Truths Concerning Our Vocation!
(Eph.4:1-32 Key V.1)
Intro: We have already talked about the division of this book it is divided into two parts. In (Ch.1-3) there is the Doctrinal portion we seen the Wealth of the believer! Now in (Ch.4-6) we will see the Dutiful portion this deals with the Walk of the Believer!
1. In (Ch.1-3) we have seen the church as God see it "in Christ" praise God! In (Ch.4-6) we will see the church as God would like to see it in Our walk! One man said the first three first three chapters are "our Creed and the last three are our Conduct".
2. Chapter 1-3 set forth our Standing in Christ thank God it never changes because He never changes! Chapters 4-6 set forth our State. It does change because it depends upon our obedience and surrender to God!
3. This great book connect Doctrine with Duty; Belief with Behaviour; having made known our Position and our possibilities in Christ, he urges us to live worthy of our Devine calling in these last three chapters.
4. In these last three chapters we will see what God Demands and Desires of us, which He has made Possible by the bountiful Provisions we have in Christ!
I. Consider the Excellent Virtues. (V.1-3)
1. Here we are instructed in the area of our calling in life there is exhortation given here to be about the work of God.
2. Notice these virtues are Evidence of our calling (v.1) they are Exemplified in Christ (v.2), they are Essential to church unity (v.3).
3. Notice here in these first three verses that there is exhortation to example and that example is for us that are saved to "walk worthy".
A. Notice the Motive for our Walk. (V.1)
1. Notice verse (v.1) is a pivotal verse in this book, because it draws a very sharp line between the Doctrinal portion of this book (ch.1-3) and the Dutiful portion of this book (ch.4-6).
2. The spiritual Walk of the believer must be rooted in spiritual Wealth! Notice the word "therefore" because God has provided for you such an abundant salvation, and ye have his testimonies among you, and have full liberty to use all the means of grace.
3. Then notice the word "vocation" it means; A calling by the will of God; or the bestowment of God's distinguishing grace upon a person, by which that person is saved 2. Summons; call; inducement. 3. Designation or destination to a particular state or profession. Employment; calling; occupation; trade; a word that includes professions as well as occupations
4. What Paul is saying is because we have been provided with so glorious, great, and gracious salvation we should walk worthy of the same! After we have been saved.
B. Notice the Manner of our Walk. (V.1b-2)
1. Verse 1 tells us the manner of our walk it is to be a "worthy walk" then verse 2 elaborates and exemplifies our walk.
2. We are told to walk "with all lowliness" this speaks of humility the same idea was employed in (Php 2:3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
3. Also to walk with all "meekness" Meekness relates to the manner in which we receive injuries. We are to bear them patiently, and not to retaliate, or seek revenge. The meaning here is, that we adorn the gospel when we show its power in enabling us to bear injuries without anger or a desire of revenge, or with a mild and forgiving spirit. (Ga.6:1) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
4. Also "with longsuffering" Bearing patiently with the foibles, faults, and infirmities of others. (1Co 13:4) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. The virtue here required is that which is to be manifested in our manner of receiving the provocations which we meet with from our brethren.
5. Also "forbearing one another in love" Sustaining one another helping to support each other in all the miseries and trials of life: or, if the word be taken in the sense of bearing with each other, it may mean that, through the love of God working in our hearts, we should bear with each other’s infirmities, ignorance, obliged to bear with us. (Ga. 6:2) Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
C. Notice the Measure of our Walk. (V.3)
1. "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." There can be no doubt that the Church at Ephesus was composed partly of converted Jews, as well as Gentiles. Now, from the different manner in which they had been brought up, there might be frequent causes of altercation. Indeed, the Jews, though converted, might be envious that the Gentiles were admitted to the same glorious privileges with themselves, without being initiated into them by bearing the yoke and burden of the Mosaic law.
2. The apostle guards them against this, and shows them that they should intensely labour (for so the word Endeavouring implies) to promote and preserve peace and unity.