowledge of Christ is Resting in a Clean Conscience

According to Hebrews 9:14, Christ’s blood “cleanses the conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” Now, an experimental Christian knows from experience that unrepented guilt stains the conscience, makes it hurt, and makes a person unfit to serve the Lord, just like dirty clothes make a person unfit to stand in front of a king. It makes a person not want to come before God and hurts his confidence; he tries to repent but forgets about Christ’s blood, but it doesn’t work. He believes in an all-powerful God, and even though his heart is anxious, nothing changed. Finally, he turns to God through Christ, throws his guilt on him, and bathes his soul in the sea of Christ’s blood. At that point, his heart melts for sin, his conscience stops hurting, his soul is ready to talk to God, and he can serve him like a son serves his father.

An Experiential Knowledge of Christ is Finding Satisfaction with Christ

Christ gives souls everything they need (Psalm 73:25). Habakkuk 3:17 and 18. This is something that everyone knows because they’ve heard it, but Christians know it for sure because it causes them to feel satisfied on a spiritual level. When all of his pleasures were in front of him, he would sometimes look at them all with holy disdain and say to himself, “These are not my portion.” His heart was freed from them, and he was ready to give up everything for Christ, who made his soul happy and gave him all that he needed. Even when everything seemed to be going wrong for him, he could find comfort, strength, and contentment in Christ, just like David did when he was in a tough spot. 30:6 of 1 Samuel. He went to be with his God and his Christ, and when he came back with Hannah, he had “a face no longer sad” (1 Samuel 1:18).

An Experiential Knowledge of Christ is Strength in Affliction

Christ helps his people deal with adversity and keeps them from sinking. He also lifts their heads when they pass through rough waves. 43:2 in Isaiah. Now, hardships happen to Christians, and they gladly take on their own load because they believe they can handle it. But his load is too much for him to carry. He fights with it, but it gets heavier as he fights, and he sinks deeper. Finally, he goes to Christ and says, “Lord, I thought I could handle this load, but I can’t. I will fall under it if you don’t help me.” “Master, save us, for we are going to die.” So he puts it on the great One Who Bears Weight, and it helps him (Psalm 28:7). The man couldn’t do anything when he thought he could, but he could do everything when he thought he couldn’t. 2 Corinthians 8:9, 10.

An Experiential Knowledge of Christ is Having Wisdom & Counsel

Christ has become “wisdom” for us. 1:30 in 1 Corinthians. The experimental Christian learns that when he relies on his own understanding, he gets lost in the middle of the day. All he gets out of it is calling himself a “beast” and a “fool” for his mistake. He is careful, though, and when he faces problems that he knows he can’t solve, he brings them to the Lord and allows himself to be led by the Lord as a blind man. To his surprise, the Lord leads him in a way he didn’t know, and he says, “Bless the Lord who gave him counsel.”

An Experiential Knowledge of Christ is Knowing Deliverance from Sin

Finally, 1 Corinthians 1:30 says that Christ has made us holy. Now, if a Christian gets comfortable and doesn’t use Christ, he is like Samson without his hair. When he wakes up, he finds that his case has been thrown out, that the sanctifying effects have stopped, that graces are lying dead, and that lusts are strong and full. He falls while wrestling with them, but he is still worse off until he faces himself, admits how weak he is in this battle, and renews his faith in Christ. Only then “out of weakness he is made strong, waxes valiant in battle, and drives the armies of the aliens from the land,” Hebrews 11:34. He loses faith in himself like a broken reed stuck in his hand. Even though the promise is right in front of him like a rod that has turned into a snake, unbelief tells him he is too scared to touch it. But he does, and he grabs the snake by the tail, and it turns into the rod of God in his hand.

