Scripture References: Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 3:14-21; Ephesians 1:11-14; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 3:1; Ephesians 4:2-4
Intro: We're continuing our journey through Ephesians, exploring major themes. We've focused on our Position in Christ (Ch 1-3), how God establishes us first – we belong before we become, reversing the world's order (Practice -> Position). Now we hit a pivotal transition in Ephesians 4:1: "Therefore I... beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." Paul urges us to move from our established position to our daily Practice. Today focuses on representing Christ and understanding our calling, shifting from frustrating striving to surrendered formation.
Key Points:
- Foundation: Know Him to Represent Him (Eph 3:14-21):
- To represent Christ ("Christian" = little Christ), we must first know Him experientially.
- Paul prays believers would be rooted in God's love and empowered by the Spirit to grasp the depth of Christ's love – experiencing Him is key before walking worthy. Witnessing flows from experience.
- Context: God's Plan & Glory (Eph 1:11-14; 3:14, 20-21):
- His Plan: To create for Himself a people (Eph 1:11-14; 1 Pet 2:9), His workmanship (Eph 2:10), who would imitate Him and carry the family name (Eph 5:1-2), all worked out according to His sovereign purpose. Trusting His plan amidst life's chaos requires faith.
- His Glory: Glory implies weightiness, the organizing center of life. God's plan is for His glory – He desires preeminence.
- Link to Growth: Our spiritual growth hinges on giving God His rightful place of glory. When He is central and weightiest in our lives, we grow. Stagnation often indicates something else holds that place of glory (idolatry).
- Our Calling: Shared Goal, Unique Path (Eph 4:1):
- The Shared Calling: Our primary calling isn't a specific job or role (doctor, missionary), but one we all share: To be formed by the Spirit of God into the likeness of the Son of God. Transformation is the goal.
- The Unique Process: How the Spirit forms each of us is unique. God is a hand-crafter, not a mass producer, using different methods for different people (Abraham's walk, Elijah's nap, Paul's pen). Don't resist His tailor-made process for you by comparing or expecting a one-size-fits-all formula.
- Living by Grace: Bridging the Sanctification Gap:
- Just as grace saved us (bridging the God/us gap), grace sanctifies us (bridging the gap between who we are now and who God intends us to be).
- Transformation isn't achieved by trying harder but by surrendering to the Holy Spirit's work. Stop resisting His prompts, difficult conversations, or challenging circumstances (like waiting at Red Robin).
- Everything can align with our calling to become like Christ if we yield to the Spirit and see circumstances as opportunities for formation (humility, patience, etc.).
Conclusion: Ephesians 4:1 calls us to live worthy of our calling. This shared calling is to be transformed into Christ's image by the Spirit. God provides the position, the plan, the grace, and a unique process. Our part is surrender – yielding to the Spirit, keeping Christ in the place of glory, and embracing all circumstances as tools for our formation.
Call to Action: Who or what holds the place of glory in your life? Is Christ truly preeminent? Are you actively surrendering to the Holy Spirit's unique work in your circumstances, o
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