Worthy of the calling
Paul here describes the teaching of chapters 1-3 as "the calling wherewith ye have been called", and what a high calling it is! He finished the panoramic description of our calling with the amazing picture of the tri-une God in the human soul in power;
"..strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.." then
"..that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith..." then
"...that ye may be filled with all the fullness of God.." God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit within us in power, Divine beings so closely involved in our lives with unlimited prospects ahead. All this, from a man whose liberty has been temporarily curtailed for our benefit! He now turns his attention to Christian conduct, that must flow from the privileges granted. Thus in chapters 4-6 the emphasis is upon our conduct in view of all that has been given to us, and that exists within us. He presents this with four clear requests for their new way of life.....
Walk......Submit.....Stand.....Pray. The new man should be seen in action in every sphere, in the church, in society, in the home, in the workplace, and in the "heavenlies", the unseen world of the spirits, as we stand firm for God.
- Ephesians 4v1- 5v17 Our conduct measured by our walking Chapter 4v1 "walk worthy of the calling"; chapter 4v17 "walk not as other Gentiles"; chapter 5v1 "walk in love"; chapter 5v8 "walk as children of light"; chapter5v15 "walk circumspectly". That's a lot of walking! Someone has said that "Christianity is not about talking, but about walking." All this for a godly life.
- Ephesians 5v18-6v9 Our conduct is measured by our submission Chapter 5v21 all to one another; Chapter 5v22 wives to husbands; Chapter 5v24 the church to Christ; Chapter 6v1 children to parents; Chapter 6v5 servants to masters; Chapter 6v9 masters to the Master in heaven. All this for an ordered society.
- Ephesians 6v10-17 Our conduct measured by our firm standing against evil Chapter 6v11 stand against the wiles of the devil; Chapter 6v13 withstand in the evil day; Chapter 6v14-17 stand ready for battle. All this to conform to universal moral government.
- Ephesians 6v18-20 Our conduct measured by our prayer concern for others praying for all the saints, and for all the servants.
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