An experimental knowledge of Christ, as described by Thomas Boston, is more then mere intellectual understanding or second-hand faith. It is a deeply personal, experiential daily walk where one comes to know Christ not just through words, but through lived experiences and a deep spiritual bond with him. This knowledge leads to peace with God, a cleansed conscience, satisfaction in Christ, strength in affliction, wisdom and counsel, and deliverance from sin. It embodies a transformed life where Christ becomes more than a figure in scripture, but a real and active presence in our daily lives, guiding and empowering us.  It’s not just about believing in the stories or the teachings, but about becoming a witness ourselves to His power, His presence, His grace, and His love in own life.

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Our lives are more than just a collection of events; they are stories, testimonies of how we’ve encountered Christ; how we have personally experienced his presence, his strength, his grace in our day to day lives, in the midst of our trials and our sufferings.  This understanding deeply influences our daily walk of faith.  Our daily walk, is not about perfection but about consistency, faithfulness, trust, marked by effort and the Holy Spirit’s power. This is the crux of our witness to the world, the tangible manifestation of our faith in real life.

The Apostle Paul’s words resonate deeply when he urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. His plea is devoid of condemnation; it is a fatherly, tearful urging, akin to a parent guiding their child on the right path.  This notion of ‘walking’ is not about physical steps but represents a slow, deliberate journey through life. It’s about progress, one step at a time, mirroring the patience and persistence of a father guiding his child.

Our Christian walk can be likened to a long hike, a purposeful, steady progression. It’s not a race or a sprint; it’s a consistent, one-step-at-a-time journey.  God doesn’t seek sprinters who might quickly wear out but rather those who are steady and persistent. This walk is like a child’s growth, slow and often imperceptible day-to-day, but significant over time. It’s a call to faithfulness and steadiness, with very little immediate results.  Walking is boring. It is the long route of travel and can be mundane. But God calls us to faithfully walk this slow tread, one step at a time, one day at time, one foot in front of the other, repeat. A journey of a 1000 miles starts with a single step.  Like a child’s growth, progress is slow and many times change is only seen as look back over the period of years and decades instead of weeks or months.

Our walk with Christ requires reflection and watchfulness. God calls us to remember. In order to remember, we must look back and remember God’s deeds in our lives, acknowledging how He has guided us through different life stages. It’s about recognizing and learning from our past experiences, both the good and the challenging. Journaling can be a wonderful way of remembering and seeing how far your heart has come and to see your spiritual growth and maturity over the years as your fears change, your attitude changes and your relationships change.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of balance in our lives — equal weight to doctrine and practice in his call for us to walk “worthy”. The Greek concept of ‘axios,’ or worthiness, suggests a balance or equivalence in weight. In our Christian walk, this implies living a life that corresponds in value to the grace and calling we have received from God. It’s not about achieving perfection but about striving to reflect the glory of God’s grace through our actions and decisions.

Our walk with Christ is not just a personal journey; it’s visible to others. People watch our ‘tracks’ to see if we are true followers of Christ. Our walk is a public testament to our faith. As Christians, we bear the name of Christ, and our actions serve as a living testimony to those around us. This is reminiscent of the powerful message conveyed by the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients – the way they live their lives is a reflection of the honor bestowed upon them. Reread Ephesians chapter 1 and all the honor and privileges bestowed on us by God through Christ. How much more are we called to walk in a manner worthy of our high calling? To not do so, communicates to others and God that we attribute no value to our calling, to the great riches and benefits that God has so graciously bestowed upon us and that Christ has so lovingly sacrificed Himself for on the cross. We are unworthy. In a sense we will never be worthy, but as far as it depends on us, according to the grace and the strength God has even provided to us in addition so we could walk in a manner worthy of him, let us work out in faith what He is so powerfully working in us.

Consistently living out our faith is not easy. It requires effort, resolve, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It involves overcoming old habits, resisting worldly temptations, and staying consistent in an often unsympathetic world.  This walk involves overcoming worldly temptations and maintaining a spiritual focus even in the midst of daily routines and challenges.  The Christian life is not a series of high spiritual moments but a steady, day-to-day walk in faith.

