Walking Worthy of Our Calling: A Study of Ephesians 4

Introduction

Have you ever felt the weight of God’s calling on your life? The apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, certainly did. In Ephesians 4, he unfolds a beautiful tapestry of what it means to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1, ESV). This chapter is a spiritual goldmine, rich with practical wisdom for living out our faith in community. Showing us how we should be Walking Worthy of Our Calling.

As we embark on this journey through Ephesians 4 together, we’ll explore the themes of unity, spiritual maturity, and the transformation of believers. My prayer is that this study will not only deepen our understanding but also ignite a passion for living out these truths in our daily lives.

1. The Call to Unity (Ephesians 4:1-6)

Translation Comparison

Let’s begin by looking at how different translations render the opening verses:

ESV: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

NASB: “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

NLT: “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

TPT: “As a prisoner of the Lord, I plead with you to walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling. With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace,”

Notice how the NLT and TPT expand on the concept of “walking worthy,” making it more accessible to modern readers. The TPT’s use of “sweet harmony” beautifully captures the essence of unity Paul is describing.

Word Study: “Worthy” (ἀξίως – axiōs)

The Greek word ἀξίως (axiōs) carries the sense of “appropriately” or “in a manner worthy of.” It’s derived from ἄξιος (axios), which relates to weight on a scale. Picture your life on one side of a scale, with your calling on the other. Paul is urging us to live in such a way that our lives “balance” with the weight of our calling.

This word appears only six times in the New Testament, always in the context of believers living in a manner consistent with their faith. It’s a call to authenticity – to “walk the talk,” as we might say today.

Theological Significance

Paul’s emphasis on unity is not just a nice idea – it’s foundational to our identity in Christ. The repetition of “one” in verses 4-6 underscores this:

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (ESV)

This sevenfold unity reflects the very nature of our triune God. Our unity as believers is meant to be a reflection of the perfect unity within the Godhead.

Practical Application

How can we live out this call to unity in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Practice humility: Recognize that unity starts with a humble heart.
2. Extend patience: Make allowances for others’ faults, remembering God’s patience with us.
3. Actively pursue peace: Look for ways to build bridges, not walls, in your relationships.
4. Celebrate diversity within unity: Appreciate the unique gifts and perspectives of others in the body of Christ.

Reflection Question: In what area of your life do you find it most challenging to maintain unity with other believers? How might focusing on our shared calling in Christ help overcome these challenges?

2. The Gifts of Christ for the Church (Ephesians 4:7-16)

Translation Comparison

Let’s examine verse 11 across different translations:

ESV: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,”

NASB: “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,”

NLT: “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.”

TPT: “And he has appointed some with grace to be apostles, and some with grace to be prophets, and some with grace to be evangelists, and some with grace to be pastors, and some with grace to be teachers.”

The TPT’s repetition of “with grace” emphasizes that these roles are not earned but graciously given by Christ for the benefit of the church.

Word Study: “Equip” (καταρτισμός – katartismos)

In verse 12, Paul states that these gifts are “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (ESV). The Greek word καταρτισμός (katartismos) is fascinating. It’s a medical term used for setting a broken bone or putting a joint back into place. In a broader sense, it means to make something fit for its purpose.

This word appears only here in the New Testament, underscoring the unique role of these gifts in “setting right” and preparing God’s people for service.

Insights from Church Fathers

Chrysostom, in his homilies on Ephesians, beautifully captures the purpose of these gifts:

“The perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ… These offices were not for exaltation, but for service.”

His words remind us that leadership in the church is always for the purpose of serving and building up others, not for personal glory.

Theological Significance

This passage reveals Christ’s ongoing work in His church. Though ascended, He continues to give gifts that nurture and grow His body. The goal is clear: unity in faith, knowledge of Christ, and collective maturity (v. 13).

The image of the body “growing up” into Christ (v. 15) is powerful. It suggests that our individual and collective spiritual growth is a process of becoming more like Jesus in every way.

Practical Application

1. Identify your gifts: Prayerfully consider how God has equipped you to serve others.
2. Use your gifts in community: Find ways to actively contribute to the body of Christ.
3. Appreciate others’ gifts: Recognize and encourage the diverse ways God works through fellow believers.
4. Pursue growth: Commit to ongoing learning and development in your faith.

