Paul, even though imprisoned by those who would silent his witness for Christ, refers to himself as a prisoner of Christ. Not only once does he do so, but often. Because his life belongs to the Lord Jesus, this prison is the very place Christ has put him to minister to the Gentiles. Here in his captivity, he is able to write letters full of truth and encouragement to the Gentile Christians. This particular letter is to the Christians at Ephesus. Paul admonishes them (and us) to have a walk worthy of their calling, describes what it requires and explains the things that unite us.
A Walk Worthy
God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. He has called us to be sons and heirs, to be saints. Therefore, a certain bearing is required in the living out of our lives. Thus Paul writes to the Ephesians “I beseech you”. He is encouraging and exhorting them to live in a way that will bring honour to our heavenly Father.
What it Requires
This walk requires a certain posture. It does not provide room for arrogance or harsh treatment of others. Instead he tells them “Lowliness and gentleness” is how we deal with each other. Look to Philippians, where he points out to them to esteem others better than themselves. In doing so they must look to how Jesus humbled himself. Even though He was God, He took on human form. Further he says, “Do it over the long haul”.
In addition we hear echoes of 1 Corinthians 13 ring here, “Love suffers long, … bears all things, … endures all things”. Run hard after it, work hard to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Jesus is our peace. The Spirit leads and guides us.
The Things that Unite Us
As Christ followers there are things that unite us. First there is only one body and one Spirit. The Spirit of Jesus is our head. We are called in one hope of our calling; a hope of eternal life. Next there is one Lord. Jesus is Lord. He is the boss, the One directing the process. There is one faith; the faith that worked righteousness in the life of Abraham. As well there is only one baptism. Paul speaks of it in Romans 6. He tells them, “You have been baptized into the death of Christ Jesus. As a result we are also raised with him to walk in newness of life”.
There is one God. He is the Father of us all, above all. through all and He is in all even within us his children. Therefore, as we walk, we do so in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus who found Himself of no reputation, took the form of a man, humbled Himself and became obedient to a cruel death in order for us to walk in newness of life. Therefore we ought also to love one another.