Walking in a manner worthy of the Lord is a long journey much like as demonstrated in the beloved book “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan. It is marked not by perfection, but by our earnest effort to live in a manner that honors the call we have received. It’s a slow steady walk of faith, of growth, and of persistent dedication to the path laid out for us by Christ. It’s about reflecting the image of God in our daily lives, not for our glory but to honor Him. As we continue this study, let’s remember the significance of each step we take, grounded in faith and guided by love.

May His Word guide your steps, His love fill your heart, and His presence be your daily comfort.

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As we continue on in the second half of the book of Ephesians, we are faced with the challenge of taking the rich doctrinal truths we’ve explored in chapters 1-3 and applying them to our lives. The question arises: Where do we begin with the application of this profound theology? Lets explore the starting point for our daily practical walk through Ephesians 4-6.

It might surprise some that when the Apostle Paul shifts from doctrine to application in Ephesians, he doesn’t immediately dive into a list of do’s and don’ts of the ten commandments, or take a legalistic approach. Instead, Paul begins with a focus on unity and maturity within the body of Christ. Why? Because these two aspects are foundational to the Christian life.

Paul recognizes that unity is at the core of Christian community. It involves communication, love, and the harmonious dwelling together of believers.  The  teachings in Ephesians are rooted in the idea of maintaining unity. When we fail in our relationships, we disrupt the unity within the church and the community. Often, when we think of ethics and morality, we don’t immediately consider concepts like unity and spiritual maturity. However, these are central themes in the New Testament. The entire Christian life revolves around living together in community within the body of Christ, emphasizing strong relationships and love for one another.

Consider the Ten Commandments, which encapsulate loving God and loving others. Every sin mentioned in these commandments relate to the failure to love God and others.  As we draw closer to God, we should naturally become more loving towards others, we should become more relationship driven, less self-focused and more others-focused as we strive to count others more significant then ourselves and outdo one another in giving honor. (Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:10) Sin at its very core, is our failure to love God and to love others.  When we fail to demonstrate love for others, we fail to demonstrate our love for God, for God has called us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  (Mark 12:31) Our love for God and spiritual maturity can be directly measured by our love for others. In 1 John 4:7-8 Paul writes, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. “

“Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays.” – Andrew Murray

Paul emphasizes that the closer we come to God, the closer we come to each other. In a sense, it’s like a triangle – as one person draws closer to God, and the other does the same, they inevitably come closer to each other. This principle applies not only to individual relationships but also to the church and the broader Christian community. The closer we come to God, the closer we come to one another.

Let us pray with Paul:

1Thess. 12-13  (ESV) –  “and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints”

May His Word guide your steps, His love fill your heart, and His presence be your daily comfort.

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Back in May I started a Women’s Bible study group at our church on Monday evenings. It’s hybrid.  We meet at the church but we also have remote ability for friends out of state or members traveling or ourselves when the weather is bad.  I am thankful for today’s technology and the ability to gather in person and even remotely and build closer relationships with others who live at a distance.

In our study we finally reached the middle of the book, Ephesians chapter 4, …and right at the beginning of the New Year! I love God’s timing. I feel like we arrived just on time as we begin this new section that will lead us to talk about resolutions and personal commitment to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.  The first three chapters were like scaling spiritual mountains, filled with profound truths. We examined election, predestination, redemption, and unity in the body of Christ. It might have felt like an arduous climb at times, but understanding these doctrines is crucial. They lay the foundation for our Christian walk.  Now, as we move into chapters 4 through 6, we shift from doctrine to practice. These chapters focus on how we should live out the truths we’ve learned. It’s about the practical application of our faith.

In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. This passage serves as a bridge between the doctrinal foundations laid in chapters 1-3 and the practical exhortations instructions in chapters 4-6. Paul’s “therefore” in verse 1 signals that our behavior should be a result of our understanding of the previous doctrine.