Reflection Question: How have you seen the gifts mentioned in this passage (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) contribute to your own spiritual growth? How might you more actively engage with these gifts in your church community?

3. The New Life in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-32)

Translation Comparison

Let’s look at verses 22-24 across translations:

ESV: “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

NASB: “that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

NLT: “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

TPT: “And he has taught you to let go of the lifestyle of the ancient man, the old self – life, which was corrupted by sinful and deceitful desires that spring from delusions. Now it’s time to be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you. And to be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness.”

The TPT’s rendering beautifully captures the transformative nature of this process, emphasizing our union with Christ as the source of our new life.

Word Study: “Put On” (ἐνδύσασθαι – endysasthai)

The Greek word ἐνδύσασθαι (endysasthai) means “to clothe oneself” or “put on.” It’s in the aorist tense, suggesting a decisive action. Paul is using the imagery of changing clothes to describe our spiritual transformation.

This word describes the act of putting on armor in Romans 13:12 and clothing ourselves in Christ as mentioned in Galatians 3:27. It implies a conscious, active participation in our spiritual renewal.

Insights from Church Fathers

Augustine, in his “Confessions,” reflects on this process of putting off the old self and putting on the new:

“I felt a sweet relief when I freed myself from those unfulfilling joys I once feared losing. You drove them from me, you who are the true, the sovereign joy. You drove them from me and took their place, you who are sweeter than all pleasure.”

Augustine’s words remind us that this transformation, while challenging, leads to a deeper, truer joy in Christ.

Theological Significance

This passage presents a clear picture of the Christian life as a process of ongoing transformation. It’s not just about behavior modification, but about a fundamental change in our identity and nature.

The contrast between the “old self” and the “new self” is stark. Deceitful desires corrupt the old self, but God creates the new self in His likeness. This newness is not something we achieve on our own, but something we “put on” by faith, recognizing that God has already accomplished this work in Christ.

Practical Application

1. Identify areas of “old self” thinking: Be honest about thought patterns that don’t align with your new identity in Christ.
2. Practice “putting off” and “putting on”: When you recognize an old habit or attitude, consciously reject it and choose a Christ-like alternative.
3. Renew your mind: Regularly engage with Scripture and allow it to reshape your thinking.
4. Live in community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and challenge you in this process of transformation.

Reflection Question: What aspect of your “old self” do you find most difficult to “put off”? How might focusing on your new identity in Christ help in this struggle?

Conclusion

As we conclude our study of Ephesians 4, we gain a profound vision of the Christian life. This life promotes unity among believers, empowers us with spiritual gifts, and continuously transforms us into the likeness of Christ.

Paul’s words challenge us to live up to our calling – not through our own strength, but by embracing the new life we have in Christ. This chapter reminds us that our faith is not just about personal salvation, but about being part of a community that reflects God’s character to the world.

May we, as recipients of God’s grace, walk worthy of our calling. May we pursue unity, exercise our gifts for the benefit of others, and continually put on our new selves, created in the likeness of God.

Let’s close with Paul’s exhortation in verses 31-32 (TPT):

“Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.”

As we go forth, may these words guide our interactions, both within the church and in the world around us. Let us live as a testament to the transforming power of the gospel, actively reflecting the love, unity, and holiness to which Christ calls us.

Discussion Questions

1. How does Paul’s emphasis on unity challenge or encourage you in your relationships within the church?
2. In what ways have you seen the gifts mentioned in verses 11-12 at work in your local church community?
3. What does it practically look like for you to “put off your old self” and “put on the new self” in your daily life?
4. How might a deeper understanding of our calling in Christ motivate us to live differently?
5. In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to “speak the truth in love” (v. 15)?

Further Reading

For those who wish to dive deeper into the themes of Ephesians 4, here are some recommended resources:

1. “Life in the Spirit: Spiritual Formation in Theological Perspective” edited by Jeffrey P. Greenman and George Kalantzis
2. “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by N.T. Wright
3. “The Letter to the Ephesians” by Peter T. O’Brien (New International Commentary on the New Testament)
4. “Sit, Walk, Stand” by Watchman Nee
5. “The Unity of the Spirit: The Power of Unity to Heal, Inspire, and Empower God’s People” by Rick Renner

May this study of Ephesians 4 inspire you to walk worthy of your calling, embracing the unity, gifts, and transformation that are ours in Christ.

Bible Study Notes and Resources