092 Ephesians: A Worthy Walk
When a person joins an organization, he obligates himself to live and act according to the standards of the group.
The same thing should be true of believers. If you are part of the family of God, there’s an expectation that you will be loyal to your brothers and sisters and represent your Savior well.
In Ephesians 4:1-2, Paul implores – literally “begs” – these believers to live lives that reflect who they truly are in Christ. To “walk worthy” of their identity as followers of Jesus.
He then gives four characteristics of a worthy walk.
1. Humility: the attitude of the heart that recognizes God’s love for and value of others and is willing to put their needs first.
There was no greater example of this than when, at the Last Supper, Jesus took off his robe, picked up a towel, and washed the feet of His disciples – including Judas. This was the lowest task usually performed by the lowest servant, and yet Jesus humbled Himself and served.
2. Gentleness: the spirit of one who is not only committed to worthy goals but displays graciousness in the pursuit of those goals
The Greek word here is often translated as “meekness,” an attribute most think of as weakness or timidity. But actually, meekness means “power under control.” Like a horse with all its power and strength and speed, but when tamed and trained is easily controlled by its master.
Again, Jesus is our example. Matthew 11:29 describes Him as “gentle and humble in heart.” No one was more committed to God’s will and way than Jesus. And no one was more gentle than Jesus in getting people to embrace that will and way. That’s a worthy walk!
3. Patience: the response of longsuffering towards hurtful people in the same way Christ has shown us.
1 Peter 2:23 says that when people hurled insults at Him, Jesus did not retaliate. Instead, He trusted in the One who judges justly. Jesus knew that one day the truth would come out…and on that day, all wrongs would be made right.
4. Forbearance: the capacity to bear with another’s weaknesses, ignorance, or shortcomings, knowing that we have our own
Whereas patience has to do with a forgiving attitude toward those who are aggravating if not hurtful to us, forbearance is a response of tenderness to those who are weaker than we are or who struggle in places where we don’t.
These characteristics link together. Humility gives birth to gentleness, gentleness leads to patience, and patience results in forbearance. And all of these preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
But unity is a fragile thing. Selfishness, harshness, bitterness, and dismissiveness can all too easily invade any family or community. Thus, the Apostle exhorts us to make every effort to fight for that unity.
Text: Ephesians 4:1-6
Originally recorded on March 6, 2016, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.