DAY 10 Walk Worthy - Ephesians 4:1–6

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:1–6
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?

•    Paul wrote Ephesians from a prison in Rome. His urgent plea to his readers to “walk worthy of their calling” meant that they must live in a manner that was consistent with their status as children of God and followers of their Lord, Jesus Christ. A life that looks like Jesus will be a life of humility, gentleness, patience and love.  Paul also urged them to live in unity with their brothers and sisters in Christ.  He did not instruct them to be unified,  but to maintain the unity  which God had created when he reconciled them to himself and to one another through the cross of Jesus. Because they serve the same God, were saved by the same Savior and Lord and were indwelt by the same Spirit, they must be one.

- What does this passage reveal about God?

•  The triune nature of God is the ultimate expression of unity in diversity.  

- What does this passage reveal about people?

•  As God's family and the body of Christ, we must reflect the beautiful unity in diversity that defines God's very nature. The ultimate virtue of Jesus was humility (See Phil. 2:1-11). Those who follow Christ will be known for their humility.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — I must have the same humble attitude that Jesus had.  I must view other Christians as my brothers and sisters. I must consider them to be part of my family.

2. Affections - I must desire what Jesus desires. I must love to see unity among God’s people.  I must love the virtues of humility, patience, and gentleness.

3. Actions — I must act in a manner that protects the unity of the church which God had made one.  I must decide to humble myself in my relationship to others. This means I will not insist on always having my own way. I will listen to the ideas and opinions of others. I will make an effort to honor others rather than seeking to receive honor from others.

4. PRAYER:
Lord, help me remember that humility is not a sign of weakness but Christ-likeness. Help me to do what I can to protect the unity of the church and correct me if I do anything that creates division among your people.
In Jesus' name, Amen.