PASTOR’S NOTES
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called………..”
Chapter 4 marks the turning point in our study in Ephesians. Chapters 1-3 focus on the theology of the Gospel while chapters 4-6 move towards the practicality of what we have learned in the Gospel. This is often the case in Paul’s writings. He begins with laying out the power of the Gospel which leads to how the Good News should impact our daily lives. Never the other way around.
The structure and message of Ephesians is not only what the people of Ephesus needed, but it’s the message we need today. For any of us to overcome the bondage and weight of sin and destruction we must lean heavily on the the life of Christ. To walk worthy of the calling we now have, we have to hold tightly to the life and perfection of Christ.
It’s the only hope we have!
The only hope we have is living through what we have learned in chapters 1-3. If we learned anything through our year-long study in Exodus, it’s that faithfulness without being God-centered is impossible. Throughout history, man has failed each and every time when attempting anything outside of a Christ-centered attempt to what’s desired. Marriage, family, and even the church fails miserably without holding on to the Good News.
However, with Christ. all things are possible. With Jesus at the core of our intentions and faith driving our actions, all things are possible. Marriages can thrive, families stay intact, and churches reach the nations! We don’t have to drown in sorrows and failure, we can experience a walk with God in the way He intended it.
SCRIPTURE TO GO ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE
Read Hebrews 12 as we see a great example of keeping your eyes on the Good News.
HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR BIBLES
Highlight verses 1-6 in Ephesians 4.
