The Heart of God For Everyday Christian Living-Marks of a True Christian
"Walk worthy of your calling." Eph 4:1
We are called to walk worthy of the calling we have received. What calling? In order to figure that out we have to go back to chapter 3 where we find Paul saying, "Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think-according to the power that works in you---to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Eph 3:20-21
So there we have it…bring glory to God in the Church! We are called in everything we do to bring glory to God and Christ in the Church.
Then Paul tells us how to walk worthy of our calling.
- With all humility.
- With all gentleness.
- With all patience.
- Accepting one another in love.
- Diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with peace.
Paul goes on to clarify "unity" in the calling so God is glorified.
- One Body or Church
- One Spirit, the Holy Spirit.
- One hope – immortality found only in Christ.
- One Lord – Jesus, Savior and Lord.
- One faith – in Jesus, Son of God and what He did for all mankind.
- One baptism – not the water but professing one Lord and faith.
- One God and Father of all, above all, through all, in all.
There is a difference between unity and union. Not suggesting that we are in union with one another. It is important that we express ourselves according to the way God created each of us. But we must be in unity in the above!
Next, Paul tells us about the gifts that Jesus gave us through grace.
- Apostles
- Prophets
- Evangelists
- Pastors
- Teacher
If we go to Romans 12 we discover more gifts of grace.
- Prophecy
- Serving
- Teaching
- Encouraging
- Giving
- Leading
- Mercy
- Love without hypocrisy.
Why are the gifts given to the Church.
- For the perfecting of the saints.
- For the work of the ministry.
- For edifying the Body of Christ, to build up the Church inside and out.
- Until we all come to unity.
Key #1
Unity of faith
Unity of the knowledge of the Son of God.
Key #2
For maturity spiritually of the saints.
That we be not like children tossed to and fro and easily deceived.
That we speak truth in love.
That we grow and become more like Christ.
Finally, we get to v16, an important verse in this passage.
- Christ is the head of the Church.
- There are many parts (Like a building or automobile engine.)
- All fitted together properly.
- So every part of the body works in harmony for the increase, good health, prosperity, of the whole Body or Church.
In closing…v29-32
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
- Let no rotten talk ever come out of your mouth if you want unity, if you want to glorify God.
- Only good words that lifts others up and bring grace and encouraging in times of need.
- Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit.
- No bitterness, wrath or anger or malice.
- Be kind, compassionate, to one another.
- Be a forgiver like God forgave us.
The trademark of a true Christian will always bring glory to God and Christ through the Church, the Body of Christ.
Listing of past Food for Thoughts
