[Linux4christians] Ephesians‭ 4‬:1-6 (Sunday)

[Pastor David]

EPHESIANS 4 STUDY - Overview

	The Apostle Paul calls upon the church (believers) to grow 
up.  He implores us to learn the Word, to live the Word, and 
to press away the polluting influences of the sinful world 
to which we were formally emotional, intellectual, physical, 
and spiritual slaves.

	Paul does not request, nor does he expect perfection any 
more than Jesus did; Jesus provided for confession, 
repentance, and forgiveness for good reason.  Paul is clear 
in all of his writings that he has his own struggles and 
thus anticipates the same in the Christian walk of others.

	Paul's message is that we be intentional in our pursuit of 
holiness; that we make it a major focus of our lives, 
because in so doing we honor God and we are continually 
moving away from potential temptation.


*Ephesians‭ 4‬:1-6 (Sunday)*

"I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live 
worthily of the calling with which you have been called, 
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing
with one another in love, making every effort to keep the 
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body 
and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope 
of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God 
and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
	
*‭Commentary*

"... live worthily of the calling" - We are children of God,

"saints", destined for eternity in Heaven, privileged to 
carry His name in this temporary world.  We rightly condemn 
sports stars and political leaders when they behave in 
anti-social ways because they bring shame upon the name of 
their team or their nation - therefore we can easily 
understand God's request that we be no less sensitive to the 
honor we defend as bearers of His name.

Paul is a living example of humility as he notes elsewhere 
his own failings - we are never to think ourselves better 
than our peers.  No former enemy of God, saved by God's 
grace through faith in Him alone, has justification for 
arrogance.  Gentleness marks the maturing believer, patience 
with loving endurance of the occasional immaturity of those 
who are still learning and growing - as we previously were 
the ones who were learning and growing - older "siblings" to 
younger "children" in the faith.

Paul reminds us to remember that whether newly saved or 
longer as "the church" [believers] we all have the same Holy 
Spirit - one does not war with oneself.  God is one and we 
are one in His church (believers).  Our peace comes from our 
joy in the eternal promise of Heaven and from our trust that 
He is in control.  There is no conflict inside "the church" 
[among believers] so long as our eyes are on Him alone.

*Interaction*

*Consider* the way that children often put-down younger 
siblings, taunting them with "little baby" or they take 
advantage of their lack of life experience and knowledge 
with tricks; sadly, many adults never mature out of this 
abusive, destructive, and immature behavior.

*Discuss* the way that old-school parents may often chide 
their children as they head out the door "remember not to do 
anything that would bring shame to the family name", so 
great was their traditional belief in the value of integrity 
before the watching world.  This has been largely lost in a 
fragmented society where selfishness rules.  God calls us to 
integrity in everything we do as the bearers of the name of 
Christ.

*Reflect* upon the the way that Jesus and the apostles 
modeled humility, and upon the constant problem in the early 
church with arrogant and proud people assuming roles of 
leadership.

*Share* an example of knowing that you were a "child of God" 
gave you the perspective and motivation to walk away from 
sin that otherwise may have ensnared you.

*Truth in Action*

Thank God for the Holy Spirit who equips us to live worthy 
of God and in peace with fellow believers - because we know 
that doing so without Him is impossible.

Today I will pray that God will find me teachable so that 
the Holy Spirit may guide me away from an old sin (or 
perhaps a new one) and toward righteousness instead.  I will 
ask a fellow believer to pray in agreement for this and will 
share with them what God does to honor our prayers.

Be Specific  __________________________________________


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Monday's text will be: Ephesians‭ 4‬:7-10
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Have an http://Ultrafidian.com Day!  Pastor David
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