What do others see when they look at us? Can our co-workers and neighbors see a difference in our behavior from that of others? Would they know we were a Christian, even if we didn’t tell them? In our Scripture passage today, Paul exhorts the church in Ephesus on their Christian walk.
Paul’s testimony as a Christian was so strong, it landed him in prison for Jesus, which was where he was when he wrote this (vs 1). Our daily conduct and living should match our profession, which is what he exhorts his readers here. We are to live in a manner that honors and pleases God. Others are watching us. Can they see Christ in us?
Paul goes on to list a few virtues that should be evident in our lives as believers (vs 2-3). We should show lowliness or humility in our conduct. Our treatment of others should exhibit gentleness, being mild-spirited and self-controlled, patient, and peaceful.
One key word that Paul used twice in this passage is “unity” (vs 3, 13). So often in our churches we have squabbling between members, and also animosity between different groups of believers. The Bible says we are to have unity. The Church, which is composed of every true believer, is one body in Christ, so there should be unity. We all have the same hope of our eternal inheritance (vs 4). The one faith Christians have is the true doctrine revealed in the New Testament (vs 5). There should be unity among ourselves, as the God we each proclaim and worship, if we are holding to that true New Testament doctrine, is one God. He is above or over all with His overruling care. He is through all, active and present in the world and believers (vs 6).
Each believer has unique spiritual gifts that God has given according to His will and design (vs 7-13). God assigned them, we don’t pick them. Our differing gifts are to help the Church, to build unity, focusing on God, not ourselves. The gifts God gave the Church is for equipping, or leading Christians from sin to obedience. They are also for spiritual edification, nurturing, and development of the Church (vs 12). We should use our gifts to strengthen and encourage others. Some can do one thing, some another. We can do more for Christ together than by ourselves. Use our talents and abilities in God’s service.
Unity, oneness, and harmony among believers is a wonderful goal, but it is only possible when it is built on the foundation of sound doctrine. Spiritually immature believers who are not well-grounded in the sound doctrine of the Word will fall victim to beguiling heresies and doctrinal error by deceitful false teachers (vs 14). Believers need to get into and study the Word of God, and thus learn discernment as to what is and what isn’t sound doctrine. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you into truth. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). We must be committed to the truth! When we teach and instruct others spiritual truth, remember that it is best accepted when given in love (vs 15).
In closing, remember who you belong to. If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are part of His family. Behave like His children. Also, remember that as we study and stay in the Word of God, it will keep us steady in this shifting world. God’s Word never changes (Isaiah 40:8).
Amen!
ReplyDeleteMarsha Z., Bangs TX