Paul had already reminded the Ephesians of their identity in Christ – they have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, made spiritually alive, brought near to God, reconciled to one another, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. In light of these blessings, Paul exhorts them to live a life worthy of their high calling.

Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable symmetrical structure of Ephesians, mirroring the transition from doctrine to practice.

1. Position vs. Practice:
   • Chapters 1-3: Position of the Believer
   • Chapters 4-6: Practice of the Believer
2. Doctrine vs. Duty:
   • Chapters 1-3: Privileges, Doctrine, Belief
   • Chapters 4-6: Responsibilities, Duty, Behavior
3. Revelation vs. Responsibility:
   • Chapters 1-3: Christian Blessings, Life in Christ, Resources
   • Chapters 4-6: Christian Behavior, Walking in Unity, Spiritual Gifts
4. Work of Christ vs. Walk of the Christian:
   • Chapters 1-3: Christ in Us, Work of Christ in Us
   • Chapters 4-6: Christ through Us, Our Walk as Believers

You can clearly see the  transition from doctrine to practice. Our Christian life begins with knowledge, sitting at the feet of Jesus, then we must begin to walk according to our new understanding and eventually to take a stand in it.  We cannot walk before we spend time sitting with Christ. We cannot truly live out our faith without a solid foundation in biblical truths. We must continually strive to put into practice what we learn from God’s Word. Watchfulness, self-examination, and accountability play vital roles in this process.

I am reminded of James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” The passage from James emphasizes the significance of putting into practice what we hear and learn from God’s Word. It warns against being mere hearers of the Word, deceiving ourselves. The analogy of a person who looks in the mirror but forgets their reflection illustrates how easy it is to forget and neglect what we’ve learned if we don’t apply it.

As we mature in our faith, it’s easy to become complacent, to lose our initial enthusiasm we had when we first encountered the Gospel. This is where watchfulness comes in. It’s about being attentive to our spiritual condition, not allowing ourselves to grow dull or fall asleep. Just as we must stay alert to avoid spiritual lethargy, we need to be vigilant in applying God’s Word.

If you would like to meditate further in this area, one book I recommend is a book titled “Watchfulness” by Brian G. Hedges. I read it for the first time a year or two ago and just read it again as one of my first reads of the New Year.  It  focuses on recovering a lost spiritual discipline that is rarely emphasized outside the bible.  Watchfulness. Being on our guard about what our personal temptations are and weaknesses as we seek to avoid and overcome the entrapment of sin.  We already practice watchfulness in many areas of our lives, finances, diet, goals at work, etc… we should with just as much attention and effort practice spiritual watchfulness for the purpose of godliness, self-examination, accountability, resolutions that would draw us closer to God and away from sin.  Without resolutions or goals, there is a risk of our becoming spiritually complacent or stagnant. We are in constant need of self-examination and improvement to continue in spiritual growth. It’s not just a book to read once, but one to revisit annually. “Watchfulness” challenges us to be watchful of our walk and attentive to applying the Word of God.

Another valuable resource to consider is Jonathan Edwards’ 70 resolutions. Edwards, a renowned theologian, had a profound commitment to his faith. These resolutions serve as a guide to living a life centered on God’s glory. Resolutions like “resolved to do whatever I think to be most for God’s glory” or “resolved always to do what I wish I had done when I see others do it” are thought-provoking and inspiring to imitate. They encourage us to set our own New Years resolutions to commit to discipline our selves for the purpose of godliness. It could be to resolve to read the bible every day, active church participation, good stewardship, self-examination, etc…  However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between our efforts and relying on God’s work in us. While we must strive to apply what we learn, we should also remember that it is God who ultimately empowers us. We’re not on this walk alone; He is with us every step of the way.

2 Cor. 16:9 “For the eyes of Yahweh move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is wholly devoted to Him.”

Biblical Christianity always connects right belief with right behavior. Unlike legalism, which simply prescribes rules, biblical Christianity provides a foundation of doctrine and understanding. Knowing the reasons behind our behavior helps us obey more faithfully. We do it not to feel good, to look good, but to obey, love and glorify God.

