October 11, 2024 - Ephesians 4-6

Building upon the theological foundation laid in the first three chapters, Paul reminds the Ephesians (and us) about how we are to live:  “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (4:1) & “". . . speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (4:15) & “. . . you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds” (4:17) & “put off the old self . . . and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (4:24).

Paul goes on to write about speaking rightly to our neighbors, gives instructions about anger, encourages honest labor, warns about the misuse of the tongue, and provides this:  “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (4:32).  And this:  “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (5:1).  And there's much more about morality, wives and husbands, parents and children, servants and masters, and also, our defense against the devil and his ways.  Indeed, the Christian life is different from that of the world.

O Master, let me walk with thee

In lowly paths of service free;

Tell me thy secret, help me bear

The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Teach me thy patience; still with thee

In closer, dearer company,

In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

In trust that triumphs over wrong.   -- Washington Gladden (1879)