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.
- Position vs. Practice:
- Chapters 1-3: Position of the Believer
- Chapters 4-6: Practice of the Believer
- Doctrine vs. Duty:
- Chapters 1-3: Privileges, Doctrine, Belief
- Chapters 4-6: Responsibilities, Duty, Behavior
- Revelation vs. Responsibility:
- Chapters 1-3: Christian Blessings, Life in Christ, Resources
- Chapters 4-6: Christian Behavior, Walking in Unity, Spiritual Gifts
- 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.