As we continue our study through Ephesians 4-6, we must recognize the profound connection between our beliefs and our behaviors. A genuine Christian walk should be characterized by a deep understanding of God’s truths and an earnest desire to apply them in our daily lives. While the path may not always be easy, and the sacrifices may be great, our calling is a high and holy one, worthy of our wholehearted pursuit. Let us strive to live out our identity in Christ with love, unity, and the humility that comes from knowing Him.

May His Word guide your steps, His love fill your heart, and His presence be your daily comfort.

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In a similar style to his earlier book “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, John Bunyan introduces an allegorical cast of characters, each embodying crucial aspects of the spiritual journey.  The town of Mansoul itself is the central character, representing the soul of every believer. It’s structure and inhabitants symbolize various elements of human nature and the spiritual life.  A few of the primary characters are:

• King Shaddai – The creator of Mansoul, symbolizing God. He is portrayed as all-powerful and loving, intending Mansoul to be his delight.
• Prince Emmanuel – The son of King Shaddai, representing Jesus Christ. He  leads the campaign to reclaim Mansoul. He represents salvation, grace, and the redemptive love of God.
• Diabolus – representing Satan, is the deceiver, who captures Mansoul and seeks to overthrow it through lies and cunning.
• My Lord Innocency – The first victim of Diabolus. His death symbolizes the loss of innocence in Mansoul.
• Lord Mayor Understanding, Mr. Conscience the Recorder, and Lord Willbewill – These officials of Mansoul represent the human will, intellect, and moral consciousness, crucial in the battle against sin.
• Captain Credence and Captain Good-Hope  These are the leaders of Emmanuel’s army, signifying different virtues or aspects of faith.

Central to the story of “The Holy War” are the gates by which Mansoul can be entered. These are gates of Mansoul – Eye-Gate, Ear-Gate, Mouth-Gate, Feel-Gate and Nose-Gate. These gates symbolize the sensory and communicative pathways through which external influences enter our hearts.  The defense and protection of these gates are central to the narrative, reminding us of the importance of vigilance in guarding one’s spiritual health against external corrupting influences.

Bunyan effectively communicates the complexities of the human soul and the spiritual battles it endures. Each character and element in “Holy War” serves as a mirror, reflecting the internal struggles and triumphs that define the Christian walk of faith.

Eye-Gate and Ear-Gate represent sight and hearing, These gates emphasize the importance of being mindful of what we see and hear, reminding us of Psalm 101:3, “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless,” and in Philippians 4:8,  encourages believers to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

Mouth-Gate symbolizes our speech and consumption. James 3:5-6 warns about the power of the tongue to corrupt and sets a fire in the course of life. This gate reminds us to use words wisely and to be discerning in our conversations.  It serves as a reminder to guard our tongues speaking words that encourage and to be discerning about the ideas and beliefs we ‘ingest.’

Finally there is Feel-Gate and Nose-Gate.  These gates can be seen as representing our emotional responses and discernment, urging us to be cautious about how we react to and process our experiences.  Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,” emphasizing the importance of emotional and moral vigilance.

In our modern world, filled with constant streams of information, stimuli, movies, television and social media, Bunyan’s allegory is a much needed reminder of our need to guard these ‘entry gates’ into our souls diligently so that we may be vigilant about what we allow into our lives. Bunyan reminds us that these influences hold the potential to shape our thoughts, actions, and, ultimately, our spiritual well-being. Bunyan’s message calls us to maintain spiritual watchfulness and cultivate a discerning heart as we navigate the complexities of our modern age.

This allegory also underscores the significance of persevering in our faith amidst internal doubts and external pressures. It highlights the absolute necessity of Christian fellowship and mutual support in our battle towards overcoming these challenges. Just as the community of Mansoul bands together to confront the forces of Diabolus, it reflects God’s call for His own church to function as a unified body, with members possessing diverse gifts that are essential for the growth and well-being of the whole.

“The Holy War” transcends being a mere work of imaginative storytelling. Much like Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” it serves as a roadmap for spiritual vigilance and growth and reminds us that it is our hearts that are the battle ground, our inner thoughts constantly waging war and we must stay vigilant in our spiritual walk if we would safeguard the sanctity of our hearts.

This was my second read of this Christian classic tale and and once again I am amazed that it is not more widely known and loved. It’s a wonderful tale for both adults and would make a wonderful child’s story to go along with classic children’s song, “O Be Careful Little Eyes What You See.”

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SOARING TO GOD
Toplady

Deathless principle, arise!
Soar, thou native of the skies!
Pearl of price, by Jesus bought,
To His glorious likeness wrought,
Go to shine before His throne,
Deck the mediatorial crown;
Go, His triumphs to adorn,
Born for God, to God return.

Lo, He beckons from on high!
Fearless to His presence fly; —
Thine, the merit of His blood.
Thine, the righteousness of God!
Angels, joyful to attend,
Hovering round thy pillow bend,
Wait to catch the signal given,
And escort thee quick to Heaven.

Is thy earthly house distressed,
Unwilling to retain its guest?
Tis not thou, but it, must die.
Fly, celestial tenant, fly!
Burst thy shackles, — drop thy clay
Sweetly breathe thyself away!
Singing, to thy crown remove,
Swift of wing, and fired with love!

Shudder not to pass the stream;
Venture all thy care on Him!
Him, whose dying love and power
Stilled its tossings, hushed its roar;
Safe in the expanded wave; —
Gentle as a summer’s eve; —
Not one object of His care
Ever suffered shipwreck there!

See the haven full in view;
Love divine shall bear thee through;’
Trust to that propitious gale,
Weigh thine anchor spread thy sail ,
Saints in glory, perfect made,
Wait thy passage through the shade,
Ardent for thy coming o’er —
See, they throng the blissful shore!

Mount, their transports to improve;—
Join the longing choir above;
Swiftly to their wish be given;
Kindle higher joys in Heaven!
Such the prospects that arise
To the dying Christian’s eyes;
Such the glorious vista Faith
Opens through the shades of Death!

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“But God, being rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
–  Eph. 2:5

A Spiritual Awakening

In a chasm dark, so cavernous and deep,
Lay a soul entombed, in sin’s dead sleep.
The walls around, a monument of guilt,
Built brick by brick, of trespasses and silt.
Unknowing lay, oblivious to plight,
A heart encased in ever-growing night.

For what is death, if known not as decay?
A spirit still, yet wasting far away.
Oblivious to bonds, both iron and cold,
Unaware of chains, its freedom had been sold.

Yet came a gasp, a shudder, and a quake,
As if from slumber, the soul did wake.
Awareness dawned, like searing rays of sun,
Revealing walls that could not be undone.
Desperation clawed, but walls too high to breach,
A sentence clear, extending far from reach.

But lo, a Light! A glimmer far above,
A ray of Hope, a testament of Love.
A figure leaned, hands scarred yet strong,
Whose gaze could penetrate the thickest wrong.
It was the Christ, His countenance so fair,
Descending to this foul and dank despair.

Twas his own light that flooded the walls,
filled the once black grave
Twas his own spirit He imparted to save
His Spirit united with dear soul bringing about life

“With love and blood, I’ve paid your ransom cost,
So you, dear soul, may nevermore be lost.
My sacrifice, your penalty erased,
In Me, your sins are fully now effaced.”

He shattered walls that seemed forever fixed,
In Him, both life and liberty were mixed.
The soul ascended, free from sin and dread,
Transformed from being spiritually dead.

In awe and wonder, singing praises true,
Now clad in robes of righteousness and made new,
The pit, a distant, fading memory,
For Christ has set the captive sinner free.

–  Anonymous